|
Steven Alex Vanderpool
Cuvee Beach Cellar and Wine Bar
Destin, Fla.
http://www.cuveebeach.com
How would you describe the style of cuisine at your
restaurant?
The food at Cuvée Beach is wine-friendly, contemporary
American cuisine that blends the influences of California,
Asia and Tuscany.
What/who influenced you to become a chef?
All of the chefs in the food magazines I read as a teen. I
didn’t really know what it took to be that kind of chef, but I
knew that I wanted to be there some day. Really, I just wanted
to wear the tall hat!
Where do you find inspiration to create new recipes and
flavors?
I look to the trends I see coming from the winemakers in Napa
and my culinary colleagues in New York.
What do you like to cook/eat when you are not at work?
I really enjoy eating and cooking Thai food.
What was your most memorable meal?
The most memorable meal I ever cooked was when I had the
opportunity to cook at the James Beard House in New York.
Do you have any cooking tips to share with home chefs?
Always rinse vegetables thoroughly before cooking them.
Potato Soup with Bacon and Chives
6 servings
Preparation Time: 25 Minutes
Cooking Time: 20 Minutes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped celery
About 3 cups canned chicken broth
2 pounds (6 medium) potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
3 cloves roasted garlic
1 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 slices bacon, cooked crisp, drained and crumbled
2 tablespoons snipped chives
In medium saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion
and celery; cook and stir 5 to 7 minutes or until onions are
translucent. Add 3 cups broth, the potatoes and garlic. Bring
to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 10 to 12 minutes or
until potatoes are tender. In batches, process soup in blender
until smooth. Return to saucepan. Stir in cream and butter;
season with salt and pepper. Heat through, stirring in
additional chicken broth, if desired. Ladle soup into 6
individual bowls; top with bacon and chives.
|
|
