Gastronomic sets

Many gourmets abroad already know what gastronomic sets are, constantly looking for and

forward to them. For us, the post-Soviet people, the sets have not yet come into common use,

being a mystery for many.

What is a set?

A set is an opportunity for a chef to escape from the routine of daily menu. It is the realization

of his creative potential, opportunity to offer guests something new, interesting and, of course,

memorably delicious. Basically, restaurant menus offer a variety of delicious dishes, for which

guests repeatedly come back to the restaurant. But without an opportunity for updating the

menu weekly, a chef can offer visitors to go on a gastronomic expedition and discover new

flavors and combinations with the help of sets.

Sets may be seasonal, when abundance of products gives inspiration. For example, in the set

I am presenting tomorrow one of the ingredients is morels. This seasonal product can be found

in markets for just two weeks a year. Morels for our restaurant are bought on a farm near Kiev,

which provides unique freshness of mushrooms. And it is important not only to buy them in

season, but also to preserve and then cook them properly. But that’s worth the effort.

In addition, sets can be inspired by a specific topic. This approach is implemented by one of

the most famous and prominent representatives of Heston Blumenthal molecular gastronomy.

He calls his sets ‘feasts’. In his arsenal, there are sets on the following topics: the Victorian era,

underwater world, the 1970s, the Titanic, as well as Heston’s favorite topic – tales. Here is a link

to one of his feasts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmvvzzpC2pU.

Continue to explore the culinary world, because there is a plenty of unknown and interesting

stuff there! We will certainly help you. Every Thursday I introduce a gastronomic set, which is

updated every two weeks. Seats are limited! Please, reserve tables for the next set, which will

be presented on May 29. See you at Odessa!