Chef Brad Briske's MEarth Sustainable Chef Dinner Menu

If you've been following my blog, you probably know that I have a pretty hefty foodie crush on Chef Brad Briske of La Balena Carmel. It's our special occasion restaurant and we actively seek out any event at which he's cooking. So, when I noticed that he was cooking at the MEarth Sustainable Chef Dinner - so close to Fathers' Day - I bought tickets and used it as a slightly belated celebration for my Love and my Dad.

Brad is truly impressive. Just amazing. Not only is he an incredible chef, but he is passionate about his craft and generously shares his wealth of knowledge and vast experience. He's also patient and kind. One example: he didn't mind having my boys underfoot at this week's MEarth's dinner. Grazie mille, Brad.

Tanja Roos shared that typically they receive menus ahead of time from the visiting chefs. Here she demonstrates how she followed Brad around with a pen and paper in the few hours ahead of the event to handwrite the menu on a bulletin board.

She was largely unfazed because Tanja, like me, knows that anything Brad makes will be delicious. Here's what he, and Team La Balena, prepared for the diners...

Lamb Meatballs with Peperonata

Heirloom Bean Soup with a Chevre-Blossom Mousse

in a Crisped Grape Leaf

Salad with Summer Squash and Fresh Beans

Roasted Lamb and Braised Lamb with

Onion, Garlic, & Beans and

Preserved Lemon, Cucumber-Mint, and Flower Salsa Verde

Strawberry and Raspberry Macarons

If you're local and you haven't had the pleasure, what are you waiting for? You need a Briske-meal in your life. Stat.

You can find him at La Balena and Il Grillo.

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