How Curtis Stone Runs One of the Best Steakhouses in the World — Mise En Place

Summary

Gwen in Hollywood is a meat-centric fine dining experience where craftsmanship, innovation, and zero-waste principles converge. The video showcases the meticulous daily operations, from butchering and dry-aging prime cuts to crafting fresh pasta and hand-selecting black truffles. Seasonal seafood, creative dishes like confit egg yolks with mushrooms, and precise plating highlight the kitchen’s dedication to flavor and texture. The chef emphasizes continuous learning, team collaboration, and guest autonomy, aiming to deliver extraordinary meals. From ingredient sourcing to service, Gwen embodies a balance of tradition, artistry, and culinary excellence, offering diners an unforgettable and immersive gastronomic journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 The restaurant Gwen brings a modern gastronomic twist to Hollywood’s dining scene, offering fine dining with a butcher shop focus.
• 😀 Gwen’s butcher-chef relationship is crucial, with an emphasis on zero waste, using every part of the animal for various dishes.
• 😀 The restaurant features dry-aged beef, including a signature 30-day dry-aged ribeye, showcasing a commitment to unique and premium cuts.
• 😀 Fresh pasta, particularly the Papardelle with black truffle, is a signature dish, prepared daily from scratch with careful attention to dough texture and hydration.
• 😀 The team works closely with specialty suppliers, including sourcing the best black truffles and wild mushrooms to elevate the dishes.
• 😀 The dry aging process of meats is central to Gwen’s offerings, with some cuts aged for up to 60 days for a rich, complex flavor profile.
• 😀 Gwen’s menu emphasizes versatility, allowing guests to customize their dining experience by choosing from a variety of options and combinations.
• 😀 The chefs at Gwen prioritize quality and craftsmanship, using both traditional and innovative methods, such as cooking with black garlic puree and creating flavorful vinegars.
• 😀 Attention to detail in presentation and flavor balance is key, as seen in dishes like the truffle pasta and crudo with fish, aiming to excite guests with each bite.
• 😀 The kitchen transforms throughout the day, with a build-up in pace as service begins, focusing on preparation, seasoning, and cooking techniques to ensure perfect results.
• 😀 Despite its Michelin-star recognition, Gwen remains focused on providing an approachable, rustic yet elevated dining experience, prioritizing the guest experience above accolades.

Q & A

What is the primary concept behind the restaurant Gwen?

Gwen is a butcher and fine dining, meat-centric restaurant located in Hollywood. The aim is to provide high-quality steaks and other meats, along with unique dishes that showcase gastronomic creativity, avoiding the traditional steakhouse experience.

How does the relationship between butchers and chefs work at Gwen?

The butcher and chef relationship is vital at Gwen. The butcher provides the chefs with high-quality cuts of meat, and the chefs use their expertise to make sure that no part of the meat goes to waste. This approach is integral to the zero-waste philosophy of the restaurant.

What is the significance of dry-aging at Gwen?

Dry-aging at Gwen is crucial for enhancing the flavor and texture of the beef. Different cuts are aged for varying lengths, from 21 to 60 days, allowing for the development of a rich, intense flavor. The process involves a specific room with controlled conditions to achieve the desired outcome.

How does Gwen ensure the use of fresh and high-quality seafood?

At Gwen, the seafood is carefully selected for freshness. The restaurant receives live fish and seafood daily, ensuring that everything served is fresh. For instance, the fish is checked for freshness, and dry-aging processes are used to enhance the texture of some seafood, like dorado.

What makes Gwen's fresh pasta stand out?

Gwen's fresh pasta, especially dishes like the Papa Deli with black truffle, is made daily using high-quality flour, eggs, and olive oil. The dough is carefully kneaded to achieve the right texture, ensuring the pasta has a beautiful snap and elasticity when cooked.

What is the importance of sourcing quality truffles at Gwen?

Sourcing top-quality truffles is essential at Gwen, where the chefs hand-select the best truffles from places like Spain. Truffles are integral to several dishes, contributing deep earthy flavors that are carefully balanced with other ingredients like radicchio and hazelnuts.

How does Gwen personalize the dining experience for its guests?

Gwen offers a personalized dining experience by allowing guests to choose their own adventure with the food. Dishes can be enjoyed individually or shared, giving guests the freedom to tailor their meals. The goal is to make each guest feel special and ensure that they leave with the memory of an exceptional meal.

What role does the charred lemon play in the fish dish preparation?

The charred lemon is an important element in the preparation of the fish dish. It is placed directly over the coals to develop a smoky, tangy flavor that complements the richness of the fish, enhancing its overall taste when combined with the Yuzu vinaigrette.

Why does Gwen emphasize the technique of 'emulsions' in their cooking?

Emulsions, such as those used in pasta sauces or dressings, are key in achieving the desired texture and flavor balance in dishes. The process of emulsifying butter and water creates a silky-smooth base that complements ingredients like truffle or radicchio, ensuring a harmonious dish.

What is the restaurant's approach to creating a memorable dining experience?

The restaurant's approach revolves around the use of high-quality ingredients, meticulous preparation, and a focus on guests' satisfaction. The chefs strive to elevate simple, rustic ingredients into extraordinary dishes, providing both visual and culinary pleasure while ensuring that every dish is crafted to perfection.