Some of the most amazing meals were made with Mr. Verdel–an amazing sous chef and dear friend. Every time we cooked together we would seek out a new recipe, go buy the freshest ingredients, and pair it up with a great wine (or curios cocktail). I ran across these photos, reflected a bit, and decided to share some of the tastiest creations we made together.
Italian dinner night
I almost forgot to mention…desserts too!
Chocolate layer cake with a delicious white butter-cream icing
Did we also include amazing appetizers??? Oh yes we did.
Blueberry bell pepper salsa and spicy guacamole
Black bean, bell pepper, and onion enchiladas with sour cream sauce
Tea time! Wes tradition: palate refresher–the grapefruit array
Rose wine with tzatziki, pita, and salad
Roasted fingerling potatoes, cherry tomatoes, with garlic and green onions
Avocado, peach, blackberry, honey roasted pecans, dried cherries, tomatoes, and mint salad
Vinegar cucumbers marinated with bell peppers and tomatoes
Quinoa with shallot, chopped tomatoes and lime (or lemon is fine) juice, cumin, and s&p
Kale with tomatoes, sliced roasted almonds, soaked in a sriracha, lemon, olive oil dressing
Grilled peach salad with ice soaked cold (very thin) onion slices, toasted almond slivers and pistachios 
Honey crisp apple, blue cheese salad with toasted almonds and pistachios with a sweet and salty vinaigrette 
Farfalle verdura
Heirloom tomato, mozza di bufala, fresh basil, s&p and balsamic/olive oil dressing for Caprese atop toasted Italian bread
Spinach, tomato, and cheese (blue cheese or goat cheese) quiche
Thanks so much Wes for spoiling me with the finest ingredients and wines!
