By Linda Lowry
Andrew Hoge curated the centennial celebration of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, which featured an enchanting event titled "A Tea Soirée." This remarkable gathering elegantly showcased 100 years of rich history and outstanding hospitality. Guests enjoyed a captivating blend of culinary artistry and mesmerizing performances, all within an atmosphere of refined sophistication.
As guests entered the beautifully adorned venue, they were greeted by the enticing aromas of a tea-inspired, multi-course dinner meticulously crafted by the hotel’s Director of Culinary, Eraj Jayawickreme. Each dish was a masterful interpretation of the cherished flavors associated with afternoon tea, transformed into a delightful experience that tantalized the palate and celebrated creativity.
The thoughtfully curated menu included soft and fluffy chai-spiced sweet milk bread, perfectly paired with luscious honey cultured butter for sweetness. Next, guests savored the delicate presentation of uni nestled on crispy nori, which combined oceanic richness with a subtle crunch. They enjoyed the vibrant dish of shrimp tataki, accompanied by puffed rice, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber, offering a refreshing contrast of flavors and textures. Guests delighted in the artistic arrangement featuring a stained egg yolk,
earthy maitake mushrooms, zesty lemon, and peppery arugula, which delivered a harmonious blend of taste and visual appeal. They relished the tender black cod adorned with fragrant chrysanthemum and fresh shiso, served on a bed of forbidden rice, complemented by a rich beurre blanc that tied the dish together. They
cleansed their palates with the refreshing ice wine granita, which sparkled with subtle sweetness and icy coolness. Guests savored the succulent smoked duck breast paired with expertly crafted leg cromesquis, sweet vanilla parsnip, and a rich date jus that added depth to the dish. They concluded their meal with a decadent chocolate panna cotta, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, sea salt dulce de leche, light olive oil sponge, crispy meringue, and flexible chocolate, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.
The evening's highlight was an immersive dance performance choreographed by the talented Christopher D’Ariano from the Pacific Northwest Ballet. This performance seamlessly blended movement with flavor, creating a mesmerizing fusion that left guests in awe. D’Ariano’s choreography not only animated the dining experience but also transformed the soirée into a multi-disciplinary work of art, captivating the audience with
a visual feast. The live performance was produced by The Seattle Project, featuring music by Charlie Millard and Samantha Cooper and dancers Luther DeMyer, Leah Merchant, Arinze Okammor, and Claire You.
Dressed in their finest attire, Seattle's stylish guests added glamour and sophistication to the night, reflecting the city’s chic spirit. As the timeless charm of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel intertwined with contemporary elegance, the evening became a poignant celebration of its illustrious history and promising future. Guests departed with cherished memories of an extraordinary experience that embodied the essence of this centennial milestone.
Ultimately, the centennial celebration was not just an event but an unforgettable journey through time, flavor, and artistry. "A Tea Soirée" attendees reveled in a perfect fusion of history, culture, and innovation, making it a night etched in their minds. As the Fairmont Olympic Hotel prepares to embrace its next century, it does so with a renewed commitment to tradition, modern elegance, and a determination to leave an enduring impression on all who had the privilege to immerse themselves in this extraordinary celebration. The
The centennial celebration will end with an elaborate Centennial Soiree in December, marking a grand finale to a year of memorable festivities.
Photos by: Linda Lowry