James Beard inspired dishes at Catch 35

James Beard inspired dishes available during
“Eats Week”, April 21 – May 1, 2017

Appetizer:
Georges Bank Scallop 
crispy salami, fava bean puree, yuzu beurre blanc $16

Entrée:
Alaskan Halibut 
panko, English pea risotto, bacon vinaigrette, poached egg, bottarga $37

Dessert:
Lemon Polenta Cake
 fresh apricots, honey whipped cream $8

What is James Beard Eats week?  It’s a week long celebration of cooking pioneer, James Beard.  Over 100 Chicago area restaurants are serving up delicious James Beard inspired dishes to diners.

When is James Beard Eats week?  Eats Week is April 21 – May 1, 2017, The awards will be given out at Chicago’s Lyric Opera house on May 1st.  

Where can I find out more info about Eats week?  http://www.choosechicago.com/jbf/

What inspired Catch 35’s Chef Eddie’s Eats Week Menu items?  

“The spring season heavily influenced my choices for James Beard Eats Week.  I picked seasonal high quality ingredients like Fresh Alaskan halibut and spring peas.  Each course is a delicate balance between sweet, savory, tangy, and salty. 

To start your meal, I selected my favorite shellfish, Georges Bank Scallops.  The fava bean puree inspired by spring is paired with the salty & crispy salami and buttery yuzu beurre blanc, which allows for a perfectly balanced dish that I think James Beard, would have enjoyed.

As for the entree, fresh Alaskan halibut is in season during this time.  It is a great firm and mild tasting fish that is able to pair well with almost anything.  I chose English pea risotto, bacon vinaigrette, poached egg, and bottarga to heighten the halibut’s flavors and textures.  Some diners inquire about “bottarga”.  Bottarga is fish roe and has an intense, salty, a little briny flavor, and is very similar to caviar.  

 To end your meal, I chose a simple & rustic lemon polenta cake.  My cooking style emphasizes high quality ingredients done simply.  Crispy and dense with a fine crumb & gluten free, the polenta cake is topped with a sweet lemon glaze and fresh apricots (my favorite fruit).  Enjoy it with our house made cappuccino or espresso to end your meal.”

Menu items will be available at both Chicago and Naperville locations.