ASPIRING CHEF

21. Aspiring Chef. Long Island native and resident. Blog will be dedicated to all things chef and food related. Will upload pics of my food taken from my instagram or personal collection. Have questions? Contact me on Twitter/ Tumblr or [email protected]

[vxidd]

[lxscivia]

Follow me for more.

[animalamor]

[batmanbeyondrocks]

Liam Fitzgerald (@liam_fitzgerald_)

[exposedandbare]

[tlj1988]

[tommydashwood]

[mortonmuenster]

[mortonmuenster]

A Little Older and A Bit More Confidence

I’ve basically been gone from the tumblr-universe for about a year and some change, well in regards to posting here. To be honest I was completely intimated with the beautiful pictures/techniques/plating of other content creators and chefs. So I took a little time to grow and learn the craft/trade of culinary wizardry. Currently I’m attending culinary school in Richmond,VA and working at the number one fine dining restaurant in the city. Now to be completely honest I am nowhere near becoming a culinary wizard but more of a student to craft so dont be too harsh on my techniques = still learning. 

[mortonmuenster]

Rump Steak Boeuf Bourguignon. First attempt at a tourne cut, definitely need more practice. The sauce had a glossy and velvet texture. (Pearl onions, button mushrooms; there was no thickening agent used for the sauce -MORTON

[anthonybourdain]

This Sunday, we take a trip back to childhood with one of America’s greatest chefs, Daniel Boulud, to look at one of the most important figures in his life and career, Paul Bocuse—and at the system, the place and the culture of food that raised both of them.

Where do great chefs come from? ...

[mortonmuenster]

What an amazing episode that has rendered me speechless. The spectacular sight that is haute cuisine numbs all my senses to the basic need of learning. To think and understand that the realm of gastronomy far exceeds my wildest imagination is strangely comforting as I embark on a lifelong quest to develop my craft. 

-MORTON

[mortonmuenster]

Shrimp Skewers with a Reduction Sauce and Basil Roasted Pepper Pesto on Fettuccine. 

Shrimp: Mascoto, garlic, tomato paste, capers, parsley, lemon, anchovy paste. 

Pesto: Almonds, fresh parmesan, basil, garlic, roasted red peppers, olive oil.

-MORTON

[mortonmuenster]

Farmer's Market Finds: Olive Ciabatta Bread and Heirloom Tomatoes. 

Ciabatta with an olive oil, basil, balsamic vinegar reduction dipping sauce and Mediterranean inspired Grilled Chicken Skewers. 

Caprese Salad: Fresh buffalo Mozzarella, basil, balsamic vinegar reduction, caper olive oil dressing. 

-MORTON

[mortonmuenster]

Mother's Day Dinner

This dinner spread was my attempt to somewhat enhance my family's damaged food chain palate. Not to discredit fast food completely, my brethren unfortunately aren't too keen on change especially what they consume. To pay homage to my southern raised grandmother, I used similar ingredients that she would use for her soul food Sunday dinner's by avoiding any fried food altogether. 

By using fresh herbs and not changing the original textures and flavors of the food, a light but fulfilling meal was created. The Grilled Corn Spinach Salad with dressed in a light vinaigrette that cleaned the palate which was definitely a nice touch. Thankfully the family was more than pleased with the meal and seconds were encouraged all around. 

Happy Mom's Day y'all and spend it in good company!

-MORTON

[mortonmuenster]

Mother's Day Dinner: (I.) Roasted Thyme Lemon Chicken with a Reduction Sauce. (II.) Summer White Bean Ragout. (III.) Grilled Sweet Potatoes. (IV.) Grilled Corn Spinach Salad. 

-MORTON

[mortonmuenster]

My own creation: Quick Chili. Red onions and lightly seasoned tomatoes cut the savoriness of the sauce with a fresh kick. 

-MORTON

[mortonmuenster]

My own creation: Asian Takeout Orange Chicken with Thai Noodles. Didn't want to order out to the neighborhood take out spot for over fried chicken drenched in week old oil, so the best alternative was homemade. Hoisin sauce, fresh squeezed orange juice, orange rind, string beans, garlic/ginger slivers, etc. 

-MORTON