Article by Amada Rae
Food Matters: Give the gift of a cool food experience
Culinary themed holiday gift-giving ideas from The Aspen Times
Embark On An Adventure Abroad At Mawa’s Kitchen
Born on the Ivory Coast, raised in Paris, and a world traveler since, chef Mawa McQueen shares her passion for global cuisine during a new winter series of specialty dinners. Held in Mawa’s recently expanded dining room in the ABC, each themed event showcases foreign fare from McQueen’s repertoire.
“Fondue Night Out” on Jan. 25 offers a selection of preparations: French Alpine fondue Savoyarde, which includes McQueen’s authentic molten cheese blend and all classic accoutrements (crispy baguette, vegetables, apples, chorizo; $98); fondue Bourguignon, for which guests cook marinated beef tenderloin, chicken and Norwegian salmon in oil, to dip in four sauces ($125); or hot broth-based Japanese shabu shabu, with beef, vegetables, salmon, shrimp and rice noodles ($125). Each includes salad — and dessert chocolate fondue, natch.
Those craving more elusive (around here) flavors of saffron, persimmon, pomegranate and cardamom will want to reserve a seat for Feb. 28: “Middle Eastern Night” begins with an array of mezze such as house-made labneh and parsnip “ghanoush” with Mawa’s house-made seed-mix pita; a choice of Mediterranean salads variously involving fennel, fattoush, and oregano-chili vinaigrette; and an entrée selection of spiced Colorado lamb, trout or chicken plus sides and dessert ($85).
Finally, at the “Raclette Aspen Dinner” on March 21: local and international charcuterie including Jamón Ibérico, grilled vegetables and sides for blanketing in melted Alpine cheese ($89). Desserts harking to Mawa’s former stomping grounds in the City of Light — tarte tatin and île flôttante, among others — cap the evening.
Snag a Mawa’s Kitchen gift certificate to cover the price of admission to one or more of these tasty journeys — and hope your giftee chooses to take you along!
Read the full article on The Aspen Times' website...
