Tuesday, May 3, 2011

5 Courses would have been enough

So a week ago, i had quite a detailed post on my experience at Biga on the Banks, sadly I deleted it. So here is my recreation of that post, now that I am somewhat over the frustration of losing that post.

So my wife and I and another couple decided to go to Biga on the Banks and sit at the chef's table and have an 8 course meal with wine pairing.  Biga on the Banks is one of the best restaurants here in San Antonio and its chef/owner is a 6 time nominee for the James Beard Best in the Southwest Chef.  We got a hotel room downtown on the riverwalk and were ready to indulge ourselves. 

Overall the meal was great, the wine was plentiful and we were very satisfied if not overly satisfied.  Only really disappointing item was the actual chef's table.  Was hoping it would be like the one at Commander's Palace where you can really see the action. Instead we were just in a seclude alcove. Also would have enjoyed getting to meet the chef or at least thank him.  But this was minor, was really there to enjoy the food.

Here is our menu, unfortunately I can remember the wines that were paired, though for the most part they were very good pairings.

Amuse Bouche: Seared Tuna over a Lobster Salad
1st: Red Snapper over an Italian style tomatoes and olives
2nd: Seared Scallops over cheese grits topped with habanero rum pineapples
3rd: Chicken Fried Oysters over a bed of squid ink linguine with panceta mixed in.
4th: Foie Gras over french toast with a berry compote on the side.
5th: Cauliflower Soup with Caprese Salad on side
6th: Venison and Quail with Mashed Potatoes and a juniper Jus
7th: Lamb over grits with a mushroom jus
8th: Dessert trio: Sherbet, grasshopper Pie, and Lemon Meringue Pie

The highlight was no doubt the Scallops over Grits.  One of my favorite seafood meals of all time was a blackened scallops over grits that I got at a restaurant in Seaside Florida.  This one may have topped it.  Scallop was perfectly cooked.  The sweetness of the pineapple and the grits lessened the heat of the habanero and at the same time the rum lightened the sweetness of the pineapple.  The combination was perfect.

The Venison and Quail was also great.  The Juniper Jus made the dish.

Sad to say, but as I said i am an amateur foodie, but I haven't ever had foie gras before this meal.  This dish was very good.  Small portion of foie gras and french toast, but it was very buttery and smooth.

Least favorite was the the chicken fried oysters with the squid ink linguine.  Very bland, didn't taste the pancetta at all in the pasta, just not a lot of taste to it. 

I enjoyed all 8 courses and most of the 8 glasses of wine(i guess actually 9 with the amuse).  Unfortunately by course 6 my wife was done.  Too much food and too much wine.  As she told me after "5 courses would have been enough".  I disagreed 8 was perfect for me.

5 comments:

  1. That meal sounds amazing! *Wipes the drool off her keyboard* Following you on GFC from Totally Tuesday Blog Hop. Can't wait to read more.

    Kar
    http://flipsidesanity.blogspot.com
    http://flipsideumami.blogspot.com

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  2. Sounds awesome!

    I just found your blog through one of the blog hops! Have a great rest of the week.

    Amanda @ www.nutritionistreviews.com

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  3. That's a lot of food!!!! Sounds yummy!

    Hope you're having a fantastic week!

    Nancy

    I'm your newest follower. If you'd like to follow me back, you can find me at http://thatsoundslikecrazy.blogspot.com

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  4. Yum, 8 courses actually sound perfect although I would've loved to see two dessert courses! Thanks for sharing, it all sounds delicious!

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  5. Great post. I have been to the riverwalk a few times in San Antonio and love the restaurants and the atmosphere. We will have to go here next time we are that way!

    Thank you for participating in this weeks Get Wired Blog Hop. I am following you. Have a great day!

    Vickie
    http://victoriasvoice44.blogspot.com

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