I was really disappointed when I found out that Chef Paul Liebrandt and Director Sally Rowe would not be present at TIFF Bell Lightbox for the opening night of A Matter of Taste: Serving Up Paul Liebrandt as all flights out of LaGuardia, NYC were cancelled due to weather earlier yesterday. I was excited about meeting them and I had a list of questions prepared too =(
What lifted my spirit was the fact that I still had a chance to try the dish that Executive Chef Jason Bangerter of Luma recreated specifically for opening night of the film - a signature Paul Liebrandt dish. So instead of going home after work, I dropped by Luma and chatted with Chef Bangerter. Watch as Chef Bangerter describes all the elements of this exquisite dish.
What strikes me immediately was the texture and flavour of the Kona Kampachi, a game fish farmed in Hawaii as a domesticated alternative to wild tuna. This was my first time having Kampachi and its texture reminded me of tuna, but even more thick and dense. The piece of Kampachi was actually very meaty and substantial =) Flavour wise, because the fish was cured and lightly dusted with Vandouvan, it was savoury and had a really slight hint of curry. Everything about the Kona Kampachi, from the way it was prepared to how it taste, was unlike anything I've ever had before...and I loved it! Paired with the foie gras chantilly, the sweet verjus jelly, and the slight tartness of the kiwi, this appetizer was incredibly outstanding and very unique. I'm so happy that I got to try it ^_^
Cured Kona Kampachi with Foie Gras Chantilly, Sorrel, Verjus Jelly & Ontario Kiwi
Although this dish was created specifically for the opening night screening, Chef Bangerter would be happy to recreate it for anyone who is interested in trying it. All you have to do is tweet him at @chefbangerter with your request (with a few days notice).
330 King St. W, TIFF Bell Lightbox, Toronto, ON M5V 3X2
O&B Canteen: 647.288.4710 Luma: 647.288.4715
A Matter of Taste: Serving Up Paul Liebrandt has a runtime of 68 minutes and is rated 14A. Click here for showtimes at TIFF Bell Lightbox
Disclaimer: The dish in this video was complimentary. Opinions are my own and I was not paid to produce this video.
If you like what you see, please subscribe to my YouTube channel! Thanks so much ^_*