The Lobby At The Peninsula S Chef Is Forced To Work With A Fruit He Won T Try

The Chef: Lee Wolen (the Lobby at the Peninsula)The Challenger: Ryan LaRoche (NoMi Kitchen)The Ingredient: Durian

Grown in southeast Asia, where it’s often referred to as the “king of fruits,” durian is infamous for its overpowering smell. Ryan LaRoche, who chose the ingredient for Wolen, compared it to rotten onions, gym socks, and a hockey locker room (and he’s a fan). The fruit’s stench has even gotten it banned from public places in some parts of Asia.

It looked lovely, but Wolen was still reluctant to eat it, and only agreed on the condition that videographer Mike Gebert and I try it first. “For every bite you take, I’ll maybe taste a bite,” he said. Once it was all assembled, he handed me a spoon. “Ladies first,” he said.

50 grams durian 300 grams heavy cream 125 grams whole milk 50 grams sugar 2 whole eggs 2 egg yolks 10 grams salt

Orange marmalade

In a Kitchenaid combine all ingredients, chill and let marinate overnight. The following day whip to a mayonnaiselike consistency in the Kitchenaid. Roll thin and sprinkle with gingerbread. Roll into a log with plastic wrap and chill.