At midnight on Sunday, December 6th, restaurants were once again being required to only provide food “to go” with no in-restaurant or patio dining.

Plans had long been made by Chevalier Kelly Tucker and Bailli David Weinberg to host a holiday dinner for the Bailliage at Knife Pleat on that Sunday. Timing was fortunate for the 33 people in attendance. Seated in a sheltered outdoor dining terrace they enjoyed a truly wonderful Festive Holiday meal on this Cinderella evening.

After the members were seated having enjoyed Champagne and plated hors d’oeuvres, Bailli Provincial Honoraire Bryan Stirrat and Bailli David Weinberg conducted a brief induction during which Chef/Owner Tony Esnault received his Chef Rôtisseur ribbon.

Kelly Tucker shared his passion for the Chaîne on this evening. He had invited 11 guests to come experience fine food, camaraderie and learn more about the Chaîne - and membership. In addition to being a cardiologist, Tucker represents Fine Wines International in Orange County. Tucker provided the Champagne and Burgundies for the evening and spoke about the selections to the group.

Highlights of the meal included lobster risotto made from Acquarello, aged carnaroli rice flavoured with Cognac, chives and Espelette pepper. Chassagne-Montrachet 2018 from Domaine Paul Pillot was a perfect partner.

The Crescent Farm duck was served as leg confit and breast complemented with spinach, polenta and orange gastrique.

Mazy-Chambertin Grand Cru 2012 from Camus Père & Fils elevated every nuance of the flavours on the plate. Each course of food and wine was beautifully paired and memorable.

Executive Chef/Owner Tony Esnault who was born in Saumur in France’s Loire Valley is a protégé of the brilliant Alain Ducasse. Chef Esnault has cooked at Michelin-starred restaurants in France, Monte Carlo, New York, and Los Angeles.

Chef Esnault met Restaurateur Yassmin Samardi. They collaborated on two very popular Los Angeles restaurants: “Spring” and “Church & State”. They became the city’s culinary power couple.

Now married, they have brought their talents and experience to Orange County. Here they opened their very chic Knife Pleat in the Penthouse level at South Coast Plaza. It is a perfect showcase for Chef Esnault’s passion for cooking and for his innate elegance with flavours, execution and artistic presentation.

Sheryle Ulyate
Chargée de Presse Provinciale
Bailliage Provincial of Far West