Like any ordinary couple, me and the missus have a pretty set routine for Valentine’s Day: The day before, we spin a globe in my office, drop a dart while blindfolded, and pick a country. The next day, we travel to that country’s capitol, explore the local museums, find the country’s most cherished national treasure, and then steal it. Usually, we have one or two run-ins with the local law, but it’s nothing we can’t handle; the real danger is the missus, who occasionally betrays me to the authorities for fun and leaves me for dead. Of course, call me Bruce “Midnight Express” Gorelick, because a little jail time has never kept me from my missus; there’s always a smooch by the end of the end of the night.
That said, this year, we’re doing something different. This year, it’s the KJAZZ 88.1 FM Valentine’s Day Jazz Dinner. With live music courtesy of KJAZZ, LA’s premier jazz radio station, and a real feast a’cookin’ at Twist Restaurant, I believe this year we’ll have a great time without all the handcuffs and jumping from moving vehicles.
Can you think of a more romantic accompaniment to dinner than live jazz? But from whom? Well, let me introduce you to your entertainer for the evening (if you choose to accept this mission of amor): Denise Donatelli. She grew up in a musical family, studying classical piano, and in 2005, Denise recorded her debut CD, receiving critical acclaim and winning a 2005 Blue Chip Jazz CD Award. Her latest recording was released in August 2008, about which LA Times writer Don Heckman wrote, “There’s so much right about this new CD that it’s almost redundant for me to sort through the beauties of each track.”
The Dinner, starting at 6 pm on February 14, 2010 (don’t miss it by coming in 2009), starts with a Salad of Roasted Beets, Belgian Endive, Candied Pistachio, Blue Cheese, Citrus Segments, and Champagne Vinaigrette; that’s followed by a soup course of Wild Mushroom Bisque, Shaved Reggiano, and Truffl e Oil (FYI, I know people who have killed for truffle oil) and then an intermezzo course of Champagne Sorbet, just to whet the appetite for the real deal.
Each person will have a choice of one of the following ridiculously delectable entrees: Butter-Basted Filet Mignon and Mesquite-Grilled Maine Lobster Tail with Lobster Smashed Potato; Herb Crusted New Zealand Rack of Lamb Provencal with Truffled Potato Puree; or Foraged Mushroom Stuffed Breast of Chicken with Squash Risotto and Grilled Asparagus. Desert, of course, is similarly fit for the Gods: Flourless Valrhona Chocolate Cake, with Dulce de Leche Gelato and Fresh Raspberries. I don’t even know how to pronounce “Valrhona” and that makes me know it’s good.
At $99 per couple, with a complimentary bottle of Aria Sparkling White Wine, this dinner’s a steal. Not that I’d ever steal anything… For reservations, call 323.491.1000 or visit KJAZZ.
This is Bruce, signing off.