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Chef Ashley James Dishes About StrEAT Food, His New PBS Show “Cuisine Culture” & His DeathbedFood

Recently I met The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles’ Executive Chef Ashley James while sampling his StrEAT food menu in the hotel’s Windows Lounge.  British-born, he’s worked in France, England, Germany, Spain, Singapore, Argentina, Uruguay and Mexico before coming to the U.S six year ago.  His vast global background was the base used to develop a refined approach to street food through this menu.

In addition to the StrEAT Food menu, Chef James has also been busy creating a new show which airs on PBS, Cuisine Culture.  I almost fell over when he told me he’s friends with Daniel Boulud and that Chef Boulud would be featured on his show!  The list of chefs who will appear with him on his new show is impressive – including the legendary Guy Savoy, Daniel Boulud, Josiah Citrin (Melisse):

Source: Four Seasons Magazine, Issue Three 2011.

Source: Four Seasons Magazine, Issue Three 2011.

With the series, his goal is to cover how Old and New World influences intersect, exploring the influence of French culinary method over various regional cuisines.  You can get a taste of his show with this clip where he cooks with Daniel Boulud:

So, with a Chef this culturally diverse, I had to know what would make his DeathbedFood list.  Here, he shares two key items:

Hmm, neither of those things are on the StrEAT menu, but, nonetheless, it’s hard (if not impossible) to stay away from his StrEAT food as you’ll see below.  You can try it too as it’s served daily after 4pm.

Morelian Gazpacho Salad, Jicama, Watermelon, Papaya, Pineapple, Cucumber, Orange Juice, Chili Salt.  This dish was a light and refreshing way to start out an evening.

Gazpacho Salad.

Crab Tostadas with Chipotle, Tomato, Onion, and Avocado. You can’t go wrong with fresh crab and avocado …

The StrEAT menu is accompanied by an artisanal cocktail list which reflects the seasonal, fresh produce available in Southern California and herbs from the property’s on-site herb garden. Cocktails include Watermelon Refresher (tequila, fresh watermelon juice and agave syrup); Rye Blvd (rye, ginger liqueur, sherry, and bitters); Whiskey Maven (bourbon, blood orange, melon, peach, fresh mint, agave and blackberries); and Mule (vodka with ginger beer and muddled cucumbers).

Deathbed Cocktail Alert: the Mule (pictured bottom right) was a near perfect cocktail in my book … the gingery spicy goodness is really something not to be missed!

Artisan Cocktails.

Crispy Sushi Rice, Spicy Ahi Tuna Tartare, Wasabi, Yuzu Emulsion. Even though I’m not a huge ahi fan, these bites just may convert me!

Spicy Ahi Tuna Tartare.

Belgian Fries, Real Mayonnaise.  Unfortunately for my nutrition goals, I must always indulge in fries like these when offered …

Pommes Frites.

Mini Tortas, Pork Carnitas, Arbol Chili Sauce, Red Onion, Radish.  Comfort food! Like a pork Sloppy Joe.

Mini Pork Tortas.

Eggplant Coconut Curry, Crispy Pappadums. Indian food is my favorite, always, and this dish did not disappoint.

Eggplant Coconut Curry.

Chicken Chipotle Cilantro Dog, Guacamole, Charred Corn Mango Salsa. This may have been my favorite of the evening.  A must-order item for sure!

Chicken Chipotle Cilantro Dogs.

Singaporean Carrot Cake Scramble, Organic Eggs, Daikon Rice Pancake, Chili, Green Onion, Cilantro, Garlic.  Really unique and savory, also a must-order!

Singapore Scramble.

And for dessert, several delicious offerings …

Ice Cream Sandwiches.

Churros with Chocolate Sauce.

Banana Fritters with Coconut Ice Cream.

Chef James, I can assure you I’ll be back to Windows Lounge soon for more of the StrEAT Food and, in the meantime, I’ll be watching you on PBS!