Top Chef 2008/2009

Congratulations Chef Melanie Coleman, Global Cafe, winner of the 2008/2009 Top Chef competition held New Year’s Eve! Congratulations also to Chefs Rory Gillette of Chef du Jour and Renee Morrison of Mother’s Bistro for their wins in the QuickFire challenges!

The event started with a Knife Skills QuickFire Challenge: chefs were required to julienne, dice and peel vegetables and fruits. Judges based their decisions on speed and results, but placed more importance on technical skill than speed.

The second QuickFire challenge was a garde manger competition…chefs had to create a garnish using the elements of apple, tomato and scallion. Top honors went to Renee Morrison for her beautiful creation. 

The Elimination Challenge, titled 7-11 & 20, brought huge smiles to our guests and chefs alike. Chefs broke into teams and had one hour to assemble an appetizer made from ingredients purchased at 7-11 with a budget of $20! Appetizers were very creative, with a noodle birds nest atop a bacon bowl with asian miso sauce and a spin on deviled eggs using a spam and bean piped filling. The tastes were surprising, but good!

The final Judges Table challenge brought the chefs into direct competition once again. Chef Melanie Coleman, being the point leader thus far, threw down the gauntlet by closing off  tiger prawns to her other competitors, who then had to use sea scallops in their plated entrees. Chef Renee Morrison turned out a fabulous Israeli Couscous and Scallops with Earl Grey Reduction. Chef Rory Gillett created a technically perfect pan seared sea scallop dusted with cocoa and chili powder with crispy sweet potato chips, and Melanie Coleman created a tiger prawn and linguini with pomegranate reduction aside asparagus in a boursin sauce. The judges had a tough decision but ultimately awarded first place to Melanie Coleman of Global Cafe, second place to Renee Morrison of Mother’s Bistro, and third place to Rory Gillett of Chef du Jour. (Competitor Leith Galyand had to leave early but I am sure he would have come up with a terrific dish, too!)

Guests enjoyed the wonderful music played by Clyde Tullis and Red Tischer while noshing on asparagus strawberry salad, blackened prime rib, king crab, smoked salmon and accompanyments of the  new year’s menu.

Looking forward to the next competition!

Chef’s Menu October 24-26

This weekend, we are featuring SUSHI GRADE AHI, flown in fresh fresh fresh for our guests!! Only while it lasts!! Also we have Gypsy Flamenco Guitar by Red Tisher this Saturday night from 6-9pm! We’ve been very busy, so please come early to secure a table.

Hawaiian Ahi Poke Appetizer…tuna (ahi), fried wontons and sweet soy drizzle
Wild Caught Sea Bass…pan seared sea bass with smashed potatoes, wild exotic mushrooms
Samurai Roll…a panko encrusted tuna roll with spinach and soy brown butter

See you there!

Global Cafe Version 2.0 !

We opened the Global Cafe in mid-July with much anticipation and an eager audience. Although we had a strong opening, I realized that my vision and service level expectations for the cafe differed from that of one or two staff members. We’ve parted ways with some of our initial staff, and as a result most of our customers probably think I live at the cafe these days. Let’s face it…as a business owner, when it’s your name and reputation on the business, you care about making things right. Now, three months after opening for cafe business, I feel the changes are all very positive: 

 

Global Cafe is now a full service restaurant. We’ve increased our menu offerings. Entrees are cooked to order. Customers will see an increasing number of choices served up with the high level of quality that I expect…and at prices that I feel are much more appealing to the community. Entrees are in the $12-14 range, with a nightly $10 Pasta & Wine special.  

 

THANK YOU to our staunch supporters during our time of turbulent change – we’re rockin’ and rollin’ now.

 

See our current menu, wine list, specials, catering menus and more… http://www.globalgarage.org

Box Lunches, Catering from Global Cafe, Buena Vista, CO

If you have dined in our café, you are familiar with our insistence on using quality, fresh ingredients in all of our meals. However, did you know we also provide extensive catering services, too?

