When Maria Vieages’ world turned upside down in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans resident headed westward with little more than her recipes and a her infectiously sunny disposition.
The two have served her well, leading to scores culinary ventures for her company, Maria’s Multi Regional Cuisine, including stints at wineries, cooking schools and on her own food broadcast, Maria’s Non-Pompous Food Talk on KGGV — which pretty much sums up her no-nonsense philosophy on eating.
Now, Vieages and three friends (former restaurant owners Donna Seltzer and Sparky Thorne along with self-taught chef, Bethany Rose) are hosting a twice-monthly Friday pop-up restaurant called ConFusion at the Garden Court Cafe in Glen Ellen.
The menu roams around the world, picking up Creole, Cajun, Caribbean and South American flavors as well as dishes influenced by California and the Pacific Rim. The first menu (Oct. 22) includes Brazilian-style duck breast marinated in sugarcane served with plantain crema and duck cracklings; Louisiana chicken and sausage gumbo; Jamaican pork tenderloin stuffed with spinach, feta and mango; lasagna with hot Italian sausage, vanilla cream-cheese brownies with coconut and cheesecake-stuffed strawberries dipped in chocolate.
Four-course prix-fixe dinner, $50 per person. Seating begins at 6pm. No corkage fee. Reservations, which are strongly suggested, call 546-3293 or the restaurant at 935-1565. 13647 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen, (707) 935-1565For additional dates, go to mariasmrc.com.
