Llama 4 Scout
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Llama 4 Scout vs Pony Alpha
Compare Llama 4 Scout by Meta AI against Pony Alpha by OpenRouter, context windows of 10.0M vs 200K, tested across 20 shared challenges. Updated February 2026.
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Llama 4 ScoutvsPony Alpha
20 challenges
Why Llama 4 Scout?
50x more context10.0M
Why Pony Alpha?
10 months newerFeb 2026
Favorites
Llama 4 ScoutPony Alpha
12 / 20
SVG Layout Challengeimage generation
Tests an AI's ability to generate vector graphics
Pony Alpha
No content available for this output.
Vote
2 / 20
Xbox Controller SVG Artimage generation
Tests an AI's ability to create detailed SVG illustrations of gaming hardware
Llama 4 Scout
No content available for this output.
Pony Alpha
No content available for this output.
Vote
3 / 20
Minimalist Landing Pageweb design
Tests an AI's ability to generate a complete, working landing page
Llama 4 Scout
Pony Alpha
Vote
4 / 20
Mario Level UI Recreationweb design
Recreate an interactive, classic Mario level in a single HTML file.
Llama 4 Scout
Pony Alpha
Vote
5 / 20
Linear App Cloneweb design
Tests an AI's ability to replicate an existing UI with Tailwind CSS
Llama 4 Scout
No content available for this output.
Pony Alpha
No content available for this output.
Vote
6 / 20
Interactive Catan Boardweb design
Tests an AI's ability to create interactive web elements
Llama 4 Scout
No content available for this output.
Pony Alpha
No content available for this output.
Vote
7 / 20
World Map SVGimage generation
Tests an AI's ability to create a detailed world map in SVG format
Llama 4 Scout
No content available for this output.
Pony Alpha
No content available for this output.
Vote
8 / 20
Simple 7-Ingredient Recipeconversation
Generate a unique and simple recipe with common ingredients.
Llama 4 Scout
No content available for this output.
Pony Alpha
No content available for this output.
Vote
9 / 20
Beginner's Longevity Planreasoning
Create a starter plan for improving long-term health.
Llama 4 Scout
No content available for this output.
Pony Alpha
No content available for this output.
Vote
10 / 20
Retro macOS UI Recreationweb design
Recreate a classic, retro, macOS Desktop UI — make it interactive and nostalgic, make it as interactive as you can, you can be creative.. Feel free to showcase your skills. The entire application must be a single-page self-contained HTML file.
Llama 4 Scout
Pony Alpha
Vote
Sponsored
11 / 20
Advanced Longevity Plan (Biohacker)reasoning
Develop a cutting-edge 3-month longevity plan for a biohacker.
Llama 4 Scout
Comprehensive 3-Month Longevity Plan for Biohackers
Phase 1: Assessment and Foundation Building (Weeks 1-4)
- Wearable Tracking:
- Utilize a high-resolution wearable device (e.g., Garmin Forerunner 945, Apple Watch Series 7) to track:
- Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
- Sleep stages and duration
- Physical activity and exercise
- Blood oxygen level
- Integrate with a comprehensive health tracking platform (e.g., Whoop, Strava) for data analysis and insights
- Utilize a high-resolution wearable device (e.g., Garmin Forerunner 945, Apple Watch Series 7) to track:
- Dietary Protocol:
- Ketogenic Diet: Implement a cyclical ketogenic diet with a macronutrient breakdown:
- Fat: 70-80% of daily calories
- Protein: 15-20% of daily calories
- Carbohydrates: 5-10% of daily calories
- Fasting Regimen: Alternate-day fasting with 16:8 time-restricted eating (TRE) on non-fasting days
- Supplements:
- Exogenous ketones (e.g., beta-hydroxybutyrate, 10g/day)
- Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., EPA & DHA, 2g/day)
- Probiotics (e.g., 10 billion CFU/day)
- Ketogenic Diet: Implement a cyclical ketogenic diet with a macronutrient breakdown:
- Exercise Routine:
- Strength Training: 3 times/week, focusing on compound exercises:
- Squats, deadlifts, bench press, rows, and lunges
- Progressive overload with 2.5-5kg increments every two weeks
- HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training): 2 times/week, 20-30 minutes per session
- Sprints, burpees, jump squats, or other high-intensity exercises
- Recovery: 1-2 times/week, incorporating:
- Foam rolling and self-myofascial release
- Contrast showers and cryotherapy
- Strength Training: 3 times/week, focusing on compound exercises:
- Stress Resilience:
- HRV Training: Daily HRV monitoring and training using:
- HeartMath Inc. (emWave) or similar device