This week, we added our “Group Box Lunch Program” to our catering services. Complete box lunches (gourmet sandwich, side salad, baked desert) are priced at $8. As a sure-fire crowd pleaser, try one of our gourmet sandwich, salad or pasta “platters” – there is plenty of variety to please each of your guests, including vegetarian, vegan and glucose intolerant guests. For more formal occasions, we also provide executive lunches including steak and pasta entrees.

If you currently self-cater for your clients, please consider outsourcing your food preparation to us. We are fully licensed and can take the entire challenge of preparing food of your hands to free your time on growing your business. Once you calculate the cost of acquiring, storing, preparing and serving food, perhaps you’ll find that it is, indeed, more cost-effective to allow us to cater for you.

If you need catering services, please contact us at boxlunches@globalgarage.org, or call 719.839.1079 to speak with me directly. We cater everything from upscale VIP/wine paired meals with full linens, crystal and china to economical backyard barbecues.

Global Cafe Drinks Menu

beverages

 

Espresso Drinks

We Proudly Feature Buena Vista Roastery Coffees:

Coffee

Espresso

Cappuccino

Americano

Café au Lait

Café Latte

Café Mocha

 

 

Espresso Options

 

 

Steamer
Flavored Syrup Soy Milk, 2%, Skim, Whole

Brève (½ & ½)

Extra Shot

 

 

More Hot Drinks

Chai

Hot Chocolate

Hot Tea

Cold Drinks

Iced Raspberry Tea

Lemonade
Arnie Palmer

Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

Izze Sodas

Boylans Sodas

San Pellegrino Aranciata, Limonata
San Pelligrino Sparkling Water

Panna Still Water

Cold Beers

1554, New Belgium

Sunshine Wheat, New Belgium

Trippel, New Belgium

Abbey, New Belgium

Blue Paddle, New Belgium

Skinny Dip, New Belgium

Fat Tire, New Belgium

Denver Pale Ale, Wild Raspberry Ale

Coors Light

Corona

Corona Light

Stella Artois

Spirited Drinks & Cocktails

 

 

AmarettoBaileys

Frangelico

Grand Marnier

Glenlivet

Jack Daniels

Bacardi Rum

Coconut Rum
Margarita
Pina Colada
Bloody Mary
Rowdy Kayak
Buena Vista Sunset

Aperitifs & Digestifs

Limoncello

Zardetto Prosecco

Kir Royale

Francis Coppola Sofia Mini Blanc de Blanc

Tawny Port

Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Port

Global Cafe, Buena Vista, Soups & Sandwiches Menu

 

 

 

 

Salads

 

Baby Arugula Salad

Baked Goat Cheese, Hazelnuts, Preserved Cranberries & Dijon Vinaigrette

$5.5 half /$9 whole

 

Greek Salad

Salad Greens, Kalamata Olives, Tomatoes, Red Onion and Feta Cheese with Tarragon Dressing

$5.5 half /$9 whole

 

Chopped Salad

Crunchy Raw Veggies, Bleu Cheese, Toasted Walnuts & Dijon Vinaigrette

$5 half /$8 whole

 

Spinach Salad

Applewood Smoked Bacon, Blue Cheese, Carmelized Onions & Honey Lime Vinaigrette

$5.5 half /$9 whole

 

House Salad

Salad Greens with Cucumber Buttermilk Ranch, Tomatoes & Parmesan

 

 

$5

Fresh-From-Scratch

Gourmet Soups

Choose from Four Gourmet Soups Daily

 

 

 

Cup of Soup $3.50 / Bowl of Soup & Bread $6With Sandwich or Entree $2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Global Cafe Lunch Meal Deal

 

 

 

 

A Cup of Soup, Bread, House Salad & Cookie $8

(available from 10-2 daily)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CRoissants

(Served with Pasta Salad or Kettle Potato Chips)

 

Napa

Roast Turkey Breast, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Avocado, Tomatoes, Red Onion, Arugula and Mayo

 

 

 

