September 16, 2017 with Aaron Aldridge

Chef Aaron Aldridge
Aaron's obsession with great food and drink began in his grandmother's Louisiana kitchen. She taught him where the best food comes from- the soul. He took his passion to new heights after moving to New Orleans where he studied in the kitchens of legendary Southern Chefs that include Donald Link, Susan Spicer, and Emeril Lagasse. He's perfected traditional Creole cuisine while mirroring the New Orleans melting pot culture by infusing international flairs and modern techniques, creating food as bold as his personality. He recently relocated to Los Angeles but continues his passion of sharing his culinary heritage and representing the authentic Louisiana food experience.

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Snacks
Cornmeal, fat fried Rock fish, tartar & hot sauce
Deviled Eggs, pickled mustard seeds, aleppo pepper
Pimento cheese, caramelized onions, pickle
Cocktail: French 75

First
Creole Cochon de Gumbo
Tomato, andouille, hamhock, tasso, okra
potato salad
Cocktail: Sazerac

Second
Ca c’est bon!
Fresh Dungeness crab, Heirloom tomatoes, lemon aioli, corn bread, red onion, parsley, mint, fancy lettuce, first press olive oil
Cocktail: Brandy Crusta

Third
Shrimp n’ Grits
Gulf shrimp, Yellow Corn Georgia grits, shrimp glace, pickled shallot & sweet peppers, charred green onion vinaigrette
Cocktail: Vieux Carre

Dessert
I ris’ Blueberry Torte
Blueberry reduction, Chantilly cream, pie crumble, Munsen’s honey
Cocktail: Rosemary Julep
 

As you can see, we changed up our beverage program a little bit and served 'spirit forward' cocktails with each course. We heard that a good time was had by all!

Carry On Cocktail Kit - Bloody Mary

the CARRY on COCKTAIL KIT
Bloody Mary
carryoncocktailkit.com

Time to review the second of two Carry On Cocktail Kits I recently bought from the clever bunch at W&P Design. If you haven't already read up on my first review, jump on over and read up on their Gin and Tonic kit.

This time the classic Bloody Mary is made into a convenient little kit that will make almost any flight more bearable. It might even help drown out the crying kid 5 rows back (but I make no guarantees). Anyway, this kit is very similar to the Gin and Tonic kit, it comes in a handy hinged tin and includes most of what you'll need to make 2 nice strong cocktails. There are however a few items your friendly flight attendant will need to provide.

mini bottle (50 mL) of your favorite vodka
can of tomato juice
lemon wedge
cup of ice
1 empty cup or 2 if you're sharing

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Now, the instructions walk you through the steps of rimming the glass with the provided "Slap Ya Mama" cajun seasoning, but in practice.... well lets just say it takes a bit of practice. So don't rush this step. I think I did a pretty good job myself but admittingly I wasn't also trying to keep this stable on a food tray hanging off the seat in front of me. 

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After rimming the glass, it's pretty much about mixing the rest of the ingredients. As with all the kits, the provided mixing spoon comes in really handy. The instructions don't say how to use the provided pickle so I just tossed it and it's juice in for flavor. But when all it's said and done, this Bloody Mary rocks!! I'm not normally a Bloody Mary fan but I'd definitely get this kit again. It's spicy, strong, and the ingredients are proportioned just right. Well done W&P.... well done.

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