Chef Ben and Chef Janina of Trace bring you Food Porn

Chef Ben Hightower, previously of Uchiko, has been at Trace for a while now.  I loved his food at Uchiko, and I'm really amazing by his food at Trace.  I've eaten at Trace many times, in the restaurant and at events.  It is on my list of go to places for any occasion. These photos were from a media tasting.  Chef Ben is flexing his Cajun wings at Trace.  I realized that it sounds like he's making Cajun chicken wings, but I'm talking about a metaphorical wing.  Enjoy! Heirloom tomato gazpacho with basil pesto.  The tomato varieties in this gazpacho was visually and texturally interesting.  Roasted red grouper with carrot emulsion, shaved carrot, and English pea.  This presentation is reminiscent of Chef Ben's Uchiko days.  Also, I just wanted to add that the whole snapper on the lunch menu is really awesome too.  This man knows his fish.  This was the dirty rice stuffed stuffed Texas Quail with celery salad and green pepper vinaigrette.  O. M.G. Dirty Rice HEAVEN!  Chef Janina is a magician with the pastries.  The dessert of the evening was dark chocolate cremeux with beet vanilla swirl ice cream and bitter fried truffle.  As you can see, I've had many of her desserts, and I am always amazed by the artistry.  Death by chocolate.......... I didn't die, but I would have died happen if I did.  If you're looking for a place to get your upscale dining with a Cajun flair or dessert that will make your dopamine receptors dance, go to Trace.  Say "Hi!" to Chefs Ben and Janina!