March 2007
Alta
by Celia Cheng
Tuna Tataki
cantaloupe cloud, marsala caviar, proscuitto flakes, toasted hazelnut
Tuna tataki (seared tuna) is a great choice on the menu because it’s light, healthy, and yummy. Small cubes of delicately seared tuna sit in a cloud of cantaloupe foam. The juxtaposition of the sweet fruit, savory tuna and caviar is not overpowering in the least. If anything, the strongest flavor comes from the proscuitto flakes. But because the meat is shredded into bits, even its rich flavor plays nicely with the rest of the team. (Bits of mint leaves also counter the strength of the proscuitto flavor.) Finally, the crunch of the hazelnut brings the journey to a smooth, satisfying finale and leaves a nice aftertaste.
