Photo of the Day: Beef Tenderloin

Chef Christopher Kostow used to helm the kitchen of Mountain View's 2-Michelin star restaurant, Chez TJ. I had the pleasure of dining there just before my 30th birthday and had a great time working my way through a twelve course tasting menu. When Chef came out to chat briefly, I told him my food was delicious but I found the amuse bouche and the first couple courses a bit overly salted. (When I go out to a nice restaurant and someone asks me what I think of the food… well, I tell them.) I think he was a little taken aback that I would make such a comment (he soon excused himself) and Tina gave me a "look". (She still tells people that I made unfriendly comments about Chef's food to his face - I always defend myself saying that I praised the other aspects of the food as well!) In any case, most of the twelve courses were excellent and this beef tenderloin, slowly poached, and served with slices of Burgundy truffle, parsnips, and black trumpets was a real highlight. The meat was perfectly cooked - extremely tender and juicy - and the truffle's earthy tones complimented the beef perfectly.

Handheld, 1/40 sec at f/2.8 on ISO 250, 17-35mm f/2.8 lens