FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

San Francisco, Calif., Laurel Court Dining Room, Chef Kerry Heffernan

by Gtrav

Mar 1, 2004
2004 / March 2004

Kerry Heffernan’s earliest food memories center on her mother’s handmade manicotti and other authentic, home-style Napolitano recipes. Raised in Southern California, Heffernan hails from a culinary family. Her grandmother worked as a personal chef for actor Clifton Webb (“Cheaper by the Dozen,” 1950; “Stars and Stripes Forever,” 1952) and one of her favorite after-school hangouts was her uncle’s Italian restaurant. Suffice it to say, Heffernan brings a full range of personal experience to the award-winning dishes on the menu at Fairmont San Francisco’s Laurel Court dining room.

Heffernan’s culinary philosophy involves complementing a simple yet delicious abundance of bold flavors with fresh seasonal ingredients. Highlights of Heffernan’s Laurel Court dinner menu include seared dayboat sea scallops served on a cornmeal pancake with chive beurre fondue; fresh butternut squash ravioli with basil asiago panna sauce and toasted pine nuts; Niman Ranch ribeye steak with truffled mashed potatoes and red wine sauce; and fresh Meyer lemon and black pepper linguini with seared Ahi tuna served with a saffron, sun-dried tomato and fennel sauce.

Fresh Meyer lemon and black pepper linguini and seared Ahi tuna with saffron, sun-dried tomato and fennel sauce-Serves 4

Ingredients

2 pounds Meyer lemon and black pepper fresh
linguini or other nice fresh linguini
4 portions of grade “A” Ahi tuna (approx. 7 ounces each)
Saffron, sun-dried tomato and fennel sauce (recipe below)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped parsley
1 tablespoon chopped chives
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Sear the tuna in a hot pan or on the grill, making sure to keep it rare to medium rare.
Cook the pasta in rapidly boiling salted water.
Toss the pasta with the sauce, butter, olive oil and herbs.
Slice the tuna and lay across the pasta.
Sprinkle herbs onto the tuna and serve with saffron, sun-dried tomato and fennel sauce.

Saffron,sun-dried tomato and fennel sauce

2 red bell pepper, finely diced
11/2 cup diced red onion
1/8 cup minced garlic
Pinch of saffron
1 quart vegetable stock
11/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
1 tablespoon lemon juice
4 fresh fennel bulb-roasted soft
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Sauté the pepper and onion to sweat (sauté without coloration until translucent).
Add the garlic and sweat a little more.
Add the pinch of saffron and the vegetable stock.
Bring to a boil.
Add the julienned sun-dried tomato and lemon juice.
Cook 10 minutes on medium heat.
Purée the fennel bulbs in a robot coupe and pass through a food mill with the extra virgin olive oil.
Whisk the fennel puree into the saffron sauce.
Season to taste.


Seared dayboat sea scallops,cornmeal pancake and chive beurre fondueServes 4

Ingredients

12 U-10 dayboat scallops
Cornmeal pancakes (recipe below)
3 tablespoons bacon lardons (cubes), cut 1/4-inch
square and cooked crisp
Chive beurre fondue (recipe below)
1 cup cleaned curly endive
1/2 cup sweet potato angel hair, fried crisp
2 tablespoons chopped chives

Cook the cornmeal pancakes and set aside, keeping warm.
Season the scallops with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Sear the scallops in a smoking hot pan getting them brown and caramel-colored on one side.
Turn the scallops and immediately turn off the heat.
Allow the scallops to stay in the hot pan until you are ready to assemble the plate.
Assemble by putting a cornmeal pancake on the plate and stacking the scallops on top.
Then place the curly endive between the scallops and add a sprinkling of crispy sweet potato on top of the scallops.
Finish with a drizzle of the sauce and a dusting of chives and lardons.

Cornmeal pancakes

1 egg
2 cups white or yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
11/4 to 11/2 cup milk

Beat 1 egg.
Stir in 2 cups white or yellow cornmeal, 1 teaspoon salt, 11/4 to 11/2 cups milk (  to make batter thick).
Drop spoonfuls of batter onto a well-greased hot griddle and fry to a golden brown on each side.
Stir batter occasionally to keep well mixed.
Makes 12 cakes.

