Behind the Scenes as Sedona Chef Lisa Dahl Returns to the James Beard House
All photos by Tessa Bajema
On January 18, 2017, Lisa Dahl, acclaimed Sedona chef and restaurateur, returned for the second time to delight a sold-out crowd at the James Beard House in New York City. An invitation to cook at this prestigious venue is an incredible honor, and last night Chef Dahl accepted her second invitation by celebrating her passion for Italian and Latin American cuisine. Guests were invited to savor a Scent of the Southwest with cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres followed by a five-course dinner with wine pairings and dessert. The vibrant and creative menu showcased the South American ingredients Chef Dahl weaves throughout her menu at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill while drawing upon the Tuscan roots of her classic Italian fine-dining restaurants Dahl & Di Luca and Cucina Rustica.
For the cocktail reception, guests sipped on sangria, Negronis, and Pisco Sours as they enjoyed:
- Empanadas stuffed with portobello mushrooms, poblano peppers, gorgonzola, and chèvre, accompanied by pineapple criolla
- Lentil–walnut croquettes with cilantro–mint pesto and crispy kale
- Beeler’s pork tostones with frijoles negros, pickled onions, and roasted corn
- Endive with yellowfin tuna, pink grapefruit, avocado–ginger espuma, pickled ginger, pico de gallo, and chipotle rémoulade
Guests were then seated for dinner in the 80-seat dining room for a multi-course feast.
Spanish Baby Octopus with Garbanzo Bean Purée, Fire-Roasted Artichokes, and Fennel Slaw
Terra Noble Reserva Terroir Pinot Noir 2013
Minestra di Fagioli with Tuscan-Style Cannellini Beans and Pecorino Crostini
Prá Soave Otto 2015
Polenta al Forno con Funghi: White Polenta Cake with Mushroom Medley Sauce
Fontodi Chianti Classico 2013
Mixed Grill of Australian Lamb, Beeler’s Pork Chorizo, and Allen Brothers Beef Filet Medallion with Roasted Ají Amarillo Coulis, Chimichurri , Quinoa–Currant Pilaf, and Peperonata
El Enemigo Malbec 2012
Dessert Duo of Rum-Laced Mascarpone Tiramisù with Amarena Cherries and Pistachios, and Coconut Milk, Espresso, and Dulce de Leche Tres Leches Cake with Toasted Coconut, Candied Citrus, and Valrhona Chocolate
Icardi Brachetto Suri Vigin 2015
To learn more about Chef Lisa Dahl, visit this link for an interview on my first visit to Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, and her restaurants at https://dahlrestaurantgroup.com/.