Alex Goes To Jimmy’s House: Circles Hosting A Pre-James Beard Dinner

For those who can’t make it to chef Alex Boonphaya’s James Beard House dinner next Thursday, August 14, the owner of the growing mini-chain of Circles Thai restaurants (and perennial Best of Philly winner) will host a preview at his Northern Liberties location tomorrow at 6pm.  For $50 you can BYOB for six courses plus a pre-dinner sparkling wine (included) and hors d’oeuvre reception that spans the breadth of Thai cuisine.

Five different hors d’oeuvres consist of shrimp fritters, Chiang Mai potato crisps, sweet tamarind duck jerky with sticky rice, spicy curried fish cakes with Thai spice cucumber pickle and toast with curried chicken liver paté and apple lemongrass compote. As for the six courses, you’ll get everything from a warm pea shooter with sturgeon caviar and crème to fried chicken breast with pickled veggies, pepper marmalade and Thai herb dust. As for dessert, that’s roasted coconut caramel ice cream with charred sweet corn, shredded coconut and macerated ginger-spiced berries.

For wine, Chef Boonphaya recommends a La Cana Albarino 2012.

Watch this spot for upcoming stories in our series, Alex Goes To Jimmy’s House, all about the chef Boonphaya’s midnight shopping excursions,  dinner prep and service at the James Beard House.