This sounded right up my alley so I didn't hesitate to sign up. The cost was only $35 -- definitely worth trying out! The series kicked off by featuring Chef Rachel Klein of Liquid Art House, which is set to open on Arlington Street in early May. The restaurant will also be part art gallery, and the menu will focus on global street food with modern twists.
The event started at 6:00 on Thursday. It was my first time at the BCAE, and I was excited that the location was right between where I work and where I live. I've always wanted to take a class at the BCAE but have hesitated in signing up. This was a great way to see the space and meet some of the folks that run the center before committing to a class.
The room was set up cocktail style -- there were a number of high top tables and a large open kitchen in the back of the room. There was also drink station where you could get white or red wine, seltzer or water (all included in the price of the ticket). I loved how cute the space looked -- it had a bit of a summery picnic feel with yellow flowers, fun straws, wooden utensils and checkered oven mitts.
We started off the evening with a welcome from the BCAE staff, then we heard from the lead staff at Liquid Art House. Owner Ruta Laukien and Chef de Cuisine Ensan Wong both told us a little about themselves, their visions for the restaurant, and what they are most excited about with the upcoming opening.
Once all of the introductions were done, the food started pouring out!
I expected the food to be set out at stations, so I was happily surprised that the chefs were cooking each course to order, then bringing every person their own plate.
The first item we tried was the wild mushroom dumplings (mushroom consomme, sour cream, shitake chips). I really loved these dumpling! The flavor was almost reminiscent of gourmet French onion soup and the shitake chips gave the dish a great extra crunch.
In between courses I went over to the kitchen area to check out the chefs in action. It was incredibly cool to be able to see them working together and navigating the kitchen as a staff for the first time!
The next menu item we tried was the corn & honey dumplings with Brussels sprouts, aged gouda, and Asian pear. I really liked the unique dumplings in this dish, but it was probably my least favorite out of all of the ones we tried. I would have liked a bit more of a savory flavor mixed in and just wasn't getting it from the gouda.
Next on the list was pork belly with yuca, chicharrones and pico de gallo. I loved this dish -- it was the most creatively presented and the pork belly was cooked perfectly. Check out those rounds of pico de gallo! They were encapsulated in jelly so you broke them apart before eating. So fun!
The next dish was a mini spicy lamp skewer with a puffy pita, Turkish salad and sheep's milk yogurt. I'm a huge fan of lamb and this skewer had the perfect amount of spice. The presentation of the pita was pretty cool, but I wish it had been a little softer and easier to eat.
The last savory item we tried was the Georges Bank seared scallop with gigantes beans, leeks, passionfruit, chorizo oil and cilantro. I never order scallops for myself but I would definitely order this one! The scallop was seared perfectly and I loved the passionfruit "caviar" on top. If I could change one thing about this dish, I would add more leeks (there was only one served under the scallop -- it was delicious).
For dessert, I got to try something brand new to me: rice pudding! This dessert was gorgeously presented and looked like something straight out of Top Chef (my photo doesn't do it justice). The coconut rice pudding was layered with a Thai basil cake, compressed mango, black sesame crunch, passion fruit and sorbet. It was SO delicious and I finished every bite.
I was totally stuffed after dessert, but couldn't help myself to the final small bites the staff handed out. I can't remember what they were, but they were a wonderful way to end the evening.
We finished eating around 8 and then were in for a very special treat! We all grabbed our coats and walked a few doors down to the space where the restaurant will be -- they are still working on it so it was exciting to get a first look! The restaurant space is huge with an open kitchen, super tall ceilings, a beautiful circular marble bar and a gorgeous 11-foot long blown glass chandelier. I could not stop taking photos of the chandelier and I'm so glad someone asked for the back story. The chandelier was created by Fabio Fornasier, who was actually Chihuly's teacher! I remember when the beautiful Chilhuly exhibit was at the MFA, so it was cool to make that connection. The restaurant will be featuring different art that will change every six weeks. The first display will be themed around street art and will showcase work from artists both locally and around the world.
We were invited to stay as long as we liked and to explore as much of the space as we wanted to. I (of course) ran right into the kitchen to get a closer look. I felt like a kid in a candy store with all of the brand new appliances, including a vintage-looking rotisserie!
The whole night was awesome from start to finish. Besides getting to be one of the first to try the new menu, it was so cool to get to give feedback to the Liquid Art House staff. From the chefs to the general manager to the front of house staff, everyone was so eager to hear our opinions and the pride and passion they had for their restaurant was contagious. To top it all off, the Liquid Art House sent each person off with a parting gift...
...a $25 gift card! I will definitely be going to L.A.H. once it opens -- I can't wait to try more of the menu!
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