The Inn Crowd, hosted by Craig Case, and Chef Michael Hutchings welcomes chef John Moeller to the kitchen of The Inn Crowd. Chef John Moeller is a member of an elite corps of chefs, those who have served in the White House preparing très soigné cuisine for Presidents, First Families, and their guests, including visiting Heads of State. Chef to three First Families, including President George H.W. Bush, President William Jefferson Clinton, and President George W. Bush, Chef Moeller joined the White House kitchen in 1992 as sous chef to Pierre Chambrin and later Walter Scheib, eventually acting as White House Chef in 2005. I was delighted to work with Chef John preparing a joint menu based on a few local specialties and classics from his White House repertoire.
Archie McLaren, founder of The Central Coast Wine Classic, organized the dinner and provided wines from his vast wine cellar. Alain and Anne Sides hosted the dinner at their stunning 1920s estate. Allen Sides is not only the owner of Ocean Way Recording, he is also one of the most respected engineer/producers in the music industry. The Sides have also appeared on an episode of The inn Crowd.
The dinner started with my classic abalone appetizer. I use the farm-raised abalone from The Cultured Abalone, located a few miles from the heart of Santa Barbara. Chef John next offered his take on a squab dish utilizing a local product from the Carpenter Squab Ranch. The entree of a beef tenderloin was a classic from chef John's book, Dining at the White House—From the President’s Table to Yours. Salad preceded an intense chocolate dessert with a tuile garnish.
Join is on The Inn Crowd Saturdays at 6:30 on ABC affiliate KEY channel 3. Please note that the air time my vary to as late as 9:30. You may view the show on-line at the Santa Barbara News Press. Look to the right side of the web page for a link to the show. YTS Digital Films filmed and directed this show. We appreciate our wine sponsor, Foley family Wines, for providing access to their wonderful portfolio of wines.
Put on your apron, grab your whisk, fire up the oven and get your apron on. I'll provide the recipes, the rest is up to you. See you on the kitchen.
Tastefully,
All recipes copyright 2016 Michael Hutchings, All Rights Reserved
Photo Credits William Conlin YTS Video Productions, unless otherwise noted.