Sushi and Sashimi

Going to brunch at the Langham Huntington Hotel is sort of like walking into an old-fashioned candy store – you know, with rows upon rows of brightly colored candy all begging to be eaten. The Langham brunch offers up table after table of wonderful food, all so appealing to the eye and palette. (Unfortunately I have but one stomach to give to my brunch!)

We were seated on the patio under a canopy of pink blossoms. It was a beautiful spring day.

“Would you like orange juice in you champagne?” asked the waiter. “But of course,” I responded.

Champagne and orange juice were poured into our waiting glasses.

Freshly carved lamb and beef

I walked into the main dining room to scope out the goodies. Fresh sushi with a sushi chef on duty was my first stop. Colorful bundles of rice, seafood and vegetables were displayed with care. Bamboo steamers filled with delectable dim sum and three different dipping sauces accompanied them.

The meat table was manned (actually, womanned) by a brightly smiling carver. Roasted leg of lamb with mint jelly and a prime rib roast sat steaming on carving boards.

A table teeming with salads in all the shades of the rainbow (except maybe blue) was set among a beautiful display of spring flowers. Little note cards beside each bowl described the goodies within.

A great ice sculpture stood glistening in the middle of a table filled with fresh seafood. Great bowls of shrimp and crab claws mingled with oysters and sauces.

Dessert table and omelet and waffle bar

Thai dishes were featured dishes in March and two chefs worked making pad Thai, seafood and rice plates. The smell of lemon grass and spices greeted me as I approached to watch the chefs in action.

Fresh omelets were made with fillings to suit the eater. Meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables were all offered. Along with freshly made omelets the chef also manned the Belgium waffle iron. One could fill the waffles with real maple syrup or fresh fruit and real whipped cream.

And desserts as far as the eye could see (I exaggerate). Delicate cakes, creamy mousses, fresh breads and Danish were lined up row-upon-row.

Needless to say I could not taste all that was offered but what I did have was fabulous, fresh and tasty.

This coming Sunday the Langham will be offering a special Easter Brunch complete with an egg hunt and petting zoo for the children. The cost of this special brunch is $90.00 and $85.00 for adults and $35.00 for children under 12. The normal price for brunch is $75.00 for adults and $35.00 for children under 12.

In the month of May the brunch will feature special Spanish-themed dishes in addition to their usual fare. The Langham Huntington Hotel is located at 1401 S. Oak Knoll, Pasadena. For reservations and more information call (626) 585-6218.