Chef Pink’s creations at Hotel Corque’s Root 246 in Solvang rival any Parisian, Italian, or even Deep South food experience one could have.
BY SEAN GALUSZKA
I’m a food snob and have enjoyed meals from Romanian cafes to an Alaskan base camp where I found the most perfect salmon, (and chocolate cake). Chef Pink’s creations at Hotel Corque’s Root 246 in Solvang rival any Parisian, Italian, or even Deep South food experience one could have. Weaving different cultures and traditions and insisting on locally sourced food, she delivers an experience that is eclectic, elevating, and simultaneously decidedly “down home authentic”.
The individuality and careful presentation of her recipes remind me of early Wolfgang Puck. With appearances on Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen, Spike TV’s Bar Rescue, and with wife, Courtney Rae in the LOGO documentary Hungry, Pink has garnered a following, but our tattoo clad, smiling, gorgeous celebrity chef took the time to visit our table. Farthest from hifalutin, she’s as genuine as her ingredients.
It sounded impossible, but that’s what inventors do, make the impossible possible…”
We began with her delicately Grilled Wild Shrimp with a Thai Peanut-Mole sauce. Mexican Thai? It sounded impossible, but that’s what inventors do, make the impossible possible. The tastes mixed beautifully—a multicultural dance party in my mouth.
Next up was her take on bagels and locks/homage to Solvang’s Danish food culture; a Smoked Local White Sea Bass with salmon caviar, dill, rye bread, and crème fraîche. Beyond amazing.
Finally we tried another Pink signature dish, her Legit Fried Chicken, hands down some of the best I’ve had; a familiar, Southern Comfort food taken levels beyond.
Plenty of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options are available as well. Don’t miss fan-favorite, Garlic-Tamari Sauced Brussels Sprouts. We finished with a homemade Butterscotch & Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich, while making plans for our next meal.
Food NewsFeed quotes Chef Pink, “My goal is to share with the surrounding community my personal mix of fine dining techniques using local ingredients. I’m continuing to utilize my years of training as a proper chef, combining that with my philosophy of hyper-local, organic, whole, sustainable food systems. And my dedication to a memorable food experience that’s accessible to everyone.”
Truly, once you dine, you’ll never forget Chef Pink. Goal accomplished.
Find out more about Root 246 and other great dining opportunities, accommodations and places of interest at: www.solvangusa.com.
