Lobster Bisque - Miz En Place

Ingredients

• 3 small lobster tails (or 2 large)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion (sliced)
• 1 large celery stalk (sliced)
• 1 small carrot (sliced)
• 1 head of garlic (cut in half crosswise)
• 1 medium tomato (sliced)
• 2 sprigs fresh tarragon
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/2 cup sherry
• 2 cups clam juice
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)