Chefs’ Choice: At a Carte Blanche Dinner at The Space Downtown, Everyone Wins
by Charlottesville29
When guests at a 2013 dinner at The Space Downtown left the menu to the chefs, co-owner Tim Burgess waxed about the opportunity. Clients of an event venue like The Space Downtown typically specify what they would like served. So, when a dinner with carte blanche comes along, Burgess’s eyes widen. “We’re two older chefs still looking to let it rip every now and then,” said Burgess of himself and partner Vincent Derquenne.
Eleven years later, Tim’s son Travis had a similar reaction to a similar opportunity. In the interim, Tim had passed to Travis his role in The Space, as well as the restaurants he co-owns with Derquenne. And when the chance arose to create an event menu without restriction, Travis sounded just like his old man. Opportunities like these, said Travis, “are few and far between, so we are very much looking forward to it.”
The dinner confirmed the same point Travis’s father proved more than a decade earlier: freedom for a Burgess in the kitchen is a win-win. One dish after another made guests swoon. Want to try? Here you go.
Passed Hors D’Oeuvres
- Mini 5 Spice Pork Belly Parker House Rolls
- Foie Gras Mango Sushi (GF)
- King Oyster Mushroom Sushi (GF)(Vegan)
- Coconut Vanilla Rock Shrimp Martini (GF)
- Quattro Formaggi Tortellini Spoons, Mushroom Bolognese
- Crispy Rice Steak Tartare
Semolina Focaccia Crostini Board
- Mortadella, Burrata, Pistachio Pesto
- Shaved Octopus, Aioli, Pickled Fennel
- House Smoked Salmon, Dill, Trout Roe
- Bizou Olive Tapenade (vegan)
- Spiced Smoked Eggplant (vegan)
Stationed Hors D’Oeuvres
- Old School Metropolitain Shrimp Cakes, Sweet Potato Basket, Thai Sauce
- Heirloom Caprese Salad, Fresh Mozzarella (GF)(Vegetarian)
- Tim’s Yellow Squash Ratatouille (GF)(Vegan)
- Burner’s Beef Short Rib Beef Bourguignon (GF)
