VIDEO: Best Dining Ever! – Liza’s Kitchen Cooking Class

You may not have been as surprised as I to find out Liza’s Kitchen, the popular local gourmet sandwich shop, could transform into the most ethereal dining experience I’ve ever had the pleasure to indulge. Then again, Liza’s owners, Mike, the skilled chef and his a creative sommelier-wife, were both trained in the art of fine dining, an art offered to the two-dozen or so enrolled in Liza’s once-a-month cooking class.

This month’s class was based on the upcoming movie, “Julie and Julia,” and Mike prepared a feast based on French recipes from Julia Child’s famous book. Each recipe was carefully chosen, prepared in detail and absolutely delicious. So, here is the run down:

The Courses:
Before I get into the food, let me set the scene for you. Tables draped in white, glasses filled with wine, tables prepped for a true dining experience. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming as though you were in a friend’s home. There is laughter amongst everyone, the wine is flowing and, as the sun goes down, an intimacy fills the entire restaurant.

Appetizer:

Amuse Bouche (Quiche Lorraine) – This little dish came before the first course. The name, “Amuse Bouche” actually means amusement for the mouth, and boy was it that. About the size of a mini-cupcake and equal parts flaky and chewy, the quiche dish really set the pallet for the meal to come.

Course 1: Potage Parmentier (Leek and Potato Soup)

Wine: Le Chat Rouge Sauvignon Blanc 2008

This dish came as a total surprise to me because I never knew a potato could be so tasty. This simple recipe used sliced leeks, potatoes and cream to make delightful starter. In fact, the aftertaste proved more flavorful than the initial bite as it ran circles around my taste buds long after bowl was empty. But what ignited the soup’s flavor was the pairing of the sauvignon blanc. Light enough to not overwhelm the soup, but tuned just enough to enhance the leeks, the soup/blanc pairing was nothing short of absolute perfection. My palette was whet and ready for the next course.

Course 2: Moules A La Mariniere (Mussels Steamed with Wine)

Wine: Chateau Bonnet 2008

I’ve never had mussels before. Suffice it to say me and clams never clicked. But, man-oh-man, I nearly became a Neanderthal after the first bite and charged into those shells to get the luscious white wine steamed morsels. A recipe that called for minced shallots, thyme and bay leaves fused in a near poetic way with the glass of chateau bonnet. The wine had just enough effervescence to make the whole course sing.

Course 3: Bifteck au Poivre (Pepper Steak with Brandy Sauce)

Wine: Chateau Samonac 2005

I’ve eaten many steaks in my life. I love steak in all its forms. But I will tell you, without equivocation, that the steak I prepared at Liza’s Kitchen was the best steak I’ve ever eaten. Ever. Period. The steak was so tender I cut it with a butter knife and was so flavorful I literally sighed after each bite.

The steak, sautéed to perfection was rubbed over with crushed peppercorns giving it a raging, but not smothering, spiciness. Seasoned just right, sided with a creamy garlic mash potatoes and covered over in the light brandy sauce, it was almost too good to be true. And the wine pairing lifted that succulent cut of meat to transcendent heights. There are just not enough superlatives in the English language to describe how amazing the peppercorn steak turned out to be.

Course 4: Crème Brulee

Wine: Rosenblum “Ripken Ranch Lot 34” Late Harvest

To top of what was an amazing meal, Mike served up an ultra-creamy crème brulee. His version, creamier than that which I’m accustomed, crowned the night. Caramelized just enough for a subtle crisp, and touched with strawberries, the crème brulee caused contented languishing throughout the restaurant.

The Final Outcome:

This was the absolute best dining experience I’ve ever had. The atmosphere was relaxing and welcoming and the food was out of this world. By the end of the night, laughter and smiles filled the restaurant, strangers became friends and we all left with a great night to retell. I would recommend to everyone the experience. If you love Liza’s as the gourmet sandwich shop for lunch, the dinner will blow you away.

The next cooking class will be held Friday August 21st. To reserve your seat call the restaurant at 850.233.9000.
Liza’s is located at 7328 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408

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