Two Questions in One

[cape chef]

Does anyone still do Intermizzo?

If yes, is it the Pastry Chefs job?

Also, How do the pastry people feel about combining savory ingredients with there sweet bases for sorbets?

Example;
Pineapple with tarragon and red peppercorns (crushed)
saffron and honey..ETC.

[momoreg]

I would say yes, that the pastry chef should do the intermezzo, or at least as a collaborative effort with the chef. I haven't done them in years, but I've seen 'em in recent years while dining in some restaurants.

Savory should be part of the intermezzo (herbs, etc.), and I also like some of the sweeter savories, such as cucumber, tomato, anise, etc, because of their neutrality and cleansing qualities.

Your pineapple intermezzo sounds refreshing...

Come to think of it, you only hear of sorbets as intermezzos, but has anyone seen other preparations used the same way(to cleanse the palate)?

[cape chef]

Hmmmm,

Momo,

I'm sitting here trying to think of what iv'e seen done other than ices, sorbets and gratines for intermezzo.

I have to think about this one.

[ShawtyCat]

Ok, I wasnt gonna ask but the dictionary didnt tell me much. What in the world is an "Intermezzo". All the dictionary said was: Music and I cant see anyone eating music.

[cape chef]

Intermezzo is a palete cleanser served between usaully the third and fourth course of a formal meal. Most of the time when you are going from seafood to meat.

Like said before by Momoreg, it is almost always a sorbet, not a sherbert like served at Freindlys restaurant but less sweet and balanced with acid and sweetness and savory.

Intermezzo basiclly means Intermission, give your palete a stretch so to speak.
cc

[m brown]

like the lime between the taquila and salt?

whoops,


how about a warm infusion or tea course in place of the sorbet? the same principals could be applied, lime with cardamon and saffron, but warm. tiny sake like cup.

fruit jelly lemon verbena.

or

poached citrus zest, not quite candy.

[cape chef]

M Brown,

I absolutly love your humor.

The lime in between the Agave and salt sounds perfect about now.

You have peeked my curiousity.

I have always thought that temperture plays a very important role in the effectiveness of a intermezzo.

Cold, elevates, stimulates and cleanses the palate. as something warm in this situation may work in reverse.

Michel, I am playing the devils advocate here.
Does this make sense?

BTW...pass the lime.

[panini]

IMO This is a very important part of any meal. It is starting to arrive back on the scene here. To my dislike, the chefs are going way to right. An intermezzo IMO really should be a cleansing and neutralizing to prepare for the next course. I have usually developed mine with a little yin and yang philo. The last few I have had have been way to overpowering, adding flavor instead of infusing. Last week we had a nice one after scallops w/creme sauce, it was ruby red grapefruit w/a hint of tequilla sorbet. the chef put this in the middle of a quinelle of blood orange gratinee and sprinkled w/pink peppercorn.
I have use sorbets,chilled consumees, and such.
Great topic.
Usually pastry chefs task.

[thebighat]

Think I'd rather have a backrub between the releve and the entree, if I could.

[Suzanne]

TBH: Oh, you meant as the dinner guest! At first I thought you meant being the cook! (Wouldn't we all like that!?!?)

[Athenaeus]

I am with panini on that. I find it very very important in a dinner and I am looking forward to your ideas.

Cape Chef,mbrown I have never thought that an intermezzo could be hot!! Especially tea...

But TBH you may have your back rubbed while you are enjoying your intermezzo!!


Great topic BTW

[m brown]

to remove the remains of cocoa butter from the mouth during a chocolate tasting it is suggested you drink warm water.
why does the intermezzo have to be cold, just to save stove or oven space by having a cold course?
to cleanse the palate why not warm to remove fats, oils?

this is fun.

back rub would be nice too.

[cape chef]

Dear M.Brown,
I understand your point about drinking warm water at a chocolate tasting,
(Although I would prefere 77 Fonseca).

This differene here is that the water is a neutral ingredient that imparts no distinct flavor
Change in the chocolate, but as you said..It melts the cocoa butter off your tongue.
In addition, you are going from one style chocolate to another, instead of one distinct flavor profile
Into another (as in a meal).

When I go to, or conduct wine tastings, I follow your format in regards to palete cleansing.
Water and sliced bagguette is all you need to move from one wine to another.

Except; of course if you are trying to show the chemical and physical changes that occur during eating certain foods with wine.

The chilled aspect of an Intermezzo achieves palate cleansing by a balance of acid to sweetness and temperture. The acid cleanses the pores in your toungue, while the sugar and coldness kind of tickle your toungue and get it juiced up for the next course.

I think the concept is not so much as actually “Cleaning your mouth” as it is to stimulate your taste buds.

[m brown]

what about tart fruit gels or lightly candied zests?

as far as the warm mezzo, how about a tepid one?
could happen.

[momoreg]

As long as the intermezzo police don't find out, why not?