Bella Cocktail!

Lobster & Shrimp w/fondue stuffed Bella Mushroom
Prepared and Plated by
Clarence Gardener

I was asked if I had a favorite dish that I like to prepare and the answer I gave was simply--no. Each dish for me is a new experience. The plated food that I create explores a heartfelt composition filled with spontaneity and love. I can't imagine having to make a choice over any given presentation. All of my plates have a story and share in common the same passionate effort and spontaneous process.  

Dinner in Prague with a view of the Charles Bridge!

Charles Bridge table view from Mlýnec restaurant
(Prague)

A couple of the 7 wonders in the Czech Republic are located in the magical city of Prague. If you ever get a chance to visit this place, I promise it will be so invigorating that you will pinch yourself to wake up from the dream you will feel you are having.  I have to admit that when I walked around the city with history dated from the 13th century, it created very special moments for me. However to make this visit complete, I needed to add an experience of having dinner near one of the oldest bridges in Europe, the world famous Charles Bridge.

I had the pleasure of dining at a fabulous restaurant located underneath the Charles Bridge. People from all over the world travel here to get this experience. On a day where the restaurant had an exceptional "all you can eat"  menu that included fine dishes, I took the opportunity to test my plating skills and create a few compositions that I thought to be eye catching.

Pan Seared Halibut with Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce
Plated by
Clarence Gardener

At first glance, what would you suggest the above plated image appears to be? I came up with a few ideas to describe it. Maybe it looks like a dolphin or a whale in my opinon - but as enjoyable as it was to plate, none measured up to the overall experience I had at the Mlýnec restaurant.

Seared Beef Tenderloin with Shiraz Sauce
Plated by
Clarence Gardener

Tuna Casserole

TUNA CASSEROLE
Plated by
Clarence Gardener

I used to think that canned tuna was to be prepared by adding mayonnaise, seasonings, and stirring it up in a bowl. It was the most convenient meal to make when I didn't feel like cooking. However, since I have evolved in my home cooking ability, I couldn't just look at these cans of tuna in the cabinet and not give them the attention they truly deserve. 

LOL...

Tuna, for a long time to me, has always been perceived as just a straight out of the can type of meal. 

Did you know that tuna has a few health benefits? 

It is high in protein, has almost no fat, filled with amino and omega 3 fatty acids. For some it makes a really good meal on the go as a sandwich or salad. But it is helpful to know recipes that are quick and easy to make with certain canned foods. 

Recently I created this concept and presentation of tuna that was very simple to make. 

Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

Tuna (canned)

Vegetable Penne Pasta 

Romano Cheese

Mayonnaise 

Red Leaf Lettuce

Basil

Oregano

Unsalted Butter

Alfredo Sauce

Parmesan Cheese (aged 12 months)