Ali's Journey

GoFundMe Friends and Supporters, A huge thank you to Chef Duane Keller, Executive Chef at Belle Haven Country Club, Arlington, VA, for kick starting Ali’s Culinary Journey on Wednesday night! For the first time in 93 years, the club approved non-members to dine not only at the club but IN THE KITCHEN! In addition, we have a documentary film crew from PopGun POV who is following Ali and me as we travel the country eating in various states and they were given permission to join us too. Chef Keller was so gracious. When we arrived he met us at the door and took us on a tour of the beautifully decorated club. Then it was straight back to the kitchen where he had set up a special table for us inside the kitchen pastry shop. Inside the pastry shop one of Chef Keller’s pastry chefs had created an awesome sign on the white board welcoming Ali and depicting his upcoming journeys across the US. It was such a special touch.

Before we even sat down Chef Keller gave Ali a Christmas present (Belle Haven golf shirt and cap). Our table was decorated with a tiny Christmas tree that Ali has decided to plant in our yard and festive holiday colors including a personalized 5 course menu printed in green and red. We started with an amuse bouche of Smoked Salmon Crostini with Smoked Local Oyster followed by course one Lobster Bisque with Tarragon and Hot Pepper Sherry, course two Warm Goat Cheese Salad, course three Tuna Poke with Avocado Sesame Cucumber Wonton Crips and Ponzu Sauce and then course four Grilled Filet and Shrimp on Truffled Mashed Potatoes and Broccolini. Dessert was a Trio of Chocolate Mousse, Fruit Tart and Maple Creme Br?lée and Chef Keller gave us an entire box full of made-from-scratch club cookies to take home to the rest of the family. The food was not only beautiful but it was delicious! The bisque was my favorite with massive pieces of lobster and a perfect amount of spice. Ali loved the tuna poke and the filet and he even raved about the maple creme br?lée. Dessert is usually not one of his favorite courses but he loved everything that Chef Keller served. The Chef sat and chatted with us on multiple occasions in between courses, introduced us to several employees who have worked at the club for 25+ years as well as club guests and also showed Ali his impressive knife collection. It was such a special night. Chef Keller is not only a gifted chef but he is also a chef who cares very much about his team of employees and providing the best dining experience for Belle Haven Country Club members. We are so appreciative to have him on our side as we fight to win this battle against cancer. He treated us to a night we will cherish forever. 

Thank you, Chef Keller!