THE SIMPLE LIFE

I love when my profession gives me perks - one of which is free food. Yesterday, I got to go to a corporate sponsored event and for listening to someone talk for 2 hrs, I got free unlimited alcohol and dinner at Auberge du Pommier. It was sweet! I just went onto their website to find out what we got - they spent over 90 bucks me on last night; craziness!

For h'or douvres they had Cappuccino de Truffle. It's pureed mushroom and truffle soup with velvet shank cream and parmesan biscuit. It was soooo good. Although looking at the menu, it costs $19. It was such a tiny little tease...now I wish I drank more than one cup =P I also got to try their tuna tartare inside hallowed cucumbers. I have to say I was a little disappointed with that one. Although their presentation was nice, I actually preferred Simon's version at last week's dinner. They also had chicken kebobs with a sweet mustard sauce which was just okay too.

For appetizers we got to choose between Winter Squash Veloute, Mousseline of Scallop or Foie Gras Terrine. I chose the the Scallop, which was chilled mousse of sea scallop wrapped in smoked salmon with tarragon and lime dressing. I guess I should've read the menu more closely cuz making a scallop mousse just sounds kinda gross. It really didn't taste great either - the salmon was good but the scallop was very rubbery and pairing it with the lime didn't make it any better. I should have gone for the Foie Gras instead - doh!

For the main, we got to choose between a roast grouper, loin of lamb or grilled beef tenderloin. I went for the lamb with golden potato, braised garlic, roast parship and rosemary. It was delicious. Perfectly done and oh so yummy. I was really full by the end of it. The only sucky part was burping lamb for the rest of the evening. Doesn't taste as good coming back up - ewwwww!

For dessert everyone got Auberge Crepes. It was undescribable. They filled it with pastry cream and fresh oranges and grapefruit. Topped with a citrus reduction mixed with Grand Marnier. So so so so so so good!

All in all, it was a delightful evening. Oh yeah...and I got to talk to a few strangers and learn about some new products. I hate networking but I'll do it for good food...or just free food.