3rd Annual Patron Tasting

I had the pleasure of being invited to the 3rd Annual Fahrenheit Patron Party this past weekend. Rocco's talent was shining at this Mexican-inspired tasting. For $32, guests received six courses and two Patron-infused cocktails (what a deal!).

1st Course- Fried Flour Tortilla Chips, Salsa Fresco, Guacamole
This dish was a simple classic, but the chips were delicious and the guacamole was tart and salty-just how I like it!

2nd Course- Crab and Local Sweet Corn Fundido, Spinach, Sharp Jack Cheese, Pickled Chilies, Lime, Cumin Rubbed Pita, and Flour Tortilla Chips
By far our favorite dish of the evening! This "dip" was filled with large hunks of real crab meat, the sweet corn just shined, and the pickled chilies gave it just the right amount of "zing". This should be on the regular menu at Fahrenheit!

3rd Course- Red Chili Roasted Duck Quesadilla, Smoked Red Onion, Pico De Gallo, Sour Cream
Tasty and rich in flavor!

4th Course- Mexican Pizza, Fresh Avocado, Roasted Tomato, Chorizo, Cilantro, Sharp Jack and Cheddar Cheese, Garlic Oil
This was the weakest dish on the menu, but mainly because our plate did not include the fresh avocado. When the plate arrived, it looked bare. All of the chorizo was clumped together on one slice of the pizza, and the avocado was mysteriously missing. It was still a tasty dish, but fresh avocado and extra cilantro would have given this dish the extra push that it needed.

5th Course- "Rocco's" Taco's" Walleye and Shrimp Tempura, Napa Cabbage Slaw, Secret Salsa, Flour Tortillas
Served off of Rocco's truck parked on the sidewalk, this course was one of the best. The battered walleye and shrimp were light and tasty, and the cabbage slaw was one of the best that I've had in a while. All of the components worked wonderfully together, and getting them off his "roach coach" was part of the fun!

6th Course- Choice of Spiced Mango Cheesecake with Mint or Fahrenheit Fried Ice Cream, Crispy Crust, Double Scoop, Truffle Honey, Chocolate Sauce
I went for the fried ice cream, but both desserts were fantastic. The ice cream was coated in sweet crushed corn flakes and drizzled with honey and chocolate sauce. The cheesecake reminded me of key lime pie- it was so light and refreshing. The flavor of mango was well thought out and not overpowering. A perfect finish to a wonderful tasting!

All of the dishes included in the tasting really highlighted Chef Whalen's talent. It just goes to show that a true chef can create simple dishes that are packed with flavor and tickle the tastebuds.