Enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal at an upscale steakhouse doesn’t always have to involve a traditional meat dish. At the Puerto Rico Open, Prime 787 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico offers a unique and unexpected vegetarian option – cauliflower steak. Luis Quezada, the food and beverage director, wanted to provide a hearty steakhouse-style entree choice for diners who prefer not to eat meat. The cauliflower steak is designed to give diners the feeling of indulging in a steak, without actually consuming meat. The dish is made with locally sourced cauliflower and is paired with pigeon pea risotto to add depth of flavor.
Achieving the perfect texture and taste for cauliflower steak involves a careful preparation process. The cauliflower is sliced in thirds, with part of the stem left intact. It is seasoned with salt, pepper, olive oil, and Tajin spice before being baked in the oven and finished on the grill. The Tajin spice adds a unique flavor inspired by Quezada’s Mexican heritage, while the dish also incorporates local flavors such as pigeon peas in the risotto. The cauliflower steak is topped with mint chimichurri, pistachios, and golden raisins to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Pairing it with a glass of chardonnay complements the dish perfectly.
The recipe for Prime 787’s Cauliflower Steak involves slicing the cauliflower, seasoning it with Tajin spice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and baking it before grilling to add a smoky flavor. The plated version of the dish includes pigeon pea risotto as a base, cauliflower pieces layered on top, mint chimichurri for added flavor, and a sprinkle of pistachios and golden raisins for garnish. This unique and innovative vegetarian dish showcases the versatility of cauliflower and the creativity of the culinary team at Prime 787.
Quezada’s emphasis on incorporating local flavors and ingredients into the menu at Prime 787 highlights the importance of supporting the community and showcasing Puerto Rican cuisine. The addition of cauliflower steak as a vegetarian option reflects the restaurant’s commitment to catering to a diverse range of dietary preferences and offering a memorable dining experience for all guests. By creatively reimagining traditional steakhouse dishes and infusing them with global and local influences, Prime 787 sets itself apart as a destination for innovative and delicious cuisine.
In conclusion, the cauliflower steak at Prime 787 offers a unique and flavorful alternative to traditional meat dishes at an upscale steakhouse. By carefully preparing the cauliflower with seasonings and pairing it with local ingredients such as pigeon pea risotto, the dish provides a satisfying and indulgent dining experience for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Through their commitment to creativity, quality, and community engagement, Prime 787 exemplifies the best of Puerto Rican cuisine and hospitality. Visitors to the Puerto Rico Open can enjoy a memorable dining experience at Prime 787, where cauliflower steak takes center stage as a delicious and innovative option on the menu.
