Posts tagged eric ripert

As promised in Monday’s post on Eric Ripert’s latest cookbook, Avec Eric, for the next week I’m going to be posting recipes inspired by the dishes in his book. Of all the recipes I tested, Eric’s Roasted Pork Loin with Wild Mushrooms, Garlic, and Sage Pan Au Jus is the one I’m still dreaming about. We all know how I love mushrooms, but the perfect combination of flavors in this recipe are what makes it so special.

On its own, it’s delightful. Served over creamy parmesan grits, it’s spectacular. The pork recipe is posted on the Amazon page for Eric’s book. So I decided I’d post the recipe for what may be my most indulgent grits recipe to date so, you too can serve this spectacular dish that’s perfect for a cool, fall dinner.

Recipe, Notes, and Nutritional Information via sarahmcsimmons.com. 

“Sometimes humble, honest food can be the most exciting. The birth of a dish starts with a story - either of the people who work with the ingredients or of a very basic recipe.” - Eric Ripert, Avec Eric: A Culinary Journey with Eric Ripert

Holiday season is just around the corner and if you’re already starting to make your wish list, be sure Avec Eric by Eric Ripert is on it! On sale tomorrow, Avec Eric is more than a cookbook, it’s a storybook with recipes – giving readers a peek into both his personal and professional life by taking them on a journey around the world to explore the finest ingredients and flavors.

In each chapter, Eric provides anecdotes on finding inspiration for new dishes – farm to table dining with Dan Barber at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, wine making and olive oil production in Chianti, bee keeping at The Melissa Garden in California, snorkeling for conch in the Cayman Islands, and cooking with other world-renowned chefs at The Cayman Cookout.

Reading the chapter on The Cayman Cookout gave me goosebumps as Eric recounted the weekend that truly changed my life. It was the weekend I met Gail Simmons, Jose Andres, and Grant Achatz – all of whom have had a tremendous impact on me in some way. It was also the weekend I met Eric (and the fabulous Jennifer Heigl, from Daily Blender), on a catamaran headed out to sea to swim with the stingrays. He is larger than life, but not at all unapproachable. He is witty, kind, and so warm and personable that talking to him is like chatting with an old friend versus one of the world’s most famous chefs.

That same day, I also met Soa Davies and Mandy Oser – two fabulous ladies on Eric’s team. It was my first conversation with Mandy and Soa that gave me the initial push to leave my retail life behind and dive head first into the food world. Whether it’s helping me map out an ever-changing game plan, perfect a new recipe, or boosting my confidence with a simple, sweet email, these two ladies continue to support my crazy journey on this new path. I’m thankful for meeting them on that catamaran that day and so very grateful to be able to call them my friends.

But Avec Eric isn’t about MY stories, it’s about HIS stories and a fabulous selection of recipes inspired by those stories, as well as culinary lessons on everything from creating your own home garden to choosing olive oil.

Unlike most cookbooks from a restaurant chef, the recipes in Avec Eric are truly designed for the home cook. They are elegant, yet accessible, require simple, basic techniques and, most importantly, are well tested. Having tried many of them myself, I can vouch for their accuracy and simplicity.

The dishes are exquisite – with the Spiced Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon Beignets, Truffle Risotto, Roasted Pork Loin with Wild Mushrooms, Garlic, and Sage Pan Au Jus topping the list of my favorites for fall. And the Crab-stuffed Zucchini Flowers with Mustard Butter Sauce, along with the Heirloom Tomato Salad with Black Garlic and White Balsamic, look so heavenly it gives me yet another reason to look forward to warm weather again.

Whether you are looking for a gift for a loved one or simply wanting a treat for yourself, Avec Eric is the perfect book for any home cook – ranging from novice to expert – who is looking to bring some Eric Ripert, a little Le Bernardin, and a lot of inspiration into their home kitchen.

Last weekend I was very fortunate to spend four days in the Cayman Islands as a guest at the Ritz-Carlton for the Cayman Cookout. I am not exaggerating when I say that those four days were the best four days of my life. I had the chance to spend quality time with Gail Simmons, Jose Andres, Eric Ripert, Grant Achatz, and David Chang in addition to a pretty packed schedule of events. Here is a glimpse at what was on our schedule for the weekend:

Thursday: Cayman Cultural Showcase featuring cuisine from the island.

Friday: Cooking Demo with Grant Achatz, Cooking Demo and Tasting with Eric Ripert, Lunch with Jose Andres, Sunset Rum Tasting aboard a Pirate Ship, and Eight-Course Dinner at Eric Ripert’s Blue

Saturday: Trip via catamaran to Stingray City with Eric Ripert, Lunch with Grant Achatz, Cooking Demo and Tasting with David Chang, and a Beach BBQ hosted by Anthony Bourdain

Sunday: Champagne Brunch Cookoff, Beach time and Mixology Lounge by the pool, Nine-Course Gala Dinner featuring a course from all Cayman Cookout chefs and the Ritz-Carlton executive chefs.

Over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing recaps and photos from the trip, videos demonstrating how to make some of the things I learned to make, and sharing new recipes I’ve created that were inspired by some of the things I ate while I was there.