- Biofeedback exercises and resonance breathing
- Neurofeedback: Bi-weekly sessions using:
- EEG headset (e.g., Muse, Interaxon)
- Neurofeedback software (e.g., Brainwave, MindPlace)
- HRV Training: Daily HRV monitoring and training using:
Phase 2: Optimization and Intensification (Weeks 5-8)
- Dietary Protocol:
- Ketogenic Variations: Introduce targeted ketogenic diet (TKD) or modified ketogenic diet (MKD) for specific training or performance goals
- Fasting Regimen: Gradually increase fasting duration or frequency:
- 24-hour fasts every 4-5 days
- 36-hour fasts every 2-3 weeks
- Supplements:
- Add:
- Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR, 500mg/day)
- Phosphatidylserine (100mg/day)
- Bacopa monnieri (200mg/day)
- Rotate and cycle supplements every 4-6 weeks
- Add:
- Exercise Routine:
- Strength Training: Increase intensity with:
- Explosive exercises (e.g., box jumps, medicine ball throws)
- Advanced techniques (e.g., blood flow restriction, electromyostimulation)
- HIIT: Increase frequency or duration:
- 3-4 times/week, 30-40 minutes per session
- Recovery: Enhance with:
- Normobaric hypoxia training
- Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS)
- Strength Training: Increase intensity with:
- Stress Resilience:
- HRV Training: Intensify training with:
- More frequent biofeedback sessions
- Advanced techniques (e.g., heart rate variability coherence)
- Neurofeedback: Increase session frequency:
- 2-3 times/week
- HRV Training: Intensify training with:
Phase 3: Fine-Tuning and Peak Performance (Weeks 9-12)
- Dietary Protocol:
- Precision Nutrition: Implement genetic testing (e.g., DNAfit, Nutrigenomics) to inform personalized nutrition
- Fasting Regimen: Refine and adjust fasting schedule based on performance and recovery
- Supplements:
- Fine-tune supplement stack based on progress and testing
- Introduce new supplements:
- Spermidine (1mg/day)
- Creatine (3g/day)
- Exercise Routine:
- Periodization: Alternate between high-intensity and low-intensity training phases
- Specificity: Tailor training to specific performance goals (e.g., endurance, strength, power)
- Stress Resilience:
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Integrate mindfulness practices:
- Daily meditation (10-20 minutes)
- Yoga or tai chi sessions (2-3 times/week)
- Sleep Optimization: Prioritize sleep quality and duration:
- Establish consistent sleep schedule
- Use sleep-promoting supplements (e.g., melatonin, 5-HTP)
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Integrate mindfulness practices:
Additional Recommendations:
- Genetic Testing: Consider genetic testing for:
- APOE, MTHFR, and other longevity-related genes
- Nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition insights
- Blood Biomarkers: Monitor and track:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Lipid profile and ApoE
- Inflammation markers (e.g., CRP, IL-6)
- Mental Performance: Engage in mentally stimulating activities:
- Reading, puzzles, and brain games
- Learning a new skill or language
- Social Connection: Prioritize social connections and relationships:
- Regular social interactions and community engagement
- Volunteer or participate in group activities
Supplements and Dosages:
- Phase 1-3:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: 2g/day
- Probiotics: 10 billion CFU/day
- Exogenous ketones: 10g/day
- Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR): 500mg/day
- Phosphatidylserine: 100mg/day
- Bacopa monnieri: 200mg/day
- Spermidine: 1mg/day
- Creatine: 3g/day
- Cycling:
- Rotate supplements every 4-6 weeks
- Take breaks from supplements (e.g., 1-2 weeks) to assess efficacy and prevent tolerance
Safety Considerations:
- Medical Supervision: Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements or making significant changes to your diet or exercise routine
- Monitoring: Regularly track and monitor your progress, adjusting the plan as needed to avoid adverse effects or plateaus
Disclaimers:
- Individual Results May Vary: This plan is for informational purposes only and may not be suitable for everyone
- Consult a Professional: Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making significant changes to your lifestyle or supplement routine
By following this comprehensive 3-month longevity plan, biohackers can optimize their physical and cognitive performance, enhance stress resilience, and potentially slow aging. Regular monitoring, adjustments, and medical supervision are essential to ensure safety and efficacy.
