Plate Your Dream, is a series created by Chef Kee Chan (Lure Izakaya, Strings) to highlight emerging chefs who are truly passionate about cooking and the art of food. A couple of nights each month, a superb talent is invited to Lure Izakaya’s kitchen to curate their dream five-course meal with the freedom of expressing their creativity with unlimited boundaries and ingredients. The menu is based on how each chef envisions the future of food in five years.
Last month, I had the opportunity to attend Chef Matt Munaretto’s event. Munaretto is a talented young chef who has already amassed an impressive background, which includes working at Alinea, 42 Grams, and Cantina 1910. He is currently at Moto.
“I wake up everyday thinking about food, and dream about it when I’m asleep. I see food as a way to nurture your emotional hunger as well as express it. The plate is canvas, the food is paint, the flavor emotion.” – Chef Matt Munaretto
Chef Matt Munaretto // Plate Your Dream at Lure Izakaya // Photo: Kristen Mendiola
Munaretto’s menu was influenced by his culinary experiences in Chicago as well as his upbringings in Cleveland, Ohio.
First Course: Snack
Using the techniques he learned from Chef Jake Bickelhaupt from 42 Grams, Munaretto created a hibiscus tea chip with honey jell and lemon powder, which was accompanied by a warming frozen grape for his first course. The chip was light, airy, and crunchy but packed with a lot of flavor. The honey jell brought out the berry flavor of the hibiscus while the lemon powder accentuated the tartness.
First Course: Snack // Plate Your Dream at Lure Izakaya // Photo: Kristen Mendiola
Second Course: Winter Green
For the second course, Munaretto channeled the deep appreciation various chefs have for gardens and how they treat and care for them. He reflects back to the gardens at home in Cleveland, Ohio. The ingredients used in the salad were fresh and crisp. The dish was comprised of garden ice spinach, heirloom carrots, pickled blueberries (These were delicious!), goat cheese dressed sweet balsamic (OK, I can literally bathe in this!), and roasted garlic thyme oil.
Second Course: Winter Green // Plate Your Dream at Lure Izakaya // Photo: Kristen Mendiola
Third Course: Ceviche
The next course was inspired by Mexican cuisine at Cantina 1910 with the combination of bold, Asian flavors of Strings Ramen. The melt-in-your-mouth hamachi was prepared with dashi salt, red miso, and Buddha hand zest, which was poured tableside. The fusion of these ingredients stimulated all of my flavor sensations…savory, salty, sweet, bitter, and sour. It left me wanting more. I could eat this all day, everyday!
Third Course: Ceviche // Plate Your Dream at Lure Izakaya // Photo: Kristen Mendiola
Fourth Course: Duck
The chef called this the “meat and potatoes” course. It is inspired by his grandfather and his Italian heritage. Chef Munaretto shared that a lot of his creations are recipes he learned from his grandfather. This dish was comforting and heartwarming. The braised duck stuffed gnocchi with pomegranate sunflower seed and parmesan reminded me of Thanksgiving dinner and the gathering of family.
Fourth Course: Duck // Plate Your Dream at Lure Izakaya // Photo: Kristen Mendiola
Fifth Course: Exotic
You know that spectacular dessert at Alinea? The chef takes the techniques he’s learned from his time there and creates this remarkable dessert with coconut liquid nitrogen spheres.
Check out this video!
Wait…did I mention the carrot cake, chocolate twigs, persimmon heart, coconut sorbet, cherry sauce, and fennel pollen? Yes, I’ll take another!
Fifth Course: Exotic // Plate Your Dream at Lure Izakaya // Photo: Kristen Mendiola
This was Munaretto’s first time leading a full dinner service, and he said, “it was a great experience to satisfy a crowd of people” with his own creations. I personally thought the menu was creative and innovative. I was thoroughly impressed by his attention to detail and presentation. He is a true talent, and I look forward to following his rising career.
{Upcoming Talents}
Bob Garrett – February 2, 2016
Yongmin Lee (Grace) – February 16. 2016
David Maya (Alinea, Moto) – March 1, 2016
{Location}
Lure Izakaya // Dark Chefs
Lakeview || 2925 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 360-8816
{Price}
$65/ person (five-course meal)
$90/ person (five-course meal + alcohol pairing)
Purchase your tickets here.
FAB TIP: Seatings happen every hour starting with the first at 5 p.m. and the last at 9 p.m.
Check out the website for future talents and dates. Don’t miss out! Get your tix now!
Live the Fab Food Life,
Soo
Note: This meal was complimentary. However, the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer. Lure Izkaya is CLOSED as of June 2016 but Plate Your Dreams continue at different venues.
