Meet Chef Don
We're so proud to have Chef Don as part of the Friendship Village culinary team! Originally from Wiona, Minnesota, Don discovered his passion for cooking early and went on to graduate from the Florida Culinary Insitiute. His career has taken him to prestigious kitchens, including Mar-a-lago and the International Polo Club, where he cooked for celebrities and even a presidential candidate.
Don's signature dish - Parmesan Herb Crusted Chilean Sea Bass with lemon beurre blanc - reflects his love for bold, balanced, flavors. After years in Florida, he chose to move closer to family in Iowa and found the camaraderie he missed here at Friendship Village.
Known for his warmth, skill, and connection with both staff and residents, Don has quickly become a valued part of our community. When he's not in the kitchen, he enjoys fishing, hunting, coin collecting, & cheering on the Green Bay Packers.
Lobster Thermidor with Herbed Wild Rice & Grilled Asparagus
1 each- 1 1/2 lb Main Lobster
1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Whole Butter
2 tsp Minced Shallot
1 cup sliced Button Mushroom
1/4 cup Brandy
2 Tbsp all purpose Flour
1 Cup Heavy Cream
1/2 cup Shredded Gruyere Cheese
1 Tsp Dijon Mustard
Pinch of Cayenne Pepper
1 Tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese
Lemon Garnish
1. Cook Lobster in salted boiling water for 8 minutes.
2. Chill Lobster in ice bath
3. Cut Lobster lengthwise
4. Take out lobster tail meat and rinse
5. Break off claws and crack out meat in claws and knuckles.
6. Cut meat into bite sized pieces and set aside
7. Rinse and Clean out shell
8. Sautee shallots in olive oil and butter until translucent on medium heat
9. Add Mushrooms and cook until tender
10. Add flour and whisk together
11. Add Lobster meat
12. Deglaze with Brandy and reduce
13. Whisk in Heavy Cream and reduce
14. Add Cayenne and Dijon
15. Add salt and white pepper to taste
16. Add in cheese
17. In empty shells, spoon in mixture
18. Sprinkle on Parmesan
19. Broil in oven until golden brown
20. Serve with Wild Rice, Grilled Asparagus and Lemon Wedge
