Back in the Kitchen with Joe: Veta La Palma Dinner

Join Chef Joe Cizynski “back in the kitchen” for an intimate, informative gourmet dinner!

Veta la Palma is an estate in Andalusia, Spain, and its aquafarm food chain starts with simple microalgae, produced naturally by the sun and waters. Mysis shrimp thrive on the algae, larger Camarones shrimp feed on the mysis, the fish feed on the Camarones, and flamingos and other rare birds feed on the fish. Humans in turn harvest the fish for haute cuisine.

Situated between the Guadiamar and Guadalquivir Rivers in the Seville region of Spain about 10 miles upriver from the Atlantic, the estate employs a reverse pumping and channeling system to return the lands back to a marshland habitat. The area has also become one of the largest bird refuges in Europe, attracting almost 250 species of birds annually. Fish lost to birds — up to 20 percent of stocks annually — are viewed as a sign that the entire ecosystem is balanced and thriving.

Tonight we will dine on some exquisite seafood from the Veta La Palma estate! We will start with uni crepes with foie gras mousse and plankton pearls, ceviche de daurade royale, lubina with Andalusian sauce and almond butter. And we will finish with an orange cardamom olive oil cake. Complimentary Amontillado sherry cobblers will be served. This is a BYOB event and Spanish whites are suggested. This meal will be served in the Simoneau Kitchen and is limited to 10 guests so sign up early!

Born in New York, Joseph Cizynski started gaining kitchen experience from an early age thanks to his mother and Aunt Dorothy who shared their passion and knowledge of food with him. He attended Fairfield University where he played baseball and for two summers played in the Cape League, thus beginning his love for Cape Cod. Upon graduation from college and a sport injury, Joseph landed at the Culinary Institute of America. At the age of 26, Joe became chef/owner of Café du Bec Fin, located in Old Greenwich, CT, transforming it into a French seafood restaurant and receiving three-3 Star reviews from the New York Times. He was the first Connecticut restaurateur to receive the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for ten consecutive years. Café du Bec Fin was the venue for numerous wine tasting dinners and hosted the members of the Mondavi, Krug, and Dujac families. Several years ago, Joe opened a boutique wine shop located in Westchester County and has since shared his knowledge of wine and food pairings, hosting numerous tastings and dinners. He looks forward to sharing his experiences, food, and wines with you!