Balancing Act
Sweet and savory find common ground
Scallops and nectarines are not the most obvious pairing. But Jorel Pierce, chef de cuisine at Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen in Denver, Colorado, leaves us wondering why. Pierce, who frequently combines contrasting flavors to highlight specific notes in his dishes, purees and slices ripe nectarine to mirror the sweetness of caramelized scallops. To ensure that the sweetness doesn't tip into saccharine overkill, Pierce dots the plate with earthy brown mustard and citrusy lemon balm to balance the dish.
Scallops with Nectarines and Brown Mustard
Yield: 4 appetizer-size servings
Cook Time: 15 minutes
- INGREDIENTS
2 ripe nectarines
1 medium orange, juiced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 dry-packed U-12 scallops
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon brown mustard
Fresh lemon balm or mint
About The Chef
Denver, Colorado, native Jorel Pierce graduated from Johnson and Wales University in Denver. He worked at Le Manoir aux Quat Saison in Oxford, England, and Rioja in Denver before signing on as the chef de cuisine at Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen. The sister restaurant to Rioja opened in 2010.
Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen, 1317 14th St., Denver, CO; 303-595-4255 or euclidhall.com



