Vietnamese Cuisine Reimagined 01/17/2023

December 15, 2022|

Open Kitchen Events presents “Vietnamese Cuisine Reimagined,” with vanguard Fish-Sauce Celebrity Chef Nikki Tran on January 17, 2023

Open Kitchen Events, curator of inventive dining experiences is pleased to bring pioneering, celebrity Chef Nikki Tran to Santa Fe.  As Chef Nikki shares her family memories of traditional Vietnamese flavors, diners will experience 8-courses of rediscovered and redesigned Vietnamese heirloom dishes, complimented by creative cocktail and wine pairings.

Chef Nikki recently wowed travelers from Open Kitchen’s Culinary Escapade to Vietnam at her “Kậu Ba Quán” restaurant in Saigon with both her inventive dishes – her own version of Vietnamese/Cajun crawfish boil – and her entertaining and spirited stories about starting out as an up-and-coming chef in both Vietnam and the United States.

Celebrity Chef Nikki Tran, a “fish-sauce American” has appeared on David Chang’s Ugly Delicious, Phil Rosenthals’ Somebody Feed Phil and most recently the acclaimed Street Food: Asia series.  Her maverick approach has earned her the reputation for taking traditional Vietnamese cuisine and incorporating international influences where she sees fit.  Chef Nikki reimagines Vietnamese cuisine, bringing back forgotten dishes, and introducing new ones her restaurants in Houston, Texas and Saigon, Vietnam.

This exclusive event will take place at the incredibly beautiful Opuntia located on the second floor, 1607 Alcaldesa Street, Suite 201, Santa Fe, NM 87501.
For more details, contact Hue-Chan Karels, Chef-Owner of Open Kitchen Events at info@openkitchenevents.com

“Fish Sauce + Mole” an Omakase-style Dinner – SOLD OUT

December 15, 2022|

Open Kitchen Events is extremely honored to present “Fish Sauce + Mole,” an Omakase-style dinner with Pioneering Chefs Nikki Tran and Fernando Olea on January 13, 2023

“Fish Sauce + Mole” is an original, exclusive, 8-course “Viet-Mex” omakase-type evening of culinary heritage, creativity, and artistry. This truly unique experience will take place at Open Kitchen, located at 227 Don Gaspar, Santa Fe, NM 87505.

Two innovative chefs, Nikki Tran and Fernando Olea, will work together and separately to create a menu featuring three common ingredients that highlight both the differences and similarities of these two powerhouse culinary nations.

Celebrity Chef Nikki Tran has appeared on David Chang’s Ugly Delicious, Phil Rosenthals’ Somebody Feed Phil and most recently the acclaimed Street Food: Asia series. Her maverick approach has earned her the reputation for taking traditional Vietnamese cuisine and incorporating international influences where she sees fit. Chef Nikki reimagines Vietnamese cuisine by adding a Cajun twist, bringing back forgotten dishes, and introducing new ones at her restaurants in Houston, Texas and Saigon, Vietnam.

That creates a perfect collaboration with Santa Fe’s own 2022 James Beard Award-Winning Chef, Fernando Olea. Chef Fernando is known for inventive “New World Cuisine” – his unique interpretations of old world Mexican dishes combined with ingredients from around the world to create exciting flavors that evoke the culinary heritage of Mexico. Famous for his moles, Chef Fernando’s delights include his “New Mexican Mole” created to commemorate Santa Fe’s 400 year anniversary.

Join Chef Nikki and Fernando as they share the stories and distinctive flavors of Vietnamese and Mexican ingredients and cuisine, and how they can combine to celebrate both cultures.

Space is limited.
For more details on this exclusive event, contact Hue-Chan Karels, Chef-Owner of Open Kitchen Events at info@openkitchenevents.com

Chef Nikki Tran, known as Kâu Ba in her native Saigon, lives in both Houston and Saigon. Chef Nikki has childhood memories of being invited to her neighbors’ table to share a good meal. It sparked something within her, and now Nikki dedicates her life to bringing people together through food. She makes every dish with intention, as though she was serving her own family, taking care to select only the freshest, organic ingredients from trusted, local sources. Check out Nikki Tran’s restaurant at Kau Ba Kitchen in Houston and Kậu Ba in Saigon.

Chef Fernando Olea. Originally from Mexico City, Executive Chef and co-owner of Sazón, is the first James Beard regional “Best Chef” winner from Santa Fe since 2005. Chef Fernando creates sophisticated flavors using fresh and locally sourced produce and meats where possible. Chef Fernando received the 2019 Restauranteur of the Year by the New Mexico Restaurant Association and Sazon was recognized by Wine Spectator with an Award of Excellence. https://sazonsantafe.com/about/

New Year’s Eve Paired Dinner – SOLD OUT

December 1, 2022|

Make it a sparkling New Year’s Eve in Santa Fe and join us for a meticulously curated, paired wine dinner.
This five-course meal at Open Kitchen is paired with a combination of Gruet sparkling and still wines.

