Canlis - Malcolm Pirnie Holiday Party

This year Matt's work Christmas party was pushed off until January due to schedule conflicts. So, last night we all went to Canlis, in Seattle. It is probably one of the best restaurants in the city. Certainly the best we've ever been to!

We started the evening off with a bottle of fine champagne that was sent over-night from Paris from one of Malcolm Pirnie's clients. I have never been much of a fan of champagne, but this stuff was great :) Then we each recieved a warm dinner roll with butter and a small personal sized bread. Each time we were served, it was like a choreographed dance. One server on each side of the table, moving clockwise, very elegant.

Then, we had our first courses. Matt had a crab cake that was delicious and served with curried cream sauce and I had a salad that was hearts of romaine with blue cheese crumbles and mint drizzled in a vinaigrette. It was also very good. Then, our main course was brought out to us, a server for every person, all our plates set in front of us at the same moment. Matt and I shared the roasted duck for two. It was presented to the table and then taken back to the kitchen and carved and brought back out for us to eat. I had never had duck before and was pleasantly surprised. I really liked it! The skin was crunchy and brown and it was tender inside. Very yummy. We also each had a side dish that we shared. I got truffle fries, hand cut potatoes, double fried then drizzled in truffle oil and tossed with fresh herbs and seasonings. Matt got forest mushrooms in a red wine sauce. They were both very tasty! We also had drinks with our dinner and that was all followed by amazing desserts. Matt got a decadent yet light creme brulee and I got "chocolate covered chocolate". It had a small molten chocolate cake on one side and on the other there was a ball of banana ice cream covered in chocolate. That was probably my favorite part, cool and decadent... mmm!! Oh and of course there was coffee with dessert :)

Anyway, the whole night was amazing!! Good company, good conversations, all around enjoyable. I've got to tell you that after the crappy couple months I've had, it felt so good to be decadent and feel pampered. It gave me a boost and I'm thankful for a good weekend and feeling light-hearted for a while :) Thank you Malcolm Pirnie!