Sauces and Condiments

Sauces are an integral part of gourmet cooking, and can transform the same basic ingredients into radically different dishes. For example, seitan can be glazed in lemon sauce for a delicious piccata adorned with capers and onions, or it can be sautéed in red curry and served as a Thai dish. An elegant restaurant dish is normally dressed with a few different sauces, glazes, or marinades, creating complementary and complex layers of flavors throughout the composition. This quality of composed dishes sets standard restaurant fare apart from the alchemical art that a chef in pursuit of a unique combination and presentation can craft in their kitchen.