I was sufficiently recovered from my chocolate overdose by the time we hit Fuel. And good thing too because, going by previous experience, we’d be doing some major feasting on this night. Since I had pre-ordered our main course, we only needed to concern ourselves with the appetizers. However, one of the nice things about being a regular at a place like Fuel is you’re more likely to become privy to some of the off-menu items the chef has been experimenting with. Last night, it was a whole deep-fried duck. Now normally, if I was presented with the opportunity to sample an entire duck dish when I already had an entire cote de boeuf on deck…I would do exactly what I did: I ordered the duck.
We started with an interesting amuse bouche featuring chorizo lardo, then followed that with a nice beet root salad with house made ricotta and fireweed honey. Preliminaries out of the way, the duck was up next. It was presented whole at the table, then whisked back to the kitchen where it was deboned and divided onto four separate plates before being served. Crisp, tender, and incredibly flavorful – it was superb. Fuel has the distinction of preparing the best pork dish I’ve ever had (my last dinner here with Marty G.) and now, thanks to this night‘s surprise addition, the best duck dish I’ve ever had as well. It was so good, in fact, that I even considered the possibility of investing in my own deep-fryer (then suddenly recalled images of horrific deep-fryer accidents from that 20/20 report and quickly quashed the notion). Next came the cote de boeuf (also presented whole at the table before being sent back for carving) which was served family style at the center of the table with a sauce Bearnaise and meaty golden fries. It was an amazing cut of beef, perfectly prepared, and no wonder it has become one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. For dessert, I had the quince doughnuts with cinnamon bun ice cream. I know, I know. As a rule, I don’t mix fruit with dessert. But there are rare exceptions – and this dessert was one.
I went home so full last night that I couldn’t imagine ever eating again and yet, believe it or not, that’s exactly what I did today at lunch. Despite the inclement weather and foreboding crowds, we braved the downtown area to do some last-minute Christmas shopping and, after perusing the local bookstore in search of some Elizabeth Chadwick (whoever suggested my mother might enjoy Georgette Heyer is in big trouble!), we walked the few blocks down to Prima Taste for some Singaporean fare. We were halfway through a relatively quiet meal when a waiter at a neighboring table dropped a glass. It exploded on impact, showering fragments down on our table, our food, and, oh yeah, us. Within seconds, the owner was there, checking to make sure we were okay, then ushering over to a glass-fragment-free booth. Our half-finished dishes were taken away and replaced with brand new orders of excellent Hanainese chicken, black pepper short ribs, satays, and a mango salad my mother and sister couldn’t stop talking about (or eating). As if two lunches were enough, we were also presented with a dessert on the house: crispy crepe topped with shaved coconut, palm sugar, and vanilla ice cream. A much-appreciated touch and yet one more reason Prima Taste is our preferred downtown lunch destination.
Questions and comments –
Susiekew writes: “Any chance we’ll see non-humanoid aliens in season 5?”
Answer: It’s possible. Events in the back half of season 4 will open the door to all sorts of possibilities.
Anne Teldy writes: “Will there be any actor-suggested episodes or storylines in Season 5?”
Answer: Not so far.
Elizabeth writes: “What do you think of the Christmas song ‘The Christmas Shoes’?”
Answer: No opinion. Never heard it.
Emily writes: “If I recall correctly, I did out-eat you during the cote de boeuf course.”
Answer: Only because I was busy doing most of the talking.
Thunder writes: “How’s the adorable little Jelly doing?”
Answer: Still limping but appreciating the extra attention.
Voodoolizzy writes: “What do you do while you’re exercising?”
Answer: I usually watch anime. Today, for instance, I started a new series – Gun Sword – but wasn’t all that impressed.
Jumperpilot writes: “As my wife and I have been in the hospital for the delivery of our 3rd child.”
Answer: Congratulations on the birth of your future little gater.
Talen writes: “My sister, who runs after her 6 and 3yr old kids all day/night has surprisingly asked me for a book for Christmas”
Answer: If she enjoys humorous books, I’d suggest anything by David Sedaris.
jme 02067 writes: “ Have you read Vernor Vinge’s “Rainbows End?””
Answer: Not yet. But I did read and enjoy A Fire Upon the Deep.
42zine writes: “Will you be eating in or going out for Christmas dinner?”
Answer: Going out to pick up two cote de boeufs I ordered from Fuel, then bringing them home and eating in.
Danielforever writes: “When you get a chance, could you please give us a few spoilers/tidbits involving Daniel in season 5?”
Answer: At this point, there are none.
Farscapefan writes: “Is there a ray of hope for Cam/Sam shippers?”
Answer: Cam and Sam? That would be like siblings dating! Who’d want to see that?
Leave a Reply