COUPAR Holiday Celebration: Truffle Shuffle

Truffle Rissoto. Photo via Truffle Shuffle

Each holiday season, the COUPAR team finds a unique way to get in the spirit and celebrate with one another. In recent years, we’ve lunched at Spruce and indulged in curated spa gift baskets. For 2022, we switched it up and embarked on a virtual cooking adventure with the help of a company called Truffle Shuffle. After seeing HEWN partake in a few Truffle Shuffles, we were inspired and decided to follow suit. With COUPAR being primarily remote and employees spread out, we were delighted to find a way to all come together.

Tyler Vorce, Sarah Rundle, and Jason McKinney via SF Gate

Jason McKinney, Tyler Vorce, and Sarah Rundle, three French Laundry alumni, started Truffle Shuffle. After their time in fine dining, they became passionate about selling consciously sourced truffles and bringing them directly to restaurants in an honest way. At the start of 2020, they were ready to sell their truffle supply when COVID hit, resulting in restaurants closing. Forced to adapt, the team creatively pivoted and started a virtual cooking experience using the truffles. Jason and Tyler found success on Shark Tank and now cook virtually with thousands of people from all over.

Package of special ingredients for Truffle Risotto from Truffle Shuffle

For our COUPAR party, with the help of chef Tyler, we were tasked with making a Truffle Risotto. Truffle Shuffle shipped each person a box of curated ingredients, including Truffle Carpaccio, Truffle Salt, and Arborio rice. There was a list of perishable items to purchase separately and kitchenware and utensils needed to prepare the dish.

Chef Tyler teaching the COUPAR Team how to “Mise en Place”

At 4 pm, we all signed on to begin instruction, some of us with sous chefs. Tyler was an excellent teacher and walked us through each step while telling us intriguing stories of his time at the French Laundry. After lots of prep, stirring, and sipping wine, the truffle risotto was ready to enjoy!