Recipe: MARILYN MONROE TOMATO SALAD

POSTED ON OCTOBER 4, 2018

Legendary Wolfgang Puck and Denise Flanders feeding Belair’s swans.

He’s a living legend. Not only does he have his own star of fame…in Hollywoods walk of fame, but for over three decades has had all of Hollywood eating out of his hands (literally too). Over a hundred restaurants in five continents cookbook author celebrity chef and official caterer for the Academy Awards blazed the trend  for  its gourmet pizzas topped with caviar and smoked salmon. He’s starred in movies (as himself)  and yet the revered legend Chef Wolfgang Puck remains down to earth and charming. To spend time with  the legend in the  Belair, Los Angeles, the world’s  most famous Hollywood hideaway is amazing. To watch him feed the long necked swans that glide in the swan lake and then to lunch on his masterpieces in his renowned restaurant is to get a true taste of  legend.  This serene 12 acre lush paradise ( the serene, gleaming swan lake et al)  is actually at the heart of cacophonic, bustling Los Angeles. It is in these stunningly beautiful serene surroundings styled as  private residences, an amazing Californian oasis of relaxation and indulgence which is the

secret Paradise of superstars

It nestles in the canyons of Los Angeles. And how I love that Swan Lake.Four beautiful white swans call the lake home, and together they embody the romance, grace and elegance of Hotel Bel-Air.

The glamorous charm   reminiscent of Hollywood’s Golden Age is palpable here.  It is here  that Hollywood’s history lives and breathes. Any wonder that it has been Hollywoods  most beloved hideaway? Legends like Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Liz Taylor stayed and dined here regularly.

Marilyn Monroe a regular here

It is this very exclusivity and tranquility  that continues to magnetise the likes of Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman and many other Hollywood notables. As the lovely. Denise Flanders points out “The emotional attachment that so many have for Hotel Bel-Air is so very special.” I love the way it is steeped in cultural history, defines historical moments  and highlights the Dorchester group’s stylish heritage, not just with fascinating historical anecdotes but exceptional service and food. Memorable!

MARILYN MONROE TOMATO SALAD

Beloved of Marilyn Monroe

Chef Hugo Bolanos and the Marilyn Tomato salad.

Here’s the refreshingly beautiful taste of the tomato salad, so beloved of the beautiful legendary Marilyn Monroe, who lived and dined here.

2 each Red Beef ( big) Tomatoes

4 each Figs

3 each Cherry Tomatoes (variety colors)

3 Tbsp  Olive Oil ( Marilyn liked her olive oil)

1 Tbsp Basil Oil

1 Tbsp 18 year aged balsamic vinegar

4 oz of Italian Rich Fresh Buratta cheese

6 each flowers of Micro Basil

To taste  Salt Large Flake

Fresh Cracked Black Pepper

Method:  This dish looks like a mosaic or painting in the summer .The colors are beautiful just like its celebrity inspiration. Thick cut tomatoes just like Marilyn preferred, figs, buratta all un marinated and carefully layed out to fit like a perfectly aligned painting on the plate. Dress the salad with the 2 olive oils, balsamic vinegar. Lastly season the tomatoes with the salt and  black pepper and finish with the micro basil over the top. By dressing everything on the plate you lose no flavor from a separate seasoning and the tomatoes will release there delicious juices from the salt directly onto your plate.

That’s the explanation of his  creation given by WolfGang Puck’s  brilliant Executive chef Hugo Bolanos.

As a veteran team member of the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group (having worked at Michelin starred  CUT, world-renowned  Michelin starred flagship Spago including Wolfgang Puck catering) Hugo Bolanos delivers masterpieces in taste and textures. He has worked with the worlds greatest chefs (from Ducasse in Paris to Daniel in NYC).and today he continues to weave drama in Puck’s award winning restaurant in Belair.

Wolfgang Puck…vegetarian masterpiece …of pumpkin baked in salt.

It is here too that I taste Wolfgang Puck’s delicious classics, from the Weiner Schnitzel to the vegetarian pumpkin baked in salt and his famous vegetable soup. Should you need the recipe please email rashmiudaysingh18@gmail.com