Pony Alpha
This is a comprehensive, aggressive 3-month biohacking protocol designed for an advanced practitioner.
Disclaimer: I am an AI, not a doctor. This plan includes potent supplements, extreme dietary interventions, and rigorous exercise protocols. Consult a physician before beginning, especially regarding interactions with medications or underlying health conditions.
The "Apex" 3-Month Longevity Protocol
Objective: Maximize healthspan, enhance mitochondrial density, optimize neuroplasticity, and induce autophagy while maintaining muscle hypertrophy and cognitive edge.
Required Tech Stack:
- Tracking: Oura Ring (Sleep/HRV), WHOOP (Strain/Recovery) or Garmin.
- Metabolic: Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) – e.g., Abbott Libre or Levels.
- Feedback: Renpho Smart Scale (Body Comp) + periodic blood work (Pre, Mid, Post).
Phase 1: Metabolic Flexibility & Inflammation Reset (Weeks 1–4)
Focus: Switching fuel sources, clearing cellular debris (autophagy), and establishing baselines.
1. Dietary Protocol: Ketoflex 12/3
- Diet: "Ketoflex" (Dr. Dale Bredesen style). Primarily plant-heavy ketogenic diet to lower IGF-1 and inflammation.
- Macros: 70% Fat / 20% Protein / 10% Carbs (mostly fibrous veggies).
- Foods: Wild-caught fish, avocado, EVOO, MCT oil, leafy greens, nuts. No dairy, no sugar, no processed grains.
- Feeding Window: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (18:6 Intermittent Fasting).
- The "12/3" Rule: Stop eating 3 hours before bed. Fast for at least 12 hours minimum.
- Target: Nutritional Ketosis (1.0 – 3.0 mmol/L Beta-hydroxybutyrate).
2. Supplement Stack: The Foundation
- Morning (With Fat):
- Vitamin D3/K2: 5,000 IU / 100mcg (Immune & DNA repair).
- Omega-3 (High DHA/EPA): 2g (Neuro-inflammation).
- Magnesium L-Threonate: 1.5g (Brain bioavailability).
- Pre-Bed:
- Glycine: 3g (Sleep quality/Body temp regulation).
- Apigenin: 50mg (Calm/GABAergic).
3. Training: Aerobic Base Building
- Zone 2 Training: 4x per week, 45 mins.
- Target: 60-70% Max HR. Can hold a conversation but it’s difficult.
- Goal: Increase mitochondrial efficiency.
- Strength: 2x per week (Full Body). Focus on eccentric loading and compound movements (Deadlifts, Squats).
4. Stress Resilience: HRV Optimization
- Technique: 20 mins daily of "Cardiac Coherence" (e.g., 4-7-8 breathing or resonance frequency breathing at ~5.5 breaths/min).
- Goal: Raise resting HRV by 10% over the month.
Phase 2: Hormetic Stress & Cognitive Enhancement (Weeks 5–8)
Focus: Inducing controlled stress to force adaptation (heat/cold/hypoxia) and upregulating BDNF.
1. Dietary Protocol: Cyclical Keto + Prolonged Fast
- Cycle: Strict Keto Mon–Fri. Carb Refeed on Sat (Sweet potatoes, berries) to spike insulin sensitivity and leptin.