Chive beurre fondue

1 tablespoon olive oil
11/2 tablespoons minced shallots
1 star anise
1/2 tablespoon coriander seed
1/2 bay leaf
1/2 dried red pepper, whole
1/2 cup vegetable stock
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 pound butter
1 bunch fresh chives, minced
Salt and pepper

In saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil and sweat minced shallots for a few minutes.
Add star anise, coriander, bay leaf and red pepper; sweat a few minutes more.
Add white wine.
Bring to a boil and reduce by half.
Add stock and bring back to a boil.
Add butter slowly and whisk consistently to emulsify.
Strain out shallot and spices and add fresh chives.
Salt and pepper to taste.

Uncovering a Hidden Gem

Crowned by three ornate domes, The Laurel Court served as the original dining room in The Fairmont Hotel from 1907 through 1937. Returned to its original grandeur in 1999 during an $85 million hotel renovation, The Laurel Court once again reflects the vision of Julia Morgan, the early 20th century architect-and first female graduate of the prestigious Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris-who led restoration efforts at the hotel following the devastating San Francisco Earthquake in 1906.

In a manner reminiscent of an archaeological dig, craftsmen participating in the 1999 renovation uncovered long-hidden marble floors, ornate domes and other intricate architectural flourishes. Following more than six decades of closure, The Laurel Court was restored to its original design and once again functions as the hotel’s main dining room and bar. The landmark Fairmont San Francisco stands without peer among hostelries in San Francisco. The hotel’s ornate terra cotta facade and sumptuous interior decor resemble a European palace. Located atop Nob Hill, The Fairmont San Francisco is just minutes away from the Financial District, Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghiradelli Square.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Feb 13, 2025

Florida’s Amrit Ocean Resort Launches Wellness Retreat Series

Situated on Florida’s Singer Island, recently opened Amrit Ocean Resort launches a wellness retreat series. Held monthly, this series aims to inspire longevity. The first retreat kicks off Feb. 27.

Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City

They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.

Daily
Feb 13, 2025

Aman to Open Its First Property in Bangkok

More than 35 years after opening its first property, Amanpuri, in Phuket, Aman returns to Thailand with the opening of Aman Nai Lert in Bangkok. Set to debut April 2, the 52-suite property lies within privately owned Nai Lert Park, offering guests a secluded haven in the middle of the bustling city, much like sister property Aman New York.

Daily
Feb 12, 2025

Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival Returns in March

Celebrating the best of Asian and Asian American filmmaking, Colorado’s Dragon Boat Film Festival is a fun mix of screenings by established and emerging artists. The theme of this year’s event is Honoring Our Past to Guide Our Future, held March 14–16 at Denver Sie Center.

A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways

This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.

Destinations / North America
Feb 12, 2025

Escape to the Carefree Vibe of Mexico’s Isla Holbox

On a tiny island off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, remote life takes on new meaning. Cars are nowhere to be found, internet connections are sporadic at best, and visitors have no choice but to unplug and indulge in natural wonders.

eFlyer Deals
Feb 12, 2025

Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Deal at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel

Still looking for a Valentine’s Day offer? The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel, in New York City, has the LOVE Ben promotion available. With this offer, enjoy a stay in the hotel’s signature suite, as well as a private, late-night MoMA tour for two (with transportation included).

Sailing the Ionian Sea: Explore Greece’s Nautical Gems

Sailing the Ionian Sea is an enchanting way to experience Greece's breathtaking islands and pristine waters. Known for its favorable winds, calm seas and stunning landscapes, the Ionian Sea offers a paradise for both experienced sailors and those looking to explore for the first time. From lively beaches to secluded bays, these waters have something for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation.

eFlyer Deals
Feb 12, 2025

Take the Ultimate Romantic Trip with Newport Harbor Island Resort’s New Offer

Take a Valentine’s Day or romantic trip back to the days of gilded mansions and cobblestone streets at Newport Harbor Island Resort in Newport, Rhode Island. This ocean-facing property has a special Valentine’s Day offer for couples.