Hayward House’s French Connection: Bichot Family Vineyards Chef’s Dinner was one of our recent First Access & Deal Perks, and I couldn’t wait to share the experience with you all. Thank you to everyone who attended. If you’ve been thinking about joining us for one of Chef Blake’s dinner events, I hope this article convinces you to grab a seat at our table next time.
In my humble opinion, Chef Blake Shine has earned his place amongst the top chefs in Tallahassee.
Every time I attend a Hayward House dinner event, Chef Shine somehow manages to raise the bar even higher. These dinners are an opportunity for him to truly shine (pun intended), creating dishes that require so much preparation and attention to detail that they simply wouldn’t be possible on the restaurant’s regular menu.
Every plate features creative combinations of incredibly fresh ingredients that are packed with color and flavor. One of my favorite moments of the evening is hearing Chef Blake personally introduce each course, sharing the inspiration and stories behind every dish before it’s served. Every ingredient on the plate is intentional, with each one contributing something to the final bite.
The evening began with a Cold Water Oyster Duo, featuring one oyster topped with yuzu soy pearls and another with jalapeño lime. I honestly couldn’t tell which one I liked more. They were both fantastic in completely different ways. The citrus and heat paired beautifully with our first pour of the evening, a glass of Champagne Mandois NV.
Next came my very first experience with caviar, and what an introduction it was.
The Caviar Potato featured a double stuffed mini Yukon Gold potato with crème fraîche and Ossetra caviar. Chef Blake described the caviar as buttery and salty, and it was exactly that. The richness of the caviar with the creamy potato and crème fraîche made for an indulgent little bite that was comforting and luxurious.
The meal continued with a First of Summer Salad of grilled red endive, golden pear, Marcona almonds, lavender chèvre, fennel fronds, gooseberry jam, and blood orange vinaigrette. Every bite delivered something different, from sweet to tangy to creamy, and it all perfectly showcased this season’s ingredients.
Then came the entrées, and they absolutely stole the show.
The Herb Crusted Lamb, served with summer ratatouille and mint chimichurri, was perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. The lamb was tender and flavorful, while the mint chimichurri added a fresh finish that tied everything together.
Next, we enjoyed the Filet of Beef with Robuchon potatoes, honey citrus glazed carrots, and Merryvale Cabernet jus. The steak was cooked beautifully, and the Robuchon potatoes may have been some of the creamiest potatoes I’ve ever had. It was during this course that I realized every bite was at its best when everything on the plate came together – culinary artistry at its finest. The potatoes, carrots, steak, and Cabernet jus created a combination that was unforgettable.
By dessert, I was beyond happily full… and yet somehow managed to finish every last bite.
The evening ended with a Lavender Peach Crème Brûlée, featuring macerated peaches and lavender custard. The floral notes of the lavender paired beautifully with the sweet peaches, and the silky custard beneath that crackly brûléed topping was a wonderful ending to the meal. It was just light enough that I couldn’t resist polishing off the entire thing.
Of course, the evening wasn’t just about the food.
Each course was accompanied by thoughtfully selected wines presented by Derek Captain of Winebow. I loved the champagne with the oysters, the whites and reds that carried us through the multi-course dinner, and the sparkling rosé that accompanied dessert. Every pairing seemed to bring out something new in each course, making an already memorable meal even more enjoyable.
And, as always, one of my favorite parts of dining at Hayward House is the atmosphere itself. It’s such a beautiful space that naturally inspires great conversation. It was wonderful meeting a few new people around the table, sharing foodie stories, and lingering over glasses of wine after the final course had been served.
Incredible food, thoughtfully selected wines, fascinating stories behind every course, and a room full of people gathered around the table enjoying an unforgettable experience together. Hayward House continues to set the bar for these intimate dining events, and Chef Shine once again reminded me why he’s one of the very best chefs in Tallahassee.
Find Hayward House in Tallahassee at:
Socials – Website, Facebook, Instagram
Address – 228 S Adams St, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone – (850) 825-7081