Henry VIII

Warmed Brie, Roasted Garlic and Roasted Veggies

 

 

 

Nova Scotia

Cold Smoked Salmon, Herb Cream Cheese, Red Onion & Arugula $8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

grilled sandwiches & WRAPS

(Served with Pasta Salad or Kettle Potato Chips)

Roast Beef

Roast Beef, Pesto Mayo, Grilled Onions & Pepper Jack $9

Fresh Mozzarella

Proscuitto Ham, Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes & Basil Pesto Mayo $9

Pulled Pork

 

 

 

 

Slow Roasted Pulled Pork, Carmelized Onions, Provolone & Chipotle Mayo

$8

 

Grilled Chicken

Chicken, Chipotle Aioli, Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach & Provolone $9

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken, Baked Ham, Swiss and Dijon Mustard $9

 

Italian

Proscuitto Ham, Capicolla, Genoa Salami, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Arugula & Mozzarella $8

 

Cubano

Baked Ham, Pulled Pork, Mustard, Pickles & Swiss $8

 

Veggie Reuben

Grilled Veggies, Herbed Cream Cheese, Sauerkraut & Swiss Cheese $8

Gourmet Grilled Cheese

White Cheddar and Pepper Jack Cheeses with Fresh Tomatoes $6

 

Bacon, Arugula & Tomato

Applewood Smoked Bacon, Arugula & Fresh Tomatoes with Mayo $8

 

Tuna Melt

 

 

Albacore Tuna Salad and Cheddar Cheese $8

Vegan Wrap

 

 

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Grilled Veggies & Olives

$7

 

Basil Chicken Wrap

 

 

Chicken, Basil Pesto Mayo, Spinach & Pepper Jack

$8

 

Honey Ham Wrap

 

 

Ham, Chipotle Aioli, Dijon Mustard, Arugula & Swiss

$8

 

 

 

 

 

$8

 

$8

 

 

 

$8

 

 

Global Cafe Appetizer Menu

 

 

 

 

APPetizerS

 

  

Rustic Italian Bread

 

 

 

Rustic Italian Ciabatta with Seasoned Olive Oil

$2

 

Tomato & Basil Bruschetta

Chopped Tomatoes, Basil, Fresh Grated Parmesan, Garlic and Balsamic Vinegar Served with Toasted Flat Bread

$7

 

 

 

Baked Brie with Lingonberries

Baked Brie in Puff Pastry with Tart Lingonberries & Assorted Crackers

$8

 

Chinese Tootsie Rolls

Crispy Crab & Cream Cheese Won Tons Served with Our Tangy Sweet & Sour Sauce

$8

French Platter

A Classic Cheese Plate with Artisanal Cheeses, Quince Jam, Hazelnuts, Preserved Cranberries and Cornichons

Served with Toasted Flat Bread

$10

 

 

Italian Platter

Prosciutto Ham, Capicola Ham, Genoa Salami, Fresh Mozzarella, Olives,Cipollini Onions & Roasted Veggies

Served with Toasted Flat Bread

$8

 

Mediterranean Platter

Sundried Tomatoes, Hummus, Olives, Pepperoncini Peppers, Roasted Veggies

Served with Toasted Flat Bread

$8

 

 

Antarctic Platter

Smoked Salmon, Herbed Cream Cheese,Greens, Red Onions & Capers

Served with Toasted Flat Bread

$9

 

Pacific Platter

Hawaiian Slow-Roasted Pork, Sticky White Rice & Grilled Pineapple with a Sweet Soy Drizzle

$7

Clarification over HR 4040 CPSC

As if the world were not complicated enough, consignment stores such as Global Garage are subject to new legislation passed into law by G W Bush last August, effectively prohibiting thrift and consigment stores from selling clothing, toys, books, equipment, etc., for children under the age of 12. This created a HUGE panic amongst not only consignment stores and thrift stores but the huge industry of people who make things and resale items on eBay, at garage sales, yard sales, etc!

