Veloute is no longer in as widespread use as it was decades ago. Modern chefs have moved away somewhat from starch thickened sauces, opting for lighter and sparser fare. In spite of this, understanding the mechanics of the classic thickened bouillon is essential for anyone interested in sauce making in general.
Gastrique is an underutilized flavor enhancer that dissolves the flavor of fresh herbs into light caramel and vinegar. It is a great way to introduce flavoring into dishes without being detected visually.