A few nice dating images I found:

1st Course: Mesquite-grilled foie gras

Image by ulterior epicure
(Rollover picture)

How rude of me to dive into eating before capuring this GIGANTIC cut of foie au torchon. The foie had been grilled over Mesquite charcoals and dusted with crunchy sea salt. The foie was accompanied by a date "consomme" (slightly gelatinized) and a Meyer lemon mustard. Three matchsticks of crunchy vegetables also came with the dish – rutabaga, yellow carrot and celery.

Taste: I have had foie gras au torchon ten ways to Timbuktu, but never grilled or smoked with an aromatic wood. This course was very creative and a different take on what could have been yet another boring presentation of foie gras. I especially loved playing with the date jelly and the Meyer lemon mustard. As well, I really appreciated the cruncy bits of sea salt that adorned the top.

My only, and major criticism with this course is that it was WAY TOO LARGE. I must admit that I love foie gras – but in moderation, as it very rich. This portion must have been at least a good four to five ounces. Generous, to be sure, but problematic as the first course (following a parade of impressive and substantial amuses)… and DAMN self-control – I finished the whole thing… but regretted it right after because it really took a cut off of my palate for the rest of the meal. I think this course would have been great had it been a quarter of the portion.

Other than the portion-sizing, the flavors and concept was outstanding.

Date Nut Chews

Image by norwichnuts
Yummy cookie!!

Dates – close up

Image by AamerJaved