Tell us about your career as a chef and what you are doing now?
My name is Chef Jay Jones. I graduated from the French Culinary Institute in NYC for culinary arts. I have been a chef for 16 years and have worked in restaurants and hotels as well as other venues in the US. I do private chef work as well as teach classes in culinary arts.
I’m currently the Executive Chef of Chateau Noir LLC, a full service catering and event planning company we provided services all over the US. Where ever there is a need for food we are there.
What would be your idea of a great romantic meal for two–a Seduction Meal, that you would serve your loved one on a special occasion?
More then the food a romantic dinner is about the people the connection and the bond that is shared by them. A meal should compliment that bond and not only bring them close but give them a shared experience that will last in their minds.
Warm Fig and Goat Cheese Appetizer
Grilled Fennel with Oysters and Citrus Salad
Herb Crusted Salmon with roasted red potatoes and asparagus
And for dessert …
Molten Chocolate Lava Cake with Raspberry Sauce
When enjoying a romantic meal for two–what music do you play while cooking and what music do you listen to while dining together?
Andreas Vollenweider Book of Roses
1. Chapter One: La Strega (Her Journey to the Grand Ball)
2. Chapter One: The Grand Ball of the Duljas
3. Chapter One: Morning at Boma Park
4. Chapter One: The Five Curtains
5. Chapter One: Book of Roses
6. Chapter One: In Doga Gamee
7. Chapter One: Passage to Promise
8. Chapter Two: In the Woods of Kroandal
9. Chapter Two: Jugglers in Obsidian
10. Chapter Three: Chanson de l’Heure Bleue
What do you think is the key to a successful romantic meal for two?
A successful romantic meal to me is a shared experience, foods that work well together flavors that don’t over power but accentuate the mood. A harmonious balance of flavor profiles and the right atmosphere.
Do you prefer dining in our out for a romantic meal?
In; it allows me to set the mood I want and allows the evening to progress at my pace not that of others around me
What restaurants top your list for romantic settings?
Have not visited many restaurants for an romantic evening however on one occasion I went to JP’s a seafood restaurant on City Island in the Bronx and sat in a quiet corner it was very nice and the company enhanced the mood and the meal was great.
Do you have a favorite cocktail recipe to serve for your romantic meal for two?
Very simple a glass of champagne with a strawberry. Classic and goes with just about anything.
In the culinary world of chefs, restaurants, mixologists, TV shows, food movements, etc. – is there anything or anyone that inspires you?
Jacques Pepin he is my biggest inspiration and culinary role model. His style techniques and approach to food put him in a class by himself.
Are you working on any special projects or recipes at this time?
At the current time I have several projects in the works. A cookbook that will be out in the summer of this year, I write weekly culinary columns for several magazines, I will begin culinary tours in several US cities this year, I’m in the process of putting together a pilot for a possible television show. And I try to come up with new and interesting recipes everyday.