Clearly, it is prohibitive (and proposterous) to assume that all resellers of things for kids under 12 would have to test every item for lead, but we should not lose sight on the fact that the bill is intended to create a heavy hand on those entities who manufacturer goods that are unsafe for our kids.   

Further, ’clarifications’ in this press release issued by the CPSC further muddy the waters:

 

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 8, 2009 Release #09-086

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

 

CPSC Clarifies Requirements of New Children’s Product Safety Laws Taking Effect in February
Guidance Intended for Resellers of Children’s Products, Thrift and Consignment Stores

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In February 2009, new requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) take effect. Manufacturers, importers and retailers are expected to comply with the new Congressionally-mandated laws. Beginning February 10, 2009, children’s products cannot be sold if they contain more than 600 parts per million (ppm) total lead. Certain children’s products manufactured on or after February 10, 2009 cannot be sold if they contain more than 0.1% of certain specific phthalates or if they fail to meet new mandatory standards for toys.

Under the new law, children’s products with more than 600 ppm total lead cannot lawfully be sold in the United States on or after February 10, 2009, even if they were manufactured before that date. The total lead limit drops to 300 ppm on August 14, 2009.

The new law requires that domestic manufacturers and importers certify that children’s products made after February 10 meet all the new safety standards and the lead ban. Sellers of used children’s products, such as thrift stores and consignment stores, are not required to certify that those products meet the new lead limits, phthalates standard or new toy standards.

The new safety law does not require resellers to test children’s products in inventory for compliance with the lead limit before they are sold. However, resellers cannot sell children’s products that exceed the lead limit and therefore should avoid products that are likely to have lead content, unless they have testing or other information to indicate the products being sold have less than the new limit. Those resellers that do sell products in violation of the new limits could face civil and/or criminal penalties.

When the CPSIA was signed into law on August 14, 2008, it became unlawful to sell recalled products. All resellers should check the CPSC Web site (www.cpsc.gov) for information on recalled products before taking into inventory or selling a product. The selling of recalled products also could carry civil and/or criminal penalties.

While CPSC expects every company to comply fully with the new laws resellers should pay special attention to certain product categories. Among these are recalled children’s products, particularly cribs and play yards; children’s products that may contain lead, such as children’s jewelry and painted wooden or metal toys; flimsily made toys that are easily breakable into small parts; toys that lack the required age warnings; and dolls and stuffed toys that have buttons, eyes, noses or other small parts that are not securely fastened and could present a choking hazard for young children.

The agency has underway a number of rulemaking proposals intended to provide guidance on the new lead limit requirements. Please visit the CPSC website at www.cpsc.gov for more information.

—

Send the link for this page to a friend! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC’s web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

###

The bottom line: Global Garage will not sell ANY USED or NEW items which we reasonably believe might contain unsafe levels of lead. We will not sell any NEW items which are not packaged with required information as specified in HR 4040, e.g. where or when manufactured, age group suitableness (my new word), etc.

 

 

 

Soup from Heaven!

Soups are such a great part of winter…they warm you, console you and shake off those winter blues with their hearty goodness. Some of the soups we’ll feature this week:

Tuscan Potato
Italian Onion (with Cipollini onions)
Thai Crab Curry
Asparagus Leek
Southwest Pork Green Chili

If you have not yet tried our Gourmet Soups…it may change your mind about the humble soup. Bon Appetit!

More Deliciousness

Boursin Potato Chive
Spicy Thai Red Curry
Sweet Potato Bisque
Vegetarian Simple Soup

Catering menus updated !

We’ve revised our catering menus, adding quite a few more items for your consideration.

If you are hosting an event in the future, it is never too early to book your caterer. Our catering menus are available at our web site, http://www.globalgarage.org or here is a text ‘sampler’ of our hors d’ouevres menu:

 This list is by no means a limit

to what we can do for your next event!

 

Please inquire if you have special menu requests.

