Sample Circuit: The Living Room at the W Hotel

From Left: Brian McElrath, Christine Walthour (BT McElrath Chocolatier) and Friends

I have struggled to find the words to appropriately describe the many elements that made the Sample Circuit event at the Living Room last week so wonderfully memorable.

First, the setting…

Formidable is one word that comes to mind, and so does comfort. Picture if you can, this grand location with double-sized, corset tied wing-back chairs that are spacious for one and “cozy” for two. Sofas and loveseats that are wrapped in sumptuous fabrics – literally embrace the fortunate guest to find a seat. Perfect lighting that created the illusion of mystery and intrigue on all of the subjects present. The final touch was the food – no, cuisine- that is best described as, inspired.

Photo by Chris Bohnhoff Photography

Truly, Chef Josh Hill created an experience to remember, featuring delectable bites of culinary perfection. Among the favorites, were the melt in your mouth and surprisingly, elegantly presented, Pigs in a Blanket, featuring Fischer Farms sausage, pure maple syrup and the subtle flavor of fresh chives. The Sugarcane Skewered Tamarind Prawns and the Kobe Beef and Scallop Sliders were also among the most talked about items. Not to be forgotten, the Truffle Devil Eggs with Dry Cured Chorizo, Curried King Crab Sushi Roll, and Lobster Bisque Shooters were very popular as well. There were several stations of unique items and servers were around every corner, offering each guest their fill of savory satisfaction.

Rare Seared Beef Tenderloin with Roquefort and Smoked Tomato Marmalade

Truffled Deviled Eggs with Chorizo

Curried King Crab Sushi Roll

Photos by Chris Bohnhoff Photography

Sous Chef Miguel Medina – Castillo created a piece of edible art, a tower of cream puffs wrapped in spun sugar as an eye catching centerpiece at the dessert table. Rich, silky dense triangles, also known as Bitter Chocolate Caramel Marquise, were the favorite of our chocolate loving guests. The perfectly airy cream puffs with just a smudge of caramel were my personal heaven.

Cream Puff "Tower"

Bitter Chocolate Caramel Marquise

Photo by Chris Bohnhoff Photography

Across the way, Roy Goslin and Dianne Ferrandi of Z Wines USA were pouring perfectly paired wines for each of the culinary creations.

Leinenkugel’s poured the Classic Amber, a wonderful complement to the “Pigs in a Blanket” and the other meat dishes offered.

Finally, Ketel One was featured in a Pomegranate Martini created by the Living Room team – welcoming the end of summer with a promise of the richer flavors to come.

Johanna Schussler (Rt) and Friend

Photo by Chris Bohnhoff Photography

Special thanks to the Living Room team for being such gracious hosts and to David Abele of Sotheby's International and the Living Room for offering the grand prize of the evening!

We hope to see everyone at Restaurant Max next week, September 16^th!