“I am where I am today because of my passion and love for creative cuisine,” says Robert De La Mora, chef de cuisine at Shepherd & Sims. Chef De La Mora’s cuisine uses a Spanish influence and fresh local Californian ingredients to highlight the culture of his fine dining yet approachable fare. He has an inherent desire to explore different cuisines and experiences, which are exemplified on the menus in his San Francisco and Silicon Valley restaurants. “I love to push the boundaries of hospitality and cuisine, and here at Shepherd & Sims, we challenge the status quo” says chef De La Mora. His approach to cuisine is uniformly in sync with Highland Park’s approach to whisky.
The way the whisky’s floral and fruit notes transition to a light smoke with a mild spice strikes a chord with this inventive chef. “Highland Park lends itself very well to pairing with food,” says De La Mora, whose Spanish octopus proves the point. Poached in olive oil and finished on a “ripping-hot plancha” to balance the textures of crispy and tender, the dish is served with a mojo verde and fresh avocado and topped off with fried marbled potatoes, cilantro relish and smoked paprika oil. “I love to experience this dish as an entree alongside a whisky with flavors that play with the ones I have drawn.” Music to the palates of whisky aficionados everywhere: “Acidity from the mojo, along with the smoke and char off the octopus, harmonize with the Highland Park exceptionally well.”
De La Mora’s impeccable cuisine, when paired with Highland Park, is a beautiful pairing.
“A Wild Harmony” is brought to life through a joint venture between Highland Park, an award-winning single malt Scotch whisky that hails from Scotland’s Orkney Islands, and acclaimed restauranteurs in San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Inspired by Highland Park, these gourmands created elevated and surprising culinary pairings to amplify the distinct flavor of the whisky. The chefs use the finest and freshest local ingredients to craft cuisine in their signature styles, which are then paired with the whisky’s rich combination of smoky and sweet flavors to achieve a harmonious crescendo. Highland Park shares the chefs’ admiration for unique yet flavorful combinations that result in exquisite pairings for connoisseurs of good taste. To learn more about Highland Park and where to buy your own bottle, visit HERE.
Photography by: Hardy Wilson
