"This tastes like God just came in my mouth"

My fabulous friend Kelsey was hosting the 5th anniversary of her 30th birthday this past weekend, and asked me to do the table scape and wine pairings - I was more than happy to oblige. She wanted it to be Italian themed, so we kept it classic and simple and used the best possible ingredients we could find. With winter upon us, I wanted the vibe to be warm, soft and sexy and decided to go with a fur, pearl and pine tablescape. We purchased a faux sheep skin that was cut in half length wise, and draped across the table as a runner. A variety of candles in different shapes and widths were scattered throughout, complemented by pine cones, pine branches, and faux pearls delicately caressing the variety of adornments. It created a chic and rich feel, with just a subtle nod at the approaching holiday season.

The Menu:

Antipasti

Assorted olives

Charcuterie: prosciutto roses, fennel salami

Cheese: burrata, cave aged gruyere, brillat savarin

Spicