chef jeff...

Passion.
That overwhelming need to do something, to feel something, to create something.
Something that makes you want to work harder, to accomplish more, to learn more...
Something that makes you feel alive.

Robbie and I are blessed we have found that in photography and videography...among many many other things.

The funny thing about passion is once you have felt it, you look for it all over the place.
When you are passionate about one thing - it seems to spill over into other parts of your life as well.

A friend of ours started introducing us to other people he knew - who were also very passionate about things in their lives. We have all been chatting and getting to know each other the past couple of months and last week we received an invitation from one of the couples for a dinner party at their home.

We all began to arrive and the conversations began to flow - teaching, yoga, graphic design, film, cooking, photography & videography, marketing, music, organic food, psychology, politics, art, philosophy, and much more...

Then. The food started.

I have been in awe of Jeff's cooking via facebook posts and posts on his lovely blog, Eaterie Food. And a few weeks ago, Robbie attended one of Jeff's cooking demos, which Jeff sent me home a delicious sampling, since I was unable to attend (I was of course busy editing photos..lol).

But nothing....and I seriously mean NOTHING could have prepared me for how amazing Jeff's menu was going to be for this dinner party. He went all out.

Appetizers/Hors D’Oeuvers
Charcuterie Platter
Liguria Salami
Tuscano Salami
Veneto Salami
Spicy Capicollo
Soppressata di Calabria
Cheese Platter
Bourbon Bacon Jam
White Wine and Rosemary Pickled Portobella’s
Egg Salad cups
Crab Salad Cups
Cucumber with Herbed Cheese

Dinner
First Course
• Spring Ceviche with Shrimp, Avocado, and Cucumber

Second Course
• Arugula, Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Salad with a Balsamic Honey Dressing

Third Course
• Caramelized Carrot and Ginger Soup

Fourth Course
• Spring Pea and Bacon Risotto with Braised Pea Tendrils

Main Course
• Sesame-Ginger Beef/Tofu and Shiitake Kebabs in Citrus Hoisin Glaze

Dessert
• Avocado Cheesecake with Raspberry Coulis, Crème’ Anglaise and Fresh Mint Ice Cream

Here are the photos to show this amazing-ness - I wish I could reach through the screen and eat every single one of them again. YUM.

I don't think I could pick a favorite, even if you tried to make me. Each one was perfect. Oh, and I almost forgot - a few glasses of some wonderful white wine to go along with it all.

Every once in awhile, I would stop in the kitchen to see how Jeff was doing and he had the BIGGEST smile on his face. He was having a darn blast. Not only preparing the food, but hearing us enjoy the experience. And talk about fresh....as I was sitting at their dining room table chatting away, I looked out the window and saw Jeff cutting herbs for the dishes right there as he was making them.

So cool. This was his passion and we all were witnessing it and experiencing it all at the same time.

I cannot thank Jeff and Leslie enough for putting this together, for welcoming us in their home, and for sharing their amazing talent of making food that I may not be able to pronounce, but I sure can enjoy. ;)

It was one of my favorite "adult nights" in a long time.

THANK YOU! :) Pizza party at our house next time, Robbie and I have already decided there is no way we are going to try and compete with that. lol