Fine dining at the Sheppard Club

  • Published
  • By Airman Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A juicy filet mignon sat nestled in a gormet plate, surrounded by prawns, a potato torte, red onion marmalade and steamed asparagus. One might think that this extravagant culinary dish the anxious patron was waiting for was at some upscale restaurant in New York City. 

But, this delicious display of culinary art created with such expertise was at the Sheppard Club April 17 during the Great Gatsby Gala: Fabulous French Feast. 

Marlene Diaz, the manager of the Sheppard, said she wanted to bring something unique to Sheppard. 

"I wanted to bring something new and different to the Sheppard community," said Ms. Diaz. "I wanted to stick with the age and bring in cutting edge culinary." 

Ms. Diaz did just that. The Sheppard community indulged in a five course French fine dining event at the Sheppard Club starting with caramelized apples and fresh goat cheese in a puff pastry with a delicate wine. Another course featuring mesculin mixed greens in a zucchini cup with roasted red peppers and grape tomatoes in a dijon vinaigrette dressing. Lastly a luscious crème brulee with strawberry confit and French Lace cookie was served for desert. 

Marlene Diaz, the manager of the Sheppard Club began cooking at the age of nine with her grandfather who was in the restaurant industry in Puerto Rico. "He taught me first to respect the food and where it came from, how it was grown and then how to make the flavors come alive," said Ms. Diaz. 

Later in life Ms. Diaz took her passion in culinary arts and enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and graduated in the top of her class in 1998. 

The event was finished off with a standing ovation for those conducting the event.
This is the beginning of many new events that will be held at the Sheppard Club. 

"I just want to show the Sheppard community what Sheppard is capable and made of," said Ms. Diaz. "I came from New York, an ever changing venue and that is keeping up with the times." 

Ms. Diaz said some of the events that are being planned for this fall include: comedy shows, another Ladies Night Out, and Grill Your Own Steak out on the patio.
"I want to give the Sheppard Club a fair shake, and create a hot spot here at Sheppard," said Ms. Diaz.