The Province

An appreciati­on for all things Okanagan

Local ingredient­s, internatio­nal influences inspire Gray Monk chef’s cuisine

- RANDY SHORE

Graham Momer is a true local, born in Kelowna and graduating from culinary school at Okanagan College. He recognizes and seeks out the world-class ingredient­s available locally in the Okanagan and appreciate­s internatio­nal influences and ingredient­s, especially from Italy. In February, he took on the role of Gray Monk Estate Winery’s executive chef at The Lookout Restaurant, curating a locally driven seasonal menu. Q What motivates and inspires you as a chef? A I am motivated by the fact I get to eat delicious food when I’m done cooking. I am inspired by all the beautiful products of the Okanagan Valley. Q How would you describe the type of food you like to cook? A I cook Okanagan cuisine with a predominan­t but not exclusive Italian influence. Q What might diners not know about you? A My least favourite food is canned tuna. I hate it! I can’t even be around it. Q Describe a couple of your most recent creations. A I literally just finished baking the best banana bread I have ever baked with my kids. Secret ingredient: coconut yogurt. We have homemade pizza most Sunday nights, most recently we had chorizo, potato and chimichurr­i pizza. It was OK. Q What’s your favourite local product and how do you use it? A Okanagan heirloom tomatoes are simply the best. I put them on toasted tomato sandwiches or a simple tomato salad with shaved Grana Padano, olive oil and balsamic. Q If there’s one important piece of advice you might have for home cooks, what might that be? A Just have fun, have a drink, relax. Don’t over think anything, don’t stress about anything, just cook! Not everything will turn out perfectly and that is OK.

CRISPY POTATO & CRAB CAKES

During this strange time we are living in, I think it is important to take a moment to splurge and treat yourself and your loved ones. Making a nice a meal and enjoying a great bottle of wine with your family can provide a muchneeded escape. 4 small russet potatoes 11/2 lbs (680 g) crabmeat, divided (Dungeness or King) 1 tbsp (15 mL) dill stems, chopped 2 tbsp (30 mL) melted butter ¼ cup (60 mL) Grana Padano, grated 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped Salt to taste ¼ lb (114 g) crabmeat, for garnish Crab & Miso Remoulade 1 cup (250 mL) mayonnaise 1 tbsp (15 mL) miso paste ¼ cup finely diced dill pickle 1 tbsp (15 mL) dill, finely chopped ¼ lb (114 g) crabmeat

Steam the russet potatoes for 22 minutes. Cool and refrigerat­e for several hours, until cool throughout. It’s best if you choose smaller potatoes as they will steam more evenly.

The crabmeat will also need to be divided into three different portions of the recipe. Be sure to reserve the nicest pieces for the final garnish!

For the remoulade, combine all the ingredient­s except the crab and whisk. Taste and season if desired.

(It should be salty enough.) Fold in chopped crabmeat and set in the fridge.

Preheat oven to 350 F

(175 C). Peel cooled potatoes using a paring knife and grate coarsely. Combine potato with crabmeat, melted butter, garlic, dill stems, and Grana Padano. Season with a pinch of salt and taste.

Now form the mixture into 4 even balls and press into puck shapes using a ring mould. In a frying pan on medium heat, warm a little oil and sear crab and potato cakes on both sides. Be sure not to crowd the pan. Once they’re golden brown, place in the oven and get ready to plate.

Place the crab cakes in the centre of the plate and top each cake with a large dollop of remoulade. Garnish the plate with more chunks of crabmeat and crisp vegetables marinated in a little lime juice, salt and honey.

Pair with Gray Monk Unwooded Chardonnay.

 ??  ?? Graham Momer says he’s inspired by the beautiful products of the Okanagan Valley.
Graham Momer says he’s inspired by the beautiful products of the Okanagan Valley.
 ??  ?? Crab and potato cakes are served with remoulade and crisp marinated vegetables.
Crab and potato cakes are served with remoulade and crisp marinated vegetables.

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