Chef Pete’s The Perfect Balance: Bold Flavors of Smoked Asada Short Rib and Chocolate Chile Mousse

In a recent private dining event hosted on the beautiful shores of Jacksonville Beach, ten lucky guests were treated to an unforgettable culinary experience. With a price of $75 per person, this personal chef event offered a decadent menu that brought together bold flavors and artfully curated dishes, highlighting the perfect balance between savory and sweet.

The evening began with the Snapper Ceviche, a fresh, vibrant start to the meal. The snapper, cured in citrus juices and paired with refreshing herbs, provided a light yet flavorful beginning that set the tone for what was to come. The ceviche’s bright acidity and delicate textures were a brilliant contrast to the richness of the dishes that followed.

For the main course, the chef delivered a showstopper: Smoked and Braised Asada Short Rib ‘Broken Tostada.’ The short rib, slow-smoked to perfection, was tender and full of deep, smoky flavors. Served atop a unique broken tostada for texture and paired with bacon fat-fried beans and charred tomato, this dish was a symphony of flavors and textures. The richness of the beans and the earthiness of the short rib balanced the crisp tostada, while the charred tomato added a subtle sweetness and a hint of smoky depth.

Accompanying the main dish was a refreshing Mango Jicama Salad, a delightful medley of crisp jicama and juicy mango. The sweetness of the mango, combined with the mild crunch of jicama, acted as the perfect palate cleanser, bringing a light, tropical element to the meal and enhancing the overall balance.

The evening concluded on a high note with a dessert that was nothing short of spectacular: Chocolate Chile Mousse with Candied Fresno Pepper. The rich, velvety chocolate mousse was infused with just the right amount of chile heat, giving it an unexpected kick. The candied Fresno pepper, sweet yet spicy, complemented the dessert, adding a unique layer of complexity that made the dish truly unforgettable.

The 10-person event was a true celebration of bold flavors and inventive culinary techniques, with each course designed to harmonize with the next. The price of $75 per person felt like an incredible value for such an intimate, personalized experience. Guests left feeling not only satisfied but also with a new appreciation for the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, all set against the stunning backdrop of Jacksonville Beach.