summer solstice

At our family Christmas gathering at my cousin Dale's house, we talked about what Ryan was doing since he couldn't make it; he was cooking for a private chef that Christmas evening, making dinner for a client.  Dale had the idea that we should get together mid-year for a "Summer Solstice" party since we usually only get together once a year at Christmas (unless there are other reasons, e.g. weddings, showers and funerals).  He also had the idea to get Ryan to cook for us, hiring him to cater the party for us.

I let Ryan know about it and he contacted Uncle Dale to remind him of this.  Dale wound up asking Ryan to cater his daughter Katie's graduation party in May!  Ryan and his friend Jason did such a great job and really impressed everyone there.

This is what Dale asked me to email to everyone about our family get-together:

The Extended Baba Family Summer Solstice Party, scheduled for 6 pm Saturday, June 28^th at my house, is fast approaching.  This year, we will be changing it up from the usual potluck and hiring one of the rising young stars in the culinary world, our very own Ryan Aquino, to cater the event.  Ryan and his partner, Jason Park recently catered Katie’s graduation (from UH) party at the house and it was terrific!  One day, we will all be telling our friends how we are related to Ryan as we stand in line for reservations at his restaurant!  We will be collecting $25 per adult (kids are free) and need a headcount of adults and kids by May 31^st please so that Ryan can plan accordingly. 


Ryan, Jason and their other classmate Davin planned and put together a great menu for us.  Here's what we had:

Steak carpaccio sushi with onion confit and balsamic reduction.  

This was very popular and Grandpa's favorite.















Assorted grilled summer vegetables.






















Nalo Farms local mixed green and lychee salad with passion fruit vinaigrette.













Beef tenderloin with red wine demi-glace.  I loved the demi-glace.




















Chinatown steamed snapper with Asian chimichurri
and ginger garlic infused oil.  This was all sold out right away.

















Myer lemon risotto in the back and saffron rice in the front.  They also had Forbidden rice with a cool purple color

but I didn't get a close-up of it.



Ryan's good friend from high school and and current housemate Paul came along to help with prep, serving and clean-up.  He has a lot of experience in food service and has been working at Ruby Tuesday's for four years.  He also plays bass in the bands that Ryan has been in.












This was our first time meeting Davin, who has been with Ryan in culinary school since their Fundamentals class.

This is the macadamia nut encrusted catch with coconut buerre blanc that they are preparing above.

















Here's the spread!

They even made dessert!

The bananas foster was delicious!

Our traditional family photo at the end of the night.  Fun evening with awesome food by our son the Chef!  Everyone enjoyed the food and we are all so proud of Ryan and his friends!

Dale was so nice to make sure the guys were taken care of too...he had this out for tips!

And Aunty Shige made sure to "kiss the cook"!