Luxury Life and Style South Bay Nov Dec 2008 : Page 80
Cellar dinner with friends hoSting thE PERFECt PARtY by Bonnie graves Y ou love your family. You love your friends. You even sort of love some of your colleagues. But do you love them enough to attend yet another holiday dinner party this year? I think there’s something sinister about enforced gaiety, and it’s tough to get excited about those sadly recognizable frozen Trader Joe’s mini- quiches and the tinier-than-small small talk after too many dinners where nothing seems very unique. And don’t even get me started on bad cocktail party wine – here’s a tip: if you’re too embarrassed to show the label, then you certainly shouldn’t be pouring it for your guests. But then again, every once in a while you’re invited to THE party, the one that makes you look at the host or hostess in awe as you wonder how time was found to set such an elegant table with such extraordinary food and such wittily entertaining guests. Surely they couldn’t have dreamed up such a party without professional help? You’re right about that last detail – lots of folks throw success- ful parties because they’re always dialed in, and are already in league with those up-and- coming vendors that make their homes and 80 Luxury Life & Style moontidemedia.com November/December 2008
The Cellar
Bonnie Graves
dinner with friends
hosting THE PERFECT PARTY
You love your family. You love your friends. You even sort of love some of your colleagues. But do you love them enough to attend yet another holiday dinner party this year? I think there’s something sinister about enforced gaiety, and it’s tough to get excited about those sadly recognizable frozen Trader Joe’s miniquiches and the tinier-than-small small talk after too many dinners where nothing seems very unique. And don’t even get me started on bad cocktail party wine – here’s a tip: if you’re too embarrassed to show the label, then you certainly shouldn’t be pouring it for your guests.
But then again, every once in a while you’re invited to THE party, the one that makes you look at the host or hostess in awe as you wonder how time was found to set such an elegant table with such extraordinary food and such wittily entertaining guests. Surely they couldn’t have dreamed up such a party without professional help? You’re right about that last detail – lots of folks throw successful parties because they’re always dialed in, and are already in league with those up-andcoming vendors that make their homes and their holidays absolutely sparkle.
We got to talking about this idea earlier this fall, when my assistant Ms. Michele and I were called on to sommelier just such an epic dinner party. We don’t do a lot of private events in homes these days, as we always seem to be swamped with work. But when the dinner includes food from that very talented and very cute, Season Three Top Chef alum, Chris “CJ” Jacobsen in tandem with event design by my friend Shay Watson from Aesthetica Events, you know that you’ll be in fabulous company. Most importantly, I like supporting high-end food and wine events when they’re done for the benefit of those that aren’t likely to have the luxury of arguing about the foie gras ban or about which vintage of Margaux is best. Silliness. In this case, our hosts had very generously bid on a dinner package for twelve to benefit the Trevor Project, an organization that is close to my heart. And with Chef CJ’s incredible menu and Shay’s tabletop wizardry in place We were more than happy to pour the wines for what turned out to be one of the loveliest dinners we’ve ever done – and for a great cause, too.
This holiday season, may we suggest that you host a dinner party for the benefit of others? Ask your guests to dress up and cough up, a cash contribution that is, at your own soirée and then do it up in style. We’ve done the legwork for you on this one, and are willing to share the names of those rising party planners, florists, designers, chefs and sommeliers who will make your event the one that goes down in holiday history!
Aesthetica Events, Shay Watson 310-578-1656 shay@aestheticaevents.com aestheticaevents.com Shay is a one-stop party planning wonder, and his flawless taste is reflected in every glass, napkin, fork and flower. Highly recommended for complete event planning needs.
Xani Events, Alexandra Pribuss 310-633-4600 alexandra@xanievents.com xanievents.com From the Emmys and Oscars to lush, intimate weddings, Alexandra has made magic for years as the Director of Special Events at Spago Beverly Hills. Xani is her own foray into event planning – hire her before Oprah does, while you can still afford her.
Marc Blackwell Designs, Marc Blackwell and Ritter Elizabeth Hoy 614-932-9950 ritter@mediasourcetv.com marcblackwell.com Michele recently discovered Marc Blackwell at a DIFFA event in Los Angeles – watch out Jonathan Adler. Based in New York, Blackwell does gorgeous, high-end events in cities around the U.S.
Statice Flowers & Events, Courtney Wright 310-264-1466 info@staticeflowersandevents.com staticeflowersandevents.com How do we love Courtney’s work? Let us count the ways. A former wine salesperson, Wright and her handsome new husband just launched Statice Flowers & Events… one to watch.
Private Chefs / Recommended Caterers:
Gourmet Celebrations, Alan Entin 310-253-7705 alan@gourmetcelebrations.com gourmetcelebrations.com I have worked with all the big caterers in Los Angeles, but find that Alan’s team consistently Delivers not just top-notch food but incredibly warm and professional service. Hire him, and you’ll be sure to get articulate, friendly staff that takes pride in what they do.
Akasha, Chef Akasha Richmond 310-845-1700 info@akasharestaurant.com akasharestaurant.com We love love love Akasha, who started her empire as a caterer before opening her hugely popular eponymous restaurant and bakery in Culver City. If you’re looking for food with an emphasis on local, organic produce, then Akasha and her team are a no-brainer.
Crescent Heights Kitchen Chefs David McIntyre and Mette Williams 619-450-6450 crescentheightssd.com If you live in the South Bay or the OC, be sure to check out the newly opened Crescent Heights Kitchen in San Diego. I have done a number of private events with this talented team; a fundraising dinner cooked by Chef de Cuisine Mette Williams was recently featured in “Food and Wine.” Book them in advance if you can – they’re real busy these days.
Sommeliers / Beverage Consultants
Allison Robbins Wines, Allison Robbins 310-487-1210 allison@allisonrobbinswines.com allisonrobbinswines.com Allison Robbins is one of the best in the business for intimate, in-home wine tastings. Robbins is particularly adept at demystifying wines in a way that is informative and friendly, never stuffy. Ask her about her sensory tasting class – fantastic and fun.
Troy Smith, Master Sommelier candidate montagelagunabeach.com troysmith46@gmail.com Troy is currently working as a sommelier at the Montage property in Laguna Beach, and if you’re looking for a blowout tasting dinner with once-in-a-lifetime wines, Troy can make that happen. He brings a great combination of indepth wine knowledge and flawless service. Highly recommended if you can get him.
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