Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Who has heard of Cave Cooking? Yeah me neither, until tonight. I took a tour of the facilities of Calihan Catering who specialize in off premise catering. They service high end clients in locations such as museums and parks where there are no kitchens. They aim to provide the highest quality of food and therefore have found a way to cook on premise even where no kitchen exists, cave cooking. This is extremely impressive to watch and is performed with such precision.
The food is blanched and seared before being brought to location. The cooks then place the food on sheet pans and place them in the pan rack (cave) and light sterno to cook the food. They cook meals for thousands this way and all the food is cooked perfectly. I saw them cook beef tenderloin, salmon, chicken, green beans, roasted tomatoes, and pasta. It is definitely a great skill!
After watching this technique I now understand why we had to pay over $135 a person for our wedding dinner! I definitely have a new found respect for off premise caterers. After watching them prepare this feast I was inspired to create my own at home. I however cooked mine on the stove in a skillet. Very challenging after watching cave cooking, I know.
Beef Sandwich
WifePlzak Orginal
2 Steaks
3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3 tbsp red wine
salt and pepper
1/4 c. mayonnaise
2 scallions, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 rolls
arugula, garnish
Place the steaks in a bowl and sprinkle with salt and pepper and top with Worcestershire sauce and red wine. Let marinade for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile combine mayo, scallions, and garlic. Place in fridge and let flavors combine while cooking.
In a skillet heat vegetable oil till smoking. Place steaks in and cook 3-4 mins on each side (or until desired doneness is reached). Let cool on a cutting board for 10-15 minutes.
Slice rolls and spread mayonnaise mixture on top piece. Add beef and arugula. Serve immediately.
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2 comments:
Ahhh, cave cooking. My parents did their share of that when they were catering years ago. I remember all too well how much they *hated* it but they were able to pump out some amazing dishes and I wouldn't have known they did it outside of a kitchen set up... well, besides them swearing about it the whole time behind the scenes! :)
This.looks.delicious. I love slicing up steak for a nice hearty sandwich!
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