Chef's Tasting at The Spread Greenwich with Chef Carlos Baez

Stephanie Webster
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Let’s be real. Dining out is always a treat. You don’t have to clean up afterwards, and if you’re like me, the menu at almost ANY restaurant is going to surpass what’s going on in my own kitchen. However, if you’re a diner who appreciates experiencing the mind of chef who is executing dishes that are inspired by the season, an “aha” moment, or a desire to experiment, a Chef’s Tasting is the way to take dining to the next level.

It was with this in mind, that I attended Chef Carlos Baez’ monthly Chef’s Table Tasting Dinner, held on the last Thursday of every month at The Spread’s Greenwich location.

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The way the Chef’s Tasting works is simple. Up to 10 diners are seated at a communal table in close proximity to the open kitchen, allowing guests to be a part of the action. Your dining companions might be your besties or they may be people who become your besties by the time the night is over. At $75 pp for 8 courses, paired with wines (and other beverages, depending on the night), the Chef’s Tasting is reasonable priced, and worth every penny. The experience is personal, dietary needs are taken into consideration, and the attentive Spread team makes sure that everyone is getting exactly what they need. And while the menu at The Spread never disappoints, going “off-menu” is even more fun.

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To get a sense for what your meal might look like before you book a Chef’s Tasting dinner, take a peek at the menu below. Each of these courses was served family style, and while I could go on and on about the flavor profiles for each dish, and the delightfully perfect mouthfeel of the octopus, the menu is never the same. Throw caution to the wind, and just enjoy.

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The Spread Chef’s Tasting Menu for October 24

Lobster bisque with Sourdough crouton

Burrata crostini: Butternut squash purée,chili garlic pumpkin seeds, cheves , local honey

Grilled oysters: Elephant garlic butter, fresh herbs, lemon juice

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Grilled Octopus: Fingerling potato purée, chimichurri, crispy shallots, micro arugula

Orechiette: Sautéed zucchini and squash, porcini mushroom broth, Pecorino cheese

Maple Glazed Pork Belly: Shredded potatoes, peach jalapeño salsa, pickled fennel

Pan Seared Veal Chop: Grilled asparagus, coconut curry cauliflower, green peppercorn sauce

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Pumpkin Fritters: Bourbon caramel sauce, walnut goat cheese and fig gelato

If you are interested in making reservations for the November Chef’s Tasting events, you can find The Spread’s contact info here. The next available date will be November 21st. Ok…It’s not the last Thursday of the month, but Thanksgiving got in the way.

The Spread Greenwich is located at 18 W Putnam Ave Greenwich CT 06830 (203) 900-1887