FROM DEREK’S DESK
Recently, Elmer Dills, the respected restaurant reviewer seen regularly on KABC-TV, dined at Derek’s. We’re flattered and grateful that he gave us a magnificent review, which aired in August . We’re still getting responses from that segment, which showed the restaurant, food and even a brief interview with yours truly.
What’s makes this so gratifying is that we are entering our eighth year at Derek’s. The restaurant business is always a challenge—statistics show that only one of every ten restaurants lasts more than two years. We attribute our success to you, our loyal patrons; to honor your support, we want to offer you a toast. So please present this newsletter when you dine at Derek’s in October and November, and we will be honored to pour each person in your party a complimentary glass of Taittinger champagne. A votré santé! (To your health)
New Winter Menu
Savor some new and flavorful creations, including white asparagus with house cured gravlax, crème friache, cracked pepper & lemon; wild salmon with beluga lentils, crisp bacon & mustard beurre blanc; rack of lamb on a bed of mashed rutabaga with brussels sprouts.
WINE DINNER – November 16th at 6:30 p.m.
Australian wines continue to earn accolades. We’ll feature some outstanding varietals, all of which scored at least 95 points from reviewer Robert Parker. Kevin Stuart from Epicurean Wines will explain details of these fine wines, which are allocated or available only in limited amounts.
1st - Egg Shell filled with Whipped White Truffle Mashed Potatoes, topped with Caviar
Woop Woop “v” Verdelho, 2005, South Australia
2nd - Celery, Celeriac and Pomegranate Salad, Lemon Vinagrette
Hanenhof Viognier 2004, Barossa Valley
3rd - Tenderloin of Pork wrapped in Pancetta, a top Quinoa, Cranberry-Orange Sauce
Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz, 2002, Barossa Valley
4th – Rebecca’s Chocolate Tart, Raspberries & Whipped Cream
Tatiarra Cambrian Shiraz, 2003 Heathcote
$110 per guest - Reservations strongly recommended. Tax and tip not included.
Thanksgiving Week
Derek’s will be closed Thanksgiving and Friday 25th so our staff can celebrate the holiday. We will reopen Saturday.
CHRISTMAS EVE AT DEREK’S
The tables are set, the fireplace aglow, and Derek’s is decked out in holiday finery. Enjoy Christmas Eve with a special tasting menu. Our regular a la carte menu will also be available.
Christmas Eve Tasting Menu
1st-- Derek’s Waldorf Salad served in a Martini Glass
2nd-- Thai Shrimp Bouchees, Coconut Cream Sauce
3rd-- Fig and Goat Cheese stuffed Pheasant, Mashed Yams & Grain Mustard Sauce
4th – Chestnut Cake with Winter Fruit Compote
$65* per guest - Reservations strongly recommended. – wine pairing $30* per guest.
*Tax and tip not included
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Ring out the old and toast in the new at Derek’s festive New Year’s Eve gala dinner. There will be two seatings:
1st seating reservations taken for 5.30pm, 6pm and 6.30pm
4 course dinner plus chef’s canapé $75 per guest. Wine pairing $32 per guest.
2nd seating reservations taken for 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm and 9.30pm but the party continues to midnight
6 course dinner plus chef canapé $120 per guest, wine pairing $48 per guest.
The menu will be posted on our web site in November. We have a full house every year, so please make your reservations well in advance.
GOODBYE MICHAEL
It is with heavy hearts that we say a sad farewell to Michael Gilpin. He will be relocating to the San Francisco area because his wife has been transfered there. We will miss his enthusiasm, professionalism and dedication and wish all the best to him, his wife and his two adorable twins. Many of you have seen the photos shared by this proud papa. Come say good-bye to Michael before he leaves in December.
HELLO REBECCA
We also bid farewell to our pastry chef Tobi Sovak, who also moved when her husband accepted a position in Oregon. Rebecca Maglangque has been Tobi’s understudy for the past year and will now assume the role of pastry chef. She continues creating some of Tobi’s most acclaimed pastries and desserts, with tantalizing touches of her own. Savor her delicious Chocolate flourless cake, espresso ice cream, candied nuts & sable cookies or warm apple streusel galette with vanilla bean ice cream and caramel sauce.
PERFECT HOLIDAY PARTY PLACES
Let us entertain you and your friends at Derek’s, where we offer three distinctive dining rooms that can accommodate parties from 6 to 40. Choose from the spacious Bistro, the soundproof Private Dining Room, and the intimate and elegant Petite Dining Room. We’ll assist you in selecting a sensational menu and we’ll do all the rest. Or if you prefer, we can take care of all your holiday celebrations at your own house or office. Please contact Caroline or Derek for details.
DEREK’S—181 EAST GLENARM STREET—PASADENA—626/799-5252—WWW.DEREKS.COM
