By Jamie Drummond
Love him or loathe him, one thing is for sure: Toronto’s mysterious pop-up restaurateur Charlie certainly has balls.
Utilising a cabal of deep industry associates, some seriously talented local Chefs, a roster of secret supper venues, and considerable chutzpah, he has been hosting what are arguably some of the most exciting events around, a fact that didn’t go unnoticed by Food and Wine magazine when they listed Charlie’s get-togethers amongst their top culinary experiences in the world.
Well, this time Charlie has gone one step further and put together a duo of extraordinary dinners in two of Europe’s most extraordinary restaurants in both London and Paris… yes, you read that correctly…
Charlie is hosting a duo of exquisite suppers, the first at GFR favourite and temple of offal, Fergus Henderson‘s St. John, the second at the iconic La Tour D’Argent.
The cost of this gastronomic extravaganza you ask?
$990 Canadian dollars per person for both dinners, taxes and gratuity included (but not the flights there or back)
Charlie Burger Presents: London Calling…
Friday July 30th, St John Restaurant, London, England.
Guest Chef: Fergus Henderson
Chef Henderson has designed a menu exclusively for Charlie, which will be served in the private room of the St John restaurant on Friday July 30th, 2010.
Menu and Wine Pairing
Devilled Crab
olive oil/ chilli/ garlic/ ginger/ spring onion/ parsley/ coriander/ lemon & lime juice
Sancerre 2009, Domaine Francois Crochet, Loire Valley, France
Trotter Gear and Quails Egg
“the food for champions”
Brouilly Vielles Vignes 2008, Domaine Jean Claude Lapalu, Beaujolais, France
Tripe & Onions
milk/ onions/ mashed potatoes
Meursault Rouge 2007, Domaine JP Matrot, Burgundy, France
Watercress & Shallot Salad
roasted shallots/ subliminal capers/ St John vinaigrette/ keeps the scurvy at bay
Meursault Rouge 2007, Domaine JP Matrot, Burgundy, France
Buck Rarebit
welsh rarebit/ poached egg
Fonsecca 1977 Port
Dr Henderson Ice Cream
Vielle Prune
Charlie Burger Presents: The French Connection…
Saturday July 31st, La Tour D’ Argent, Paris, France.
Guest Chef: Laurent Delarbre
Executive Chef Laurent Delarbre has designed a menu exclusively for Charlie, which will be served in the private room of La Tour D’Argent on Saturday July 31st, 2010.
Menu & Wine Pairing
Amuse- Bouches
Champagne Tour d’Argent “Authentique”
Aiguillette de Canard en Gellee de Porto
Pinot Gris Grand Cru Furstentum 2002 Domaine Blank
Supreme de Canette Rotie aux Ecrevisses La Cuisse a la “Royale”
Château Lacroix 2000, Pomerol
Cromesquis Chocolat, Framboises
Château Pibarnon 1998, Bandol
Meringue Fraises des Bois et Vanille
Banyuls Rimage 1988 Domaine du Mas Blanc
Mignardises
Visit www.charliesburgers.ca if this experience tickles your fancy…
Edinburgh-born/Toronto-based Sommelier, consultant, writer, judge and educator Jamie Drummond is the Director of Programs/Editor of Good Food Revolution… and if anyone out there would like to fund GFR’s coverage of Charlie’s London/Paris adventures…