- The "Cleanse": One 72-hour Water Fast (Water, Salt, Electrolytes only) during Week 6.
- Note: This induces massive autophagy and immune system reset. Break gently with bone broth.
2. Supplement Stack: The Nootropic & Longevity Push
- Add to Morning:
- NMN (Sublingual): 500mg – 1g (NAD+ precursor for energy).
- Resveratrol or Pterostilbene: 500mg (Sirtuin activation).
- Lion's Mane Mushroom: 500mg (NGF/BDNF).
- Creatine Monohydrate: 5g (Cognitive & Muscle saturation).
- Add Pre-Workout:
- Cordyceps: 500mg (VO2 Max boost).
- Cycling: 5 days on, 2 days off for Nootropics.
3. Training: HIIT & Hypertrophy
- HIIT: 2x per week. "Norwegian 4x4" Protocol.
- 4 mins at 90-95% Max HR, 3 mins active recovery. Repeat 4 times.
- Goal: VO2 Max expansion (directly correlated to longevity).
- Strength: Hypertrophy focus (8-12 rep range). 3x per week.
- Recovery: Daily Foam Rolling + Dynamic Stretching (15 mins).
4. Advanced Modalities: Heat & Cold
- Sauna: 4x per week, 20 mins at 175°F+.
- Protocol: Follow immediately with Cold Plunge (3-5 mins at 50°F).
- Benefit: Heat shock proteins (HSPs) + Brown fat activation + Dopamine spike (250% increase).
- Neurofeedback: Use a Muse headband or similar. 10 mins daily focusing on "Calm" or "Focus" states to train brainwave patterns (Alpha/Theta regulation).
Phase 3: Systems Integration & Peaking (Weeks 9–12)
Focus: Solidifying gains, sleep deep optimization, and removing "senescent" cells.
1. Dietary Protocol: Protein Pulsing & mTOR Management
- Transition to "Protein Cycling."
- Days: High Protein (1.2g per lb of body weight) on lifting days.
- Days: Low Protein (0.4g per lb) on rest/cardio days to allow autophagy to resume.
- Carb Timing: Carbs only post-workout to minimize glucose spikes.
2. Supplement Stack: Senolytics & Sleep Deepening
- Senolytic Protocol (Week 10 only):
- Dasatinib (Prescription only/Advanced): Skip if unavailable.
- Alternative: Fisetin (1-2g) and Quercetin (1g) taken with fat for 3 consecutive days.
- Goal: Kill off "zombie" (senescent) cells.
- Sleep Stack:
- Switch Magnesium L-Threonate to Magnesium Bisglycinate (400mg).
- L-Theanine: 200mg.
- Tart Cherry Extract: 480mg (Natural Melatonin).
3. Training: Stability & Longevity
- Rucking: 2x per week. Carry 20-30lbs in a backpack for 3-5 miles.
- Benefit: Bone density, posture, low-impact cardio.
- Kettlebells: Simple & Sinister protocol (Swings + Turkish Get-ups) for functional mobility.
4. Advanced Tracking & Bloodwork
- Blood Panel (End of Month 3):
- Inflammation: hs-CRP (Target < 0.5).
- Metabolic: HbA1c (Target < 5.0), Fasting Insulin (Target < 5).
- Hormones: Total/Free Testosterone, IGF-1 (Keep moderate, not too high for longevity), Thyroid panel.
- Nutrient: Vitamin D, B12, Folate.
The Daily "Biohacker" Schedule (Example)
- 05:30 AM: Wake. No phone. Natural light exposure (outside) for 10 mins (Circadian reset).
- 05:45 AM: Hydrate (1L water + Sea Salt + Lemon).
- 06:00 AM: Training: Zone 2 Cardio OR Weights.
- 07:30 AM: Cold Shower: 3 mins cold.
- 08:00 AM: Supplements: D3, Omega-3, NMN, Creatine.
