I have three words for you. Watermelon Caprese Salad. And two more. Cheese Fondue. Then one more. OMG.
I had only ever been to The Living Room before for cocktails and wine. This time, it was the latter, but also food. It was not a cheap evening, but my-oh-my, was it ever a tease for my taste buds and an exercise for my waistline.
Let me start with the Watermelon Caprese Salad. It's three pieces of watermelon cut lengthwise, two on the bottom and one on top, covered with what I assume was mozzarella (as is common in a Caprese salad) and drizzled in olive oil and little "flavour bombs" of balsamic vinegar. Flavour bomb you ask? Why yes. Little brown beads made from balsamic vinegar, a thickener and some other kitchen magic to turn them into tiny edible beads. I'll be back for that salad alone.
Onto the cheese fondue. What happens when you put 6 women at a table with spears, food and melted cheese? A bubbling pot and table full of food that quickly disappears. Pieces of bread, grilled pink lady apples (my favourite!), chunks of sausage, asparagus, broccolini, mini-ravioli, it was a fine feast. With some cheese still bubbling and toiling away, we couldn't help but have a second round of asparagus and apples. Hey, at least we went for more fruits and veggies.
As I ate my food, I also sipped on a Screaming Viking, Grey Goose vodka with bruised cucumber. Refreshing! Why is it that cucumber seems to make every drink seem more fresh? I finished with my favourite, The Shaft. Introduced to me once upon a time by Tara M, this drink is "tall, dark and cool" made with Kahlua, espresso and skim milk. Make sure you stir it well or you'll end up with a rather strong iced espresso at the end of the glass.
As far as service goes, we couldn't have asked for a better server. Attentive and just flirty enough for a group full of gals, we were well looked after and entertained.
The inside is small and intimate, seating maybe 60 customers at one time. But what a lovely spot it is! Come summer, the patio provides an equally lovely evening sporting two outdoor fireplaces on 17th Avenue.