Truffle Extraordinaire Part 1

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[youtube id=”fEOK7oRnum4″] by Sophie Gayot This is not the first time that the endless creativity of chef José Andrés compelled me to my computer to write a piece after sitting at the table of one of his restaurants. This time, it is about the second annual Truffle Season Dinner Series at SAAM, the chef’s private tasting room in The Bazaar at SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills. This series presents a great challenge as the key ingredient is what Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin called “the diamonds of the kitchen“. Using truffles reduces dramatically Andrés’ range of action and forces him to express himself in one direction. If you are a truffle lover who will be in Los Angeles between now and November 23rd (and have saved enough money), I highly recommend you head to SAAM. The chef and his local team, Aitor Zabala, Joshua Whigham, Holly Jivin, and Kriss Harvey, have composed a nineteen-course menu with white truffles from the wooded hills of Abruzzo, Italy, that you will not forget soon… or ever. I would gladly rate the dinner that I got to experience last week 17 out of 20 (which is “Excellent” per GAYOT’s rating system). Capture a glimpse of the evening with my exclusive video interview with sous chef Holly Jivin and R & D chef Aitor Zabala. Available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, the feast is priced at $250 per guest with wine pairing options available for both $150 and $300 (prices exclude tax and gratuity). Reservations are required and can be made by calling 310-246-5555. You can click on each photo to enlarge. SAAM at The Bazaar on Urbanspoon