- 09:00 AM: Coffee: Black (delayed caffeine intake prevents afternoon crash).
- 10:00 AM: First Meal (Keto): Eggs, Avocado, Spinach, Salmon.
- 02:00 PM: Nootropic Boost: Lion's Mane + Green Tea Matcha.
- 03:00 PM: Deep Work Block: 90 mins flow state.
- 05:00 PM: Sauna Session: 20 mins + Stretching.
- 06:00 PM: Last Meal (Low Carb): Steak/Organ meats + Broccoli.
- 07:00 PM: Blue light blocking glasses ON.
- 09:00 PM: Supplements: Magnesium, Glycine, Apigenin.
- 09:30 PM: Neurofeedback/Meditation.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep (Temp 65°F, Blackout room).
Success Metrics
- HRV Balance: Your nightly HRV average should stabilize or increase.
- Glucose Variability: Keep standard deviation < 15 mg/dL.
- Deep Sleep: Target > 1.5 hours per night (Oura/Whoop).
- Subjective: Mental clarity, absence of afternoon fatigue, and recovery speed.
This plan is aggressive. Listen to your body. If you feel overtrained or burnt out, prioritize sleep over HIIT. Longevity is a marathon, not a sprint.
Vote
12 / 20
Michelin Star Recipe Designplanning
Design an innovative, multi-component dish worthy of a 3-star Michelin restaurant.
Llama 4 Scout
Dish Name: "Terra Verde" - A Harmonious Convergence of Land and Sea
Conceptual Narrative: Inspired by the Mediterranean landscape, "Terra Verde" is a symphony of flavors and textures that brings together the earthy richness of the land with the brininess of the sea. This innovative dish celebrates the union of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, featuring an unusual pairing of ingredients that will challenge and delight the palate.
Components:
- Saffron-Infused Cauliflower Mousse
- Smoked Eel Tartare with Pickled Fennel and Capers
- Wild Rice and Mushroom Duxelles
- Crispy Fried Cauliflower Petals with Lemon-Thyme Emulsion
- Microgreens and Edible Flower Salad
Component 1: Saffron-Infused Cauliflower Mousse
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) saffron threads, soaked in 1 tbsp (15 ml) hot water
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
- 1 tbsp (15 g) unsalted butter
Steam the cauliflower until tender. Purée in a blender with cream, milk, saffron, salt, and pepper. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Whisk in butter until melted. Pour into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
Component 2: Smoked Eel Tartare with Pickled Fennel and Capers
- 1 lb (450g) smoked eel, flaked
- 1/4 cup (30g) pickled fennel, finely chopped (see note)
- 2 tbsp (30g) capers, rinsed and drained
- 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp (5g) honey
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Mix eel, pickled fennel, capers, mustard, and honey in a bowl. Stir in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Sourcing Note: For pickled fennel, use a high-quality, artisanal product or make your own by slicing 1 bulb of fennel thinly, soaking in a brine made with 1 cup (250 ml) white wine vinegar, 1/2 cup (125 ml) water, and 1 tsp (5g) sugar for at least 2 hours.
Component 3: Wild Rice and Mushroom Duxelles
- 1 cup (120g) wild rice
- 2 cups (475 ml) water
- 1/4 cup (30g) dried porcini mushrooms, rehydrated and chopped
- 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped shallots
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp (5g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook wild rice according to package instructions. Sauté shallots and porcini in butter until softened. Add flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually add wine, whisking continuously. Simmer until reduced to a thick paste. Stir in cooked wild rice.
Component 4: Crispy Fried Cauliflower Petals with Lemon-Thyme Emulsion
- 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp (5g) chopped fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dredge cauliflower florets in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in buttermilk, then coat in flour again. Fry until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
For the emulsion, whisk together lemon juice, cream, mustard, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
Component 5: Microgreens and Edible Flower Salad
- 1/4 cup (15g) microgreens (such as pea shoots or purslane)
- 1/4 cup (15g) edible flowers (such as violas or pansies)
- 1 tsp (5g) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp (5g) white wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toss microgreens and edible flowers with olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
Assembly and Plating:
- Pipe saffron-infused cauliflower mousse onto a chilled plate in a curved line, resembling a hillside.
