Dining Details Blog

Pepperoni Pizza, Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce, and Salad with Broccoli, Edamame, and Carrots… not one of Julie’s “typical” party menus… but what the heck? That was what 9 year old, Julian, wanted to learn how to make for his 9th birthday with his friends. Cousins, siblings, and buddies of Julian’s took turns adding ingredients, stirring, tasting, and assembling. After a brief talk about the importance of cooking at home, eating a variety of foods, organics and being healthy with Chef Julie, the kids got busy cooking for the adults. They all seemed to learn s bit, and Julian had a ball… he could not get enough pepperoni!

Getting ready for the party

Aprons for the kids to decorate

Making the sauce

Assembling the pizzas

Eating their creations

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We have done several events now at Downtown’s Sapphire Tower, most of which have been big cocktail parties, caravans, and open houses. This time, we were invited to do an intimate, special dinner party for one of the residents on the property and their guests.  There we were on the 16th floor of a gorgeous highrise property, presenting a 5 course dinner with all of San Diego in the backdrop!

It made us, and our host wonder, “Could there be a better restaurant in town with such personal service and such an amazing view!?” In our humble opinion, we don’t think so!

Conclusion: Don’t leave home if you can have the best restaurant in town in the comfort of your home!

Look at that view!

The Menu

To Begin
Hawaiian Style Crab Cakes with Coconut Chili Star Anise Sauce

Soup
Roasted Baby Artichoke Soup with Parmesan, Meyer Lemon Truffle Drizzle

Salad
Baby Arugula, Shaved Fennel, Pine Nut Crusted Goat Cheese, Asparagus, Grilled REd Pepper
Vinaigrette

Entree
Thyme Grilled Lamb Pops with Cranberry Port Demi Glace, Celery Root Puree, Vegetable
(Fish of the day to be substituted on two of the six entrees)

Sweets
White Chocolate Lava Cakes with Dark Chocolate Drizzle and Port Simmered Blueberries

Fresh Grouper for the Vegetarians

That was the BEST cake ever! Another one of PJs amazing recipes!

Mmmm... even more White Chocolate Cakes!

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If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

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Chefs Robbie, PJ, and Natalie whipped up quite a spread for one of Dining Details’ “regulars,” to celebrate the soon-to-arrive baby of a close friend. With a Smoked Wild Salmon Bar, Almond Croissant French Toast Creme Brulee with Mint Maple Syrup, a mixture of creative quiches like Chorizo, Caramelized Onion, and Manchego Cheese, (and lots more), it’s not surprising that the food was practically cleared from the buffet table in a heartbeat! The ladies came hungry (knowing the host, they must have expected a delectable spread!) and were very enthusiastic to fill their plates and their bellies! There’s really no brunch in town that compares to Dining Details’!

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Through a special fundraising donation for the Notre Dame Academy,  we had the opportunity to create a special house blessing and birthday celebration dinner. Here is what the host had to say about the experience:

“I just wanted to thank you and Robbie for making my birthday and the blessing of our house such a wonderful event.  The food was absolutely the BEST I have ever had.  Soooo delicious!  The girls are still enjoying the Mac n’ Cheese leftovers!  We will be sure to recommend you! ”
In appreciation,
Jessica

The Menu

Appetizer
Cilantro Pesto Prawn with Ginger Chinese Mustard

Salad
Mixed Baby Greens and Arugula Salad with Pecan Crusted Goat Cheese and Champagne Vinaigrette

Entree
Coconut Crusted Halibut with Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Glaze, Cilantro Scented Jasmine Rice, and Roasted
Baby Carrots

Dessert
Cheesecake with English Toffee and Chocolate Sauce

Children’s Menu
Fresh Green Salad with Petite Dragon Carrots
Homemade Three Cheese Mac N’ Cheese and Sauteed Vegetables

Garnishes of fresh fruit and vegetables from Chinos

Robbie putting his "love" in his dish

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Founder/Owner/Chef Julie Frans turned 30 on February 26th. For the first big night out since the baby was born, Julie chose to get her friends together to experience the “best restaurant in town”- which happened to be, for that evening, at the Whitman’s home. (The best restaurant happens to be where ever Dining Details’ chefs PJ and Robbie happen to be cooking!) PJ put on an amazing spread of small plates, customized just for Julie’s palate, topped off with a delicious banana truffle cake from “Cake.”

The mouthwatering menu was this:

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