WINDOWS CATERING - CHEF LAURENT LHUILLIER

As the weather warms and nature blossoms all around us, haven’t you felt the desire to entertain again? Maybe you’re planning a graduation party or a backyard wedding this summer. Perhaps your office needs a little pick-me-up, and you’d like to surprise the staff with a catered luncheon. Well, A Spoonful of Sin has found the perfect caterer for all your events, and they have agreed to prepare three of their favorite pastries and confections for you this month!

Windows Catering Company in Alexandria, Virginia was born from its restaurant in Rosslyn in the mid-80’s (whose beautiful windows overlooked the Potomac, hence the name). When they began receiving so many requests for catered affairs, they gave up the restaurant and began operating Windows as strictly a catering venture. Their Executive Pastry Chef is Chef Laurent Lhuillier, who comes with an impressive list of awards, such as 2005’s National Pastry Team Champion. In 2006, he captained the USA team at the World Pastry Team Championships, where he received the Bronze medal.

Chef Lhuillier grew up in the Champagne region of France and began working in a bakery when he was young. However, at age 15 his mother noticed his interest in the army, so she suggested he learn the art of pastries, as it was fun, creative and kept him too occupied to think of anything else! He moved to Canada in his twenties and says he learned English by watching sitcoms such as “Three’s Company!”

Chef Lhuillier specializes in sugar sculptures that can resemble almost anything, such as floral arrangements. He loves it when a client has a budget that allows him creative license, but says Windows will also happily accommodate parties as small as eight people. (Their largest catered affair was for 30,000!) In addition, Windows Catering is a full-service business, covering every detail of your affair from valet parking to the deejay and photographer if you wish. If you prefer, they will just drop off the food at your designation. It’s up to you.

Their website is as beautiful as their food! For more information and to see examples of desserts, weddings, and gala affairs they have catered visit their website at www.catering.com.

Chef Lhuillier has created three of his favorites for you this month:

First, we have a Lemon Curd Cake. On a sweet dough, this sweet yet tangy cake is decorated with whipped cream and garnished with fresh raspberries. A perfect dessert for an outdoor summertime event!

Next is one of Chef’s signature desserts, Chocolate Peanut Crunch Cake. Starting on the bottom with a flourless chocolate cake layer, followed by a middle layer of peanut crunch, then topped with a layer of dark chocolate mousse. But wait – there’s more! These three layers are then covered with a glossy dark chocolate ganache! Elegant on the outside, something for everyone on the inside!

Chef’s third selection only sounds familiar – Rocky Road Truffle. We promise you’ve never had any “Rocky Road” like this one! Smooth milk chocolate with pecans and marshmallows mixed together as only a Frenchman could do it! Serve these at a graduation party and your “grad” will never leave home! (Wait – is that a good thing?!)

SPECIAL OFFER: Contract for any catered event from 8-25 persons and Windows will provide free complimentary miniature homemade desserts.

WINDOWS CATERING COMPANY

703-519-3500

5724 General Washington Dr.

Alexandria, VA 22312

email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it