- Spoon smoked eel tartare alongside the mousse.
- Create a small mound of wild rice and mushroom duxelles nearby.
- Arrange crispy fried cauliflower petals on top of the duxelles.
- Drizzle lemon-thyme emulsion over the cauliflower petals.
- Garnish with microgreens and edible flower salad.
Tips and Variations:
- For a pop of color, add a few drops of beet juice to the saffron-infused cauliflower mousse.
- Substitute the smoked eel with seared scallops or foie gras for a different protein option.
- Use different types of microgreens or edible flowers to change the flavor and visual profile of the dish.
Advanced Culinary Techniques:
- Saffron infusion and foamification (Component 1)
- Smoking and tartare preparation (Component 2)
- Duxelles preparation and thickening (Component 3)
- Emulsion-making (Component 4)
- Edible flower and microgreen handling
Michelin-Starred Tips:
- Balance flavors and textures across the dish to create harmony and contrast.
- Pay attention to temperature and texture contrasts, such as the warm duxelles and crispy cauliflower petals.
- Use high-quality, seasonal ingredients to ensure optimal flavor and freshness.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and edible flowers to add visual appeal and fragrance.
This dish is sure to impress with its innovative combination of ingredients, advanced techniques, and stunning presentation. The saffron-infused cauliflower mousse and lemon-thyme emulsion add an airy, ethereal quality, while the smoked eel tartare and wild rice and mushroom duxelles provide rich, savory elements. The crispy fried cauliflower petals add a satisfying crunch, and the microgreens and edible flower salad add freshness and color. "Terra Verde" is a true celebration of the Mediterranean landscape, where land and sea converge in a culinary masterpiece.
Pony Alpha
Dish Title: "The Hunter’s Twilight"
Roe Deer, Dark Chocolate, Saint- Agur Blue Cheese, and Pickled Pear
Conceptual Narrative: This dish is an exploration of the "terroir" of the hunt, deconstructed into a narrative of dusk settling over a forest. It challenges the traditional boundaries between savory and sweet by utilizing Valrhona Guanaja Chocolate not as a dessert element, but as a bitter, tannic "soil" that bridges the gap between the iron-rich venison and the pungent creaminess of blue cheese. The "Twilight" represents the moment day meets night—where the savory meat meets the sweet, lactic cheese—united by the dark, mysterious bitterness of cacao.
Component I: The Hearth (Cocoa & Coffee Cured Roe Deer Loin)
Technique: Sous-vide & Torching
Ingredients:
- 400g Roe Deer loin (saddle), trimmed of silver skin
- Cure: 30g Kosher salt, 15g Demerara sugar, 10g Valrhona Guanaja 70% cocoa powder (finely sifted), 5g finely ground espresso beans, 5g juniper berries (crushed), 3g black peppercorns (crushed)
- Duck fat (for vacuum sealing)
Instructions:
- The Cure: Mix the salt, sugar, cocoa, espresso, juniper, and pepper. Rub the mixture thoroughly over the deer loin. Place on a wire rack in the fridge for 4 hours (do not exceed this, or the texture will become ham-like).
- The Rinse: Rinse the loin under cold water to remove the cure. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Sous-Vide: Vacuum seal the loin with a tablespoon of duck fat. Cook in a water bath at 54°C (129°F) for 45 minutes.
- The Sear: Remove from the bag. Sear quickly in a smoking hot cast-iron skillet for 30 seconds per side, or use a blowtorch to create an external Maillard reaction without overcooking the center. Rest for 5 minutes.
Component II: The Fog (Saint-Agur & Gin Foam)
Technique: Espuma (Foam)
Ingredients:
- 150g Saint-Agur blue cheese (must be room temperature)
- 100ml Heavy cream (35%+ fat)
- 50ml Whole milk
- 15ml London Dry Gin
- 2 sheets Gelatin (bloomed in cold water) or 2g Agar Agar for hot processing
- White pepper
Instructions:
- The Base: Heat the cream and milk in a saucepan until simmering. Remove from heat.
