CLASS TYPE / FORMAT / COST - Talk of the Town / Demonstration / $40

INSTRUCTOR(S) - Michael McMillan * Chef/Owner

DATE & TIME - Nov 19 / 6:30 p.m.

DESCRIPTION - Whether you’ve been lucky enough to dine at 39 Cordova Street or not, you won’t want to miss this evening with Michael McMillan. You’ll discover what makes his restaurant, Opus 39, such a success: simple, elegant food and exquisite desserts—all made in-house using the fresh ingredients of the day.

Michael graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, and worked at Trois Jean in New York City under Master Chef of France Jean Louis Dumonnet. He then worked in Dallas at the Mobil 5 Star/AAA 5 Diamond restaurant and hotel, The Mansion on Turtle Creek, with nationally acclaimed chef Dean Fearing. Before opening Opus 39, Michael returned to the First Coast as executive chef and general manager of an existing St. Augustine dining establishment. Within four short years he elevated the business to the status of one of North Florida’s better French restaurants.

With this accomplishment, Michael began work on his next challenge: building a top-quality restaurant, with national aspirations, from the ground up. He spent most of 2002 designing and reconstructing the entire interior space at 39 Cordova Street, refining the business plan and concept with his wife and partner, Christine. Opus 39 opened in December of 2002, with the quality of ingredients being the driving force behind its culinary philosophy. To date, Chef McMillan and his culinary staff allow the freshest ingredients of the day to stimulate the creation of daily dinner menus.

MENU - Chilled English Pea Bisque, Smoked Salmon, Fennel Pollen; Arugula Salad, Nasturtium Blossoms, Toasted Almonds, Fingerling Potatoes, Haricot Vert and Roasted Shallot Vinaigrette; Tomato Butter Poached Shrimp, Seared Polenta, Brussels Sprout and Applewood Smoked Bacon Slaw; Seared Salmon, Steamed Clams, Cannelini Bean Ragout; Mopped New York Strip, Parsnip Puree, Braised Swiss Chard, Vidalia Onion Rings; Popcorn Panna cotta, Huckleberry Sauce, Peanut Brittle, Huckleberry Financier.