McCallister at Central Market

by Steven Doyle

Last evening Central Market hosted what will become a more regular feature in their restaurant series line-up. Coming off the second leg of what will be a nearly year-long staging tour through the countries best restaurants — and extended time in Europe — chef Matt McCallister was in Central Market’s kitchen stadium last evening to wow a small crowd of about 45 hungry food enthusiasts. 

In speaking with Michelle Rodarte, Central Market’s cooking school manager she was especially ecstatic to host McCallister saying, “we have been really excited to work with Matt and have him as the first in the new pop-up dinner concept”.

Rodarte stays plenty busy at Central Market and is constantly bringing in amazing international talent to work with their customers. Normally the events revolve around a cooking class and they sell out quickly, but the pop-up dinner series is more getting to know the chef.  It is also about dining in a different setting and watching as the buzz flies through the kitchen and staff with an inside perspective.

Last evening when McCallister first addressed the hungry group of diners he shyly invited them to enjoy themselves and to feel free and ask questions, come into the kitchen to watch or take pictures, and even told them they could help out if they wished.

Crave will have more McCallister news next week.

Here is what the good chef made for us:

 Sea Urchin, Vanilla, Verjus, Coriander, Chile and Lemon paired with Charles and Charles Rose 2010

Big Eye Tuna

Big Eye Tuna, East Indian Spices, Basil, Smoked Banana, Ginger and Cucumber

 Lobster, Scallop, Popcorn, Sorrel and Parsnip paired with Rodney Strong “Chalk Hill” Chardonnay 2009

Kombu Cured Pork Loin, Asparagus, Bonito, Clams, Kimchee and ramps paired with Trimbach Gewuztraminer 2007

Crispy Lamb Leg, English Pea, White beans, Black Truffle and Bay-Blueberries paired with Chante Cigale Chateauneur-du-Pape 2007

Candy Bar, Peanut, Nuttella Powder, Dulce con Leche Powder with Mint Ice Cream paired with Barahonda Bellum “El Remate” Late Harvest 2006

McCallister's Crew