Micro Greens : Macro Flavor
Having recently completed our first Food Lab, our executive chef James Mignola is sourcing potential ingredients that will shape the menu of our Aubergerie. Our culinary concept is inspired by the French concept of Auberge, which represents a tradition of comfort, cuisine and hospitality.
As we continue to evolve our menu inspirations, our team is researching a variety of rare yet delicious microgreens that will marry well with The Whitechapel Projects nanobrews and Aubergerie dishes. Generally, the term microgreen refers to a wide range of micro vegetables, sprouts (been or alfalfa) and cress, which are seedlings of a particular plant variety. Available in all shapes, sizes, tastes and textures, we are envisioning micro-orchid-lined plates in our Aubergerie as just one of the aesthetically pleasing, edible creations that will come out of our kitchen.
Picture it….a beautiful Sunday afternoon sitting in The Yard of The Whitechapel Projects sipping a champagne cocktail that is accompanied by the microgreen Sechuan Button! This small yellow flower provides a sparkling or tingling sensation – producing an almost electric feeling on the tongue. When paired with champagne these specialty micros enhance the bubbly while also contributing a lemon essence.
One of the more interesting microgreens our chef is investigating is the micro oyster leaf. The name pretty much says it all – these little gems are salty and pair well with crustaceans and seafood and are also considered to be “oysters” for vegetarians. Perhaps fresh oysters paired with a minuet sauce and garnished with oyster micro will be a possible menu at The Whitechapel Projects. We will have to call on our Food Lab participants to taste-test menu items featuring micro oyster leaves to see!
The chapters of our Aubergerie’s story are still being written and the possibilities are endless. Stay tuned to see how we continue to source ingredients that will influence our menu and support the overall mission of The Whitechapel Projects’ Aubergerie.
