Master the Art of Cocktail Parties with José Andrés’ Top Trick to Dazzle Your Guests!

Imagine the fanciest appetizer you can picture. Maybe it’s something with truffles, or a rich dish like foie gras. For me, it’s those intricate vol-au-vents from the ‘70s and ‘80s, especially when filled with lobster or crab.

Recently, I attended a stunning cocktail party hosted by star chefs José Andrés and Martha Stewart, which changed my ideas about what an upscale appetizer could be. I was lucky to visit the set of Yes, Chef!, a new cooking show featuring these culinary greats. The party was unforgettable. I enjoyed margaritas, chatted with Andrés about his efforts to manage invasive species like lionfish, and tasted a range of mouthwatering dishes crafted by his team.

Among all the gourmet bites, one stood out: a crisp sheet of nori topped with jamón Ibérico, a fried quail egg, caviar, and gold leaf. Each layer on this tiny dish rolled together a world of flavors.

At first glance, this combination might seem odd. But when you break it down, its appeal becomes clear. The nori is crispy and light, providing a nice contrast to the rich, soft textures of the egg and caviar. The blend of saltiness from the seaweed and ham, along with the caviar’s briny pop, creates a balanced bite. The richness of the quail egg yolk complements the savory jamón perfectly. It’s a small, luxurious treat—unique but not overwhelming.

You can try a version of this dish at José Andrés’ restaurants. Many locations of The Bazaar have a menu item called “José’s Taco,” although it’s not a taco in the traditional sense. Some restaurants skip the quail egg, but the dish is still delightful with just the jamón and caviar.

If you’re feeling inspired to bring a taste of this appetizer home, it’s surprisingly easy to recreate. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Roasted seaweed snacks (without added flavors).
• Thinly sliced cured ham (jamón Ibérico if you can find it, or prosciutto for a budget-friendly option).
• Quail eggs or chicken eggs (quail eggs add flair, but chicken eggs work in a pinch).

Simply fry the eggs and cut the ham and nori into bite-sized pieces. Your guests will be impressed, even without the gold leaf or caviar. However, if you’re keen to splurge, a touch of caviar can elevate the experience. You can explore our guide to caviar or find some edible gold flakes on Amazon for that extra touch.

This appetizer blend of flavors shows how combining cultures can create something truly special. As more chefs explore global cuisine, we can expect to see even more innovative dishes on our plates. Let’s keep the culinary conversation flowing!

Check out this related article: Embracing Global Flavors: Why American Cuisine Thrives on Chili Crisp and Globalization