Buffalo Rising Online

Dec 22nd 2007, 10:01am By Christa Glennie Seychew

Sample is known for their bite-size portions, offering entire meals comprised of mini masterpieces. Though it took a little while for Buffalo to fully appreciate this restaurant that is both high concept and high style, it has developed a great reputation and a devoted following.

Sample assures me that they will never alter their "concept", but they have begun offering a monthly Sunday Supper Club where a prix fixe meal is served in the larger portions we're all more accustomed to.

This month the Supper Club happens to fall on December 30th, coincidentally the day before the second biggest restaurant night of the year (Valentine's Day is usually the first). Most restaurateurs would skip the 30th, and instead rest up for the mayhem known in the biz as "amateur night".

That's right, New Year's Eve (and Valentine's Day) are known as amateur night, because those looking for a fine dining experience realize that in the mad crush of the holiday they may not enjoy themselves as much. That may sound a bit rough but I assure you it's not meant as an insult; it's just one of those industry things, and I'm sure that many of you choose to avoid restaurants on those two days of the year for the same reason.

So next weekend, you can bet that those looking for a celebration with elegance and grace will be venturing to Sample for Supper Club, the day before the big day. It's also a fantastic opportunity for people like me, who either work in the industry or who have spouses who do; people for whom New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day are considered work, not a celebration.

Sample still has a few reservations left, and the senior staff at the restaurant is very excited about the menu, they've assured me that it's the best one yet. As usual, Sample is one of the few restaurants that does an excellent, trendy play on traditional preparations; when you spot something on the menu in quotes, you can be sure the dish will be smart and inventive.

Again, Supper Club is served in full-sized portions and is $65 per person (plus tax and tip), including wine pairings with each course, and in the spirit of the holiday, a champagne toast. Avoid the craziness of New Year's Eve by making your reservation today.

SAMPLE'S SUNDAY SUPPER CLUB
December 30, 2007

AMUSE-BOUCHE

BLINI PLATE
Duck confit, buckwheat blini
Gravlox, traditional blini
Smoked crab, yukon potato blini

WINTER VEGETABLE PROGRESSION
Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Acid

SQUAB MILLINAISE
arugula
Chestnet puree
"Rice crispies"

INTERMEZZO

LAMB ROULADE
Polenta canaloni
"Ratatouille"

FROZEN TIRAMISU
Mocha marsala anglaise


Reservations only, limited seating
SAMPLE
242 Allen Street, Buffalo, 14201
716.883.1675