The Vault Steakhouse and The Vault Garden’s now executive chef, Ryan Cerizo, started catering alongside his father in the fourth grade, and ever since, felt called to explore cooking. His culinary discoveries? Absolutely delectable cuisine that re-interprets a good thing (very good if coming from his kitchens). “The classics are classic for a reason, and I love making them, just a little more modern,” Cerizo says. “The restaurants are a reflection of that—taking the classics and putting my own unique spin on it.”
His twist on the classic Steak Au Poivre exemplifies his culinary style. The dish replaces the classically used Cognac with Highland Park to “elevate the sauce to another level.”
Picking up on flavor notes of oak, cinnamon and clove, as well as dried fruit like apricot, Cerizo pairs the dish with Highland Park in a way that “cuts through the richness of the meat and sauce. The complexity adds to the full flavors without overpowering. It’s like a palate cleanser between each bite that still pairs with the beef.” As for how chef Cerizo takes his Highland Park? “1 cube—I love how it’s easy to drink, but at the same time, complex… whether you’re on the first sip or the second glass.”
There’s harmony between the complexity of Highland Park and his cooking. “It’s taking a classic preparation and executing to the best of your abilities. It’s using the best and making the best while keeping the heritage and brand in mind.” You will experience the connection upon first bite.
“A Wild Harmony” is brought to life through a joint venture between Highland Park, an award-winning single malt Scotch whisky that hails from Scotland’s Orkney Islands, and acclaimed restauranteurs in San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Inspired by Highland Park, these gourmands created elevated and surprising culinary pairings to amplify the distinct flavor of the whisky. The chefs use the finest and freshest local ingredients to craft cuisine in their signature styles, which are then paired with the whisky’s rich combination of smoky and sweet flavors to achieve a harmonious crescendo. Highland Park shares the chefs’ admiration for unique yet flavorful combinations that result in exquisite pairings for connoisseurs of good taste. To learn more about Highland Park and where to buy your own bottle, visit HERE.
Photography by: Hardy Wilson
