If you want to make it rain black truffles approximately 22-courses worth, book a table in the intimate 40 seat back room of The Bazaar by Jose Andres private dining room called SAAM - a nod to the owner Sam Nazarian. The aphrodisiacal qualities of the perfumed black fungi will also gain you major scoring points for a Valentine’s Day weekend dinner.
In case you live in a culinary cave, this is the closest thing we have to a meal in the same league as the now defunct elBulli in Spain where SLS Culinary Director José Andrés worked back in the day with his mentor and gastronomic genius Ferran Adrià. Twice a year at SAAM, Andrés joins forces with Chef de Cuisine Holly Jivin to unearth their Michelin level creativity with the mysterious allure of the black truffle. The multi-course dinner pairs unique flavors with the truffles along with exquisite wines that enhance the innovative dishes with many surprises along the way from a Moroccan rosé to a South African red blend from the Swartland Appelation.
Once you take your seat, your own personal truffle for the evening – which was foraged by the renowned Truffle Brothers Michael and Marco Pietroiacovo in the wooded hills of Abruzzo, Italy; is presented and place in a ceramic container to be shaved as the night goes on. What will enhance this gem includes fun and whimsical creations such as the white cheddar popcorn or pine nut ‘Ferraro’ chocolate rolled in gold leaf. As the evening unfolds you will taste a foie gras floating island; Dungeness crab with daikon; a ‘black breakfast’ with a sunny-side up slow-cooked egg; rich sea urchin pasta; creamy cod in a coconut shell; tiny rabbit medallions and Iberico sous-vide with polenta. We will save the six-course dessert selection for a surprise. The show-stopper might just be early on when you will be presented with a paper letter that is actually laced with edible truffle salt and flowers. Even after a four-hour plus seating, you will be sad to see the last shaving of your truffle go away until next year.
The Black Truffle Dinner Series at SAAM is available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from Jan. 29 through Feb. 28, for $275 per guest. Optional wine pairings will also be offered for $100 and $350. Seatings begin at 6:30pm. Reservations are required 310.246.5545.
