The second day of our Destination DC trip was just as busy as the first. It started with a visit to the Mandarin Oriental, which included a dessert demonstration by Chef Matthew Petersen and lunch at Sou’Wester.
When we arrived at the Mandarin Oriental, we were greeted by the Director of Communications, Linda Beltran, who gave us a quick tour of the hotel.
Linda also introduced us to Chef Matthew Petersen, the Executive Pastry Chef for CityZen and Sou’Wester at the Mandarin Oriental. He’s also a contestant on Top Chef: Just Desserts. How cool!
Chef Matthew was really nice (and friendly and handsome) and offered to cook us his Lemon Vanilla Créme with Mint Purée and Hazelnut Sable, which won the second episode of Top Chef.
Chef Matthew didn’t have any fresh mint on hand, so he used basil for the puree.
Watching him cook was really neat. He made the dessert seem so simple!
After Chef Matthew’s demonstration, we headed to lunch at Sou’Wester.
The meal started with freshly baked biscuits.
And a spread of appetizers to share: Fried Oysters with Smoked Pepper Aioli and Grilled Oysters with Bacon Vinaigrette.
Baby Spinach Salad with Granny Smith Apples, Candied Pecans, Blue Cheese, Crostini with Red Onion Jam, and Warm Bacon Vinaigrette.
And Hushpuppies with Honey Butter. These particular hushpuppies were the best that I tried in DC. They were almost like corn donuts.
For my entrée, I ordered the Chicken and Waffles, which was served with a syrup and peach butter.
I enjoyed this dish, but I only ended up eating a few bites of it. It was pretty heavy, and I filled up on the appetizers.
Plus, I was also saving room for dessert! Chef Matt’s special lemon dessert!
It was to die for! The basil puree went so well with the lemon.
The Mandarin Oriental is a really wonderful hotel. Staying there is totally out of my budget, but I’d definitely visit again for the hushpuppies from Sou’Wester and Chef Matthew’s desserts (and good looks).
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow! What a beautiful meal! Your chicken & waffles looked so cute! I’m glad you are enjoying the nation’s capital. What a great city! Safe travels!
Yum! Everything looks so ahamzing! I actually have never tried a hushpuppy before….
Hushpuppies are delicious! You should try them the next time you get a chance!
Oh chicken and waffles… I need to try that. It all looks incredible
I always drove by that hotel but never went in… now I see that I really should’ve
You should! It’s beautiful inside!
i love chicken n waffles – i’d love the gourmet spin on it
Can you believe I have never thought to savorify waffles- looks yuM!
That hotel is just gorgeous, isn’t it?! And that chef is pretty darn cute, I must say haha.
I totally agree with both parts of your comment!
Fantastic!! The oysters and the dessert look amazing. What a great trip to DC. I hope you had a great time here.
Yum! and too funny…i’m watching the chef on tv right now!
Oh MY! That lemon dessert does sound and look good. YUMM.
Looks like it was a perfect time there
Haha he sure is handsome! Is he single? He should consider making a move to the Chicago food scene…
@Katie @ Peace Love and Oats: No, married with a baby. Bummer, right?
We attended a wedding last fall at the Mandarin Oriental in DC and it was so nice. The food, service and atmosphere was just great!
There’s a restaurant in Boston called the Back Bay Social Club that serves up a great chicken and waffles. It’s definitely for two people though! The dish is big and heavy.
@Alaina: Mmm!
ooh, that lemon dessert has me drooling over my keyboard! i love lemon flavored anything!
How fun! Yay for you
Gah! What a good experience! All the food looks SO good!
Wow fancy! Looks like lots of good eats!
~Ang
{ 5 trackbacks }