Sometimes it’s nice to get out of the kitchen and go hang out in the park! This was one of those times. I was able to participate in this year’s taste of the Highlands. I presented a simple offering of Chilled English Pea Soup with olive oil croutons, paprika oil, and mint crème fraiche. Much to my pleasant surprise it was the “bell of the ball” and took home the honor of best dish.

The Sun came out and the weather was fantastic!

Our table looked great, and in case you were not aware Murphy’s is known for having the best brunch in Atlanta. Fortunately for me I was in the park and not working that morning’s service.

Believe it or not, I really do enjoy getting the opportunity to interact with people as they consume what I have created. Even if they do not care for it, I am able to get a better reading of what the general public enjoys. This was a great success, and as I said before it did win best dish! There of course were a couple of people that did not care for it due to their aversion to peas.

I tried to explain that I did not like peas either when I was younger, but was able to eventually come around. However I was simply not persuasive enough for them, and that’s ok. I will now eat and enjoy peas, but there is still one dish that I will never touch, but that is another story!