Recent Press/Mercer Island Reporter

Chef Tom Black prepares fresh fish at VFW By EILEEN MINTZ Mercer Island Reporter Columnist Nov 19 2008

The fishing this past season was sparse,” said Dr. Robert Faine, of the Puget Sound Anglers of Lake Washington. But you couldn’t tell as Chef Tom Black of the Culinary Communion took on his “Cookin’ the Catch” assignment last Wednesday at the VFW Hall with determination. Black had four kinds of fish to cook from the Anglers Association; salmon, halibut, crab and perch. He thought carefully about flavors and textures. He also thought about presentation and was filled with ideas. Every year, the Puget Sound Anglers Association invites a prominent chef in the community to teach the group how to cook the season’s bounty. This year, Black took the limited catch and impressed the class.

I have always admired Black and noticed his fine work at places such as the Sheraton Seattle. He started there in 1998 and worked up through all the ranks in the hotel, ending up at the now defunct Fullers. In September of 2001, Black accepted the executive chef and general manager position at the outstanding Barking Frog Restaurant at Willows Lodge in Woodinville. He was an incredible representative and shined with an outstanding menu. In 2004, he worked at the Barking Frog’s sister property, the Restaurant at Alderbrook Resort, on Hood Canal. Today, Black has found his niche.

“I love working at the Culinary Communion,” he said. “I have found the perfect place to teach.”
Culinary Communion teaches cooking and wine classes in the Seattle area in an effort to create a community of food enthusiasts, or “foodies.” Join them for hands-on classes in your own home or at Culinary Communion. For more information on Culinary Communion, go to www.culinarycommunion.com or call 284-8687. It is located at 2524 Beacon Ave. S., between Beacon and 15th in Seattle. It recruits only the top talent in the city to teach. Below are some of the fish recipes and accompanying sauces that Black demonstrated for the Lake Washington Chapter of the NW Anglers Association. Bon Appetit!