- Emulsion: Whisk in the Saint-Agur cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add the Gin and a pinch of white pepper.
- Stabilizing: Melt the bloomed gelatin into the warm mixture. Strain through a chinois (fine mesh sieve) to remove any solids.
- Charging: Pour the liquid into an iSi cream siphon. Charge with two N2O cartridges. Shake vigorously. Keep the siphon in a water bath at 50°C until plating.
Component III: The Soil (Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut Praline)
Technique: Crumble
Ingredients:
- 50g Valrhona Guanaja chocolate, melted
- 30g Roasted hazelnuts, crushed
- 20g Panko breadcrumbs
- 5g Dried porcini powder
- Fleur de sel
Instructions:
- Mix the melted chocolate with the crushed hazelnuts and breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the porcini powder (this adds an umami punch to the bitterness).
- Spread thinly on parchment and let set in the fridge.
- Once hard, break into uneven, jagged "rocks" and "dirt."
Component IV: The Ether (Smoked Pear & Birch Syrup Gel)
Technique: Cold Oil Spherification
Ingredients:
- 200ml Pear juice (clarified)
- 30ml Birch Syrup (sourced from Canada/Alaska)
- 2g Sodium Alginate
- 5g Calcium Chloride (dissolved in 500ml water)
- Smoking: Cold smoke the pear juice with hickory wood for 15 minutes before processing.
Instructions:
- Mix the smoked pear juice, birch syrup, and sodium alginate using an immersion blender until smooth. Let rest to remove air bubbles.
- Using a syringe or pipette, drop the mixture into the calcium chloride bath. Let set for 2 minutes to form "pearls."
- Rinse the pearls in a clean water bath.
Component V: The Garnish (Charred Gem Lettuce & Oxalis)
- Baby Gem lettuce hearts, cut in half.
- Sear the cut side in a dry pan until blackened (providing a bitter, charcoal note).
- Fresh Wood Sorrel (Oxalis) leaves (lemon flavor).
Plating Presentation
The Philosophy: Minimalist, Organic, Dark.
- The Canvas: Use a matte black, irregular slate or ceramic plate.
- The Landscape: Spoon a line of the Chocolate Soil diagonally across the plate, jagged and uneven, like a mountain ridge.
- The Meat: Slice the venison into 1cm thick medallions. Arrange three slices leaning against the "ridge" of soil.
- The Contrast: Place a dollop of the Smoked Pear Gel (a bright amber color) on the opposite side of the meat to contrast the dark soil.
- The Element: Place the Charred Lettuce upright near the meat to add vertical height and a "burnt forest" aesthetic.
- The Cloud: Dispense the Blue Cheese Foam lightly over the top of the venison slices, allowing it to spill slightly onto the plate like a morning mist, but do not bury the meat.
- The Jewels: Scatter the Oxalis leaves and a few Birch Pearls across the plate randomly to simulate dew drops.
Sourcing Notes
- Roe Deer: Sourced from Highland Game (Scotland) or a reputable local game dealer during the season (Oct-Feb). The meat should be deep red and smell iron-rich.
- Valrhona Guanaja 70%: Essential for its bitter, woody notes without excessive sugar. Standard "baking chocolate" will ruin the savory balance.
- Birch Syrup: Unlike maple syrup, this is savory, acidic, and resinous. It acts as a bridge between the venison and the chocolate. (Available via specialty Nordic foraging suppliers).
- Saint-Agur: A double-cream blue cheese from Auvergne, France. Creamier and less "bitey" than Roquefort, making it ideal for foams.
Wine Pairing Recommendation
Domaine Jamet Côte-Rôtie (Syrah). The Northern Rhône Syrah offers the gamey, peppery, and olive notes that harmonize with the venison and juniper, while the fruit forwardness cuts through the blue cheese foam.
Vote
12 of 20