Gastric Distress

I think that's the most politically correct way to describe the current state I'm in! I just returned home from a 4 1/2 hour taste-testing at the JW Marriott. No, I'm not kidding! I just sampled 15 courses of food and 8 courses of wine and champagne! It's a wonder that I didn't need to be rolled out to valet!

Though feeling stuffed might be a gross understatement, I can't even begin to describe how unbelievable the food and wine pairings were. Seriously, I've never tasted anything like it. And to top it off, Melissa, the pastry chef at the JW blew us all away with her creative desserts. We loved them so much we decided we had to serve them all by way of a dessert buffet in the dancing room.

Here is the mouth-watering menu that will be served at the event:

• Kabocha Squash Bisque with Apple Butter and Apple Cider Creme Fraiche
• Filet of Beef atop of a layer of Goat Cheese Pave Potatoes in a Dried Cherry Gastrique
• Goat Cheese Raviolo, Rapini, Tomato Fondue all in Basil Oil (Vegetarian Option)

And on the dessert buffet:

• Apple Tart with Black Butter Custard in Cider Caramel
• Honey Cake with Autumn Fruits
• Butterscotch Creme Brulee with Gewurztraminer Poached Pear
• Lavender Custard with Fresh Blueberries
• Chocolate Fudge Tart
• Caramel Cheesecake

Seriously, can you even stand the thought of these lovely goodies dancing on the taste buds? All I can say is this menu makes me so happy I could smile :)

~Jodi