Dinner Lab

Our friends Maria & Robbie always seem to find out about the coolest things, and lucky for us, we sometimes get to join them. They have a membership to Dinner Lab -- a really unique concept that gives up-and-coming chefs an opportunity to test food out on diners at a one-night only pop-up restaurant -- and last night, we were able to join them. Sadly, I didn't take any photos of the space. Raw and sparse. I liked it. We were greeted with bourbon lemon cocktails, which started the evening off nice. Chef Gabriel Moya cooked up some really delicious food. Take a look!


First Course // Sunchokes, Mustard Seed, Daikon & Watermelon Radish


Second Course // Roasted Carrots, black rice, hibiscus gastrique
Paired with // Pinot Grigio, Italy 2014


Third Course // Turnips, Pork Belly, Onion Brûlée, Soy, Pickle Shiitakes


Fourth Course // Braised Tripe, Spanish Chorizo, Chickpeas, Sourdough
Paired With // Chardonnay, California, 2013


Fifth Course // Dulce de Leche, Coffee Ice Cream, Banana Pudding, Cocoa Crumble



Maria even brought fresh eggs from the chickens on the farm for us and Jeanette and her husband, who met up with us and dined with us. How great is that? (I stole this image from Maria....).

Overall, the night was really great and we enjoyed everything we ate. We all agreed the first wine pairing was off, but after already having a few of those bourbon drinks, that was minor. My absolute favorite course we ate was the dessert. It was amazing, and I really wanted to lick my plate clean. Diners are asked to fill out a form and provide feedback on each course, which was kind of fun, since it makes you really think about what your are eating, provides some interesting conversation and initiates interaction with other diners. It was a fun night, and I really thought it was an interesting way to dine.