MENU

Passed Hors D’Oeuvres
Mini Crab Cakes, Smoked Paprika Remoulade
Wild Boar Bacon Mille Feuille with Citrus Mascarpone Cheese
Ancient Grains Croquette with Mole Negro
Paired with Gruet NV Sauvage

First Course
Beef Tenderloin Tartare, Aioli, Olive Tapenade, Grain Mustard
OR
Roasted “Beet Tenderloin” Tartare, Aioli, Olive Tapenade, Grain Mustard
Paired with Gruet NV Brut Rosè

Second Course
Silky Elk Ravioli with Creamy Purple Potato, Blackened Yellow Tomato Sauce, Basil Oil
OR
Spinach and Creamy Purple Potato Ravioli, Blackened Yellow Tomato Sauce, Basil Oil
Paired with Gruet Reserve Chardonnay

Main Course
Pan-Seared Scallop with Miso Beurre Blanc, Cauliflower Puree, Crispy Swiss Chard, Squid Ink Tuile
OR
Mixed Japanese Mushroom with Miso Beurre Blanc, Cauliflower Puree,
Crispy Swiss Chard, Squid Ink Tuile
OR
Wild Cedar Muscovy Duck Breast, Fermented Blueberry, Pearl Couscous,
Roasted King Oyster Mushroom, Wilted Greens
Paired with Gruet Reserve Cabernet Franc

Dessert Course
Xocolatl Pots de Cremè, Red Chile Meringue, Beet Crisps
Paired with Gruet NV “Sweet Jolie” Demi Sec

Saturday, December 31
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Open Kitchen
227 Don Gaspar Ave
Santa Fe

General $200/person
Club $180/person

RSVP by December 28

Tickets include five-course meal, wine pairings, and a take-home bottle or out NV Sauvage or upgrade to a 3-pack of our special New Year’s Eve collection (including our NV Barrel Aged Blanc de Noirs, 2018 Blanc de Blancs, and NV Sauvage) for an additional $50.

Pricing does not include tax and gratuity.
Seating is limited.  RSVP required.  Ages 21 and up.

Handmade Christmas Feast to Enjoy at Home from Open Kitchen

November 27, 2022|

PICK UP at our location on 227 Don Gaspar Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501
at the corner of W. Alameda in the Santa Fe Village across from Del Charro

Pick up on Saturday, December 24, 2022 from 10 am – 12 pm
ORDER BY December 21, 2022

MENU

First
Roasted Chestnut and Sherry Bisque
(vegetarian)

Second
Mixed Greens with Pomegranate and Citrus-Champagne Vinaigrette
(vegetarian)

Main
Choose one of the following

Belgian Beer Braised Short Ribs
Cauliflower Au Gratin with Gruyère, Shiitake Mushrooms
(gluten free, dairy free)
OR
Roasted Sea Bass à la Nage with Coconut Milk and Lemongrass
Forbidden Black Rice Risotto, Asparagus
(gluten free, dairy free)
OR
Roasted Vegetable Terrine
Goat Cheese, Fennel, and Tomato Fondue
(vegetarian)

Dessert
Choose one of the following

White Chocolate and Cherries Bread Pudding
(vegetarian)
OR
Orange Essence Panna Cotta with Spiced Poached Pears

Complete Christmas Feast Package $85 per person plus tax

Handmade Thanksgiving Feast TO-GO from Open Kitchen

October 1, 2022|

PICK UP at our location on 227 Don Gaspar Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501
at the corner of W. Alameda in the Santa Fe Village across from Del Charro

Pick up on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 from 10 am – 12 pm
ORDER BY November 14, 2022

MENU

First
Butternut Squash Bisque
(vegetarian, gluten-free)
OR
Seasonal Greens, Baby Spinach and Arugula with Roasted Pears and Gorgonzola
(vegetarian, gluten-free)

Main
Roasted Organic Free-Range Turkey (Combination of White and Dark Meat)
(gluten-free)
Our turkey is brined in thyme, sage, rosemary, garlic, shallots, juniper berries, and
black pepper then oven-roasted. Served with grilled onion sage bourbon gravy and cranberry
relish with orange and ginger
OR
Roasted Stuffed Autumn Red Pepper
(vegan)
Butternut quinoa and roasted red pepper sauce

Dressing
Rustic Corn Bread, Dried Stone Fruit, and Wild Mushroom Medley
(vegetarian)

Sides
Yukon Mash
(vegetarian, gluten-free)

Brussel Sprout Hash with Caramelized Apples
(vegetarian, gluten-free)

Dessert
Maple Pumpkin Pie with Lemon and Ginger
(vegetarian)

Complete Thanksgiving Feast Package $75 per person plus tax