 

 

 

From the Sea

 

 

Shrimp & Artichoke Pastry Bundles

Sushi Platters: Assorted Nigiri, Cone and/or Rolls

(California, Philly, Unagi, Caterpillar, Dragon, Panko Encrusted, Ahi, Amberjack & Jalapeno, etc)
Hawaiian Ahi Poke with Seaweed Salad & Fried Wontons

(Ahi Tuna, Sesame Oil & Onion Salsa)

Global Café Seafood Martini

(Tiger Shrimp, Mango, Strawberry, Red Onion, Tomato & Avocado Served in Martini Glasses)

Chinese Tootsie Rolls

(Crab & Cream Cheese Wontons with Chili Sauce)
Bounty of the Sea Shellfish Platter

(Crab Claws, Tiger Shrimp, Oysters with Champagne Mignonette)
Smoked Salmon Tartare on Grilled Toast Points

Wasabi Encrusted Salmon Brochettes

Miniature Crab Cakes with Lemon Dill Aioli
Smoked Salmon with Potato Fritters
 Panko Encrusted Shrimp with Apricot – Ginger Sauce

Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches with Arugula Pesto
 Seafood Ceviche with Mint, Pineapple & Mango Salsa

Smoked Trout, Cream Cheese and Chive Blinis

Crème Fraiche & Caviar Blini

 

From the Ranch

 

 

Kobe Beef ‘Sliders’ with Carmelized Onions on Mini Rolls
Scanga Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Steak Tartare with Parmesan Crostini
Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya Tartlet

Mini Pulled Pork & Slaw Sliders
Grilled Flank Steak with Ratatouille, Feta
Beef Shortribs with Sweet & Tangy Soy

Chilean Beef Empanadas

 

 

Inspired by Cheese

 

Walnut, Pear & Brie Baked in Puff Pastry

Raspberry & Almond Baked Brie

Amaretto Mushrooms with Goat Cheese Tartlets

Sweet Mascarpone & Fig Puff Pastry Triangles

Portobello Mushroom Ragout with Parmesan on Crispy Polenta

Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese with Puff Pastry ‘Hat’

Assortment of Three Pissaladière: Roasted Tomato, Carmelized Onion & Olive

Baked Goat Cheese with Lavender Honey and Baguette

Artisanal Cheeses, Rustic Breads & Dipping Sauces

Blue Cheese Gougères
Herbed Asiago Potatoes with Prosciutto
Leek & Goat Cheese Tartlets

Maytag Blue Cheese & Potato Tartlets

 

 

From the Garden

 

Roasted Root Vegetables en Croute

Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps with Asian Sesame Slaw

Apple Curry Chutney Lettuce Wraps

Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes

Mango, Coconut & Mint Chutneys with Fragrant Rice

Goat Cheese & Chive Pastry Envelopes

Seasonal Fresh Fruits in a Watermelon Basket

Miniature Corn Cakes with Herbed Crème Fraiche
Crispy Polenta with Portobello Mushrooms & Roasted Roma Tomatoes
Olive, Fig & Eggplant Tapenades with Rustic Breads

Homemade Tomato Bisque With Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Fresh Mozzarella, Heirloom Tomatoes & Fresh Basil Brochettes

Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese Empanadas
Mediterranean Salad with Prosciutto & Pomegranate

Assorted Tea Sandwiches

Mixed Mushroom Ragout

Vegan Pizza

 

 

 

Sweets

Mascarpone & Berries in Phyllo Pastry Cups

Bananas Foster en Croute with Vanilla Bean Gelato

Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake with Mixed Berry Coulis
Bittersweet Chocolate Tart with Caramel Sauce
Chocolate Raspberry Ganache in Phyllo Pastry Cups
Caramel & Chocolate Ganache in Phyllo Pastry Cups
Apple Walnut Crisp with Cinnamon Sweet Cream
Miniature Cookies or Brownies
 Lemon Tart with Sweetened Double Devon Cream
Miniature Chocolate Éclairs
Chocolate Truffles & Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Cream Cheese Filled Mini Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Scones with Berries & Devonshire Cream