💠 Complexity Via Simplicity at Elize Restaurant
“We want to give a new sound to Orlando,” says Barbara Mazairac at Elize Restaurant in Downtown Orlando. Her husband, Chef Leon Mazairac, operates the kitchen with philosophy of simplicity: low quantity of ingredients in each dish emphasize particular flavors. The Euro-inspired restaurant resides in what was previously The Rusty Spoon off Church Street. The dishes are made from scratch in slightly smaller portions to encourage guests to try out a variety of dishes with different flavors.
During this period of social distancing, many locals are craving additional ways to engage themselves with more at-home time. Taking out Elize Restaurant’s Chef Kit is an excellent introduction to gourmet cooking for those who are unfamiliar with the kitchen. It also turns an average dinner into an activity you can do with a loved one. The Chef Kit honors mise en place where everything is prepped for you, and even includes an emergency chef hotline in case you have any questions about preparation. Check out this lit kit!
🍞 Appetizer
The bread holds a hint of rosemary, made by Old Hearth Bread Co., illustrating Elize’s collaboration with other local businesses. The loaf is accompanied by salted butter for spreading. The deviled eggs are topped with puffed rice to add a slight crunch to each bite of smoothed yolk.
🍣 Tuna
The Tuna is seared, leaving a pink center that provides a smooth chew. The sauce is composed of mayonnaise dressed with 5 spices and curry for a slight earthy taste. The tuna is accompanied by arugula with a pecan vinaigrette. Additional texture is added with dried capers and sesame crumble.
🍖 Veel
Veel cheeks are the focal point of this dish, which have a buttery texture. The beefy flavor is accented by celeriac creme and mustard sauce that delivers a subtle earthy, yet tangy flavor. “Pommes Grenaille” potatoes and roasted cauliflower add variety of texture to the dish.
🥧 Pie
This dessert is a classic slice of Dutch apple pie with a gooey inside and sweet cinnamon taste. The glaze-like whipped cream is more thick and sweet than traditional whipped cream, allowing it to seep into the pie more easily.
Visitors can order a Chef Kit box online (links below), or enjoy outdoor seating that follows social distancing guidelines. During regular operation, guests can visit their coffee bar in the morning for a French-inspired breakfast accompanied by a light, baked bite. At night, they have a selection of natural wines, as well as well-known beers to help guests unwind.
“We have a unique way of presenting our food,” says Chef Leon, “it’s gastronomy with a fun, Euro flare.”
