The Flipside takes a different approach | Idaho Statesman

Chef Abby Carlson at the Flipside Cafe is tackling her first wine dinner as a lead chef. Carlson has worked at Emilo’s and Richard’s and took over the kitchen at the Flipside in June.

Her approach to a wine dinner is the opposite of Andrae Bopp’s. Though she liberally cooks with wine most of the time, when it comes to a wine dinner she avoids it, she said.

“I want the wine to be highlighted,” she said. “I use pretty simple approaches so I can draw out the flavor of the wine and not overwhelm the palate. So, it’s not just a cooked version of the wine. I’m not a fan of that.”

Carlson’s dinner is with Walla Walla Washington’s Woodward Canyon Winery. Winemaker Kevin Mott, a Boise native, will be on hand to talk about his wine.

Serves 4

1 bunch flat leaf parsley, leaves onlyChives to taste1/2 cup tarragon1/2 cup breadcrumbsBlend together in a food processor until well mixed.

4 6-to-8-inch fresh halibut filets

Dredge the fish into the breadcrumb mixture on one side only. Place on a slightly greased baking sheet, breaded side up.

Bake at 450 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes until the fish is opaque in the center. Don’t over cook.

3 large russet potatoes1/2 large yellow onion, chilled (Chilling the onion will cut down on the crying factor.)1/4 cup chives, chopped fine1/4 cup flourKosher salt and pepper to tasteGrate the potato into a bowl. It’s better to grate it directly into bowl rather than in a food processor to concentrate the starch. Grate the onion into the bowl, add chives and flour.

Mix carefully to blend. Form into 2-inch patties and fry in a hot skillet and canola oil until golden brown on both sides.

Place two potato cakes on each plate and center on piece of fish. Serve with a chardonnay such as the Woodward Canyon or La Crema.