Solstice to Equinox Dinners Spotlight Seasonal Flavors

 

Celebrate the change of the seasons from summer solstice to autumnal equinox on the patio at Alexander’s Steakhouse. This divine outdoor dining experience offers a sample of local flavors on the five Saturdays between the solstice and equinox (September 10 to October 15). We spoke with Chef Matt Bata about the inspiration behind special dishes like the crispy pork belly with cumin dashi and pear cream and the wagyu gyoza with chives.

 

“I find there’s great satisfaction to be had in sharing a meal with those you love, family-style,” said Bata.

 

The dinners are focused on enjoying Pasadena’s beautiful weather with family and friends. Despite the inventive cuisine, Bata describes the dinners as casual gatherings. Bata approaches the menu with the same dedication and creativity as any other project but presents he food in a more laid-back atmosphere.

 

“The nostalgia effect is powerful – eating outside can bring you back to childhood picnics in the park, backyard BBQs with family, and these memories play a key roll in how we cook and enjoy food,” he said.

 

As the menus progresses, ingredients and preparations move away from summer and toward bolder, fall flavors, explained Bata. These subtle changes keep flavors fresh and allow the chefs to take advantage of seasonal produce. Look out for the fig and pork belly salad with baby kale and ginger dressing on October first and the more wintery roasted beet poke with nori, sesame, tokyo negi and crispy garlic on October 15.

 

“One of the most enjoyable parts of creating the menu has been working on the desserts – we, as a team, really tried to think outside of the box, looking to ideas that maybe wouldn’t be the most obvious when designing a tasting menu like a classic cake or a root beer float,” said Bata.

 

Each pre-fixe dinner includes six courses ranging from miso eggplant with toasted nori cracker and babaganoush to their signature hamachi shots with ponzu, dashi, negi and arare.

 

Click here to view their menu.

 

Alexander’s Steakhouse is located at 111 North Los Robles Boulevard. Reservations can be made online or by calling (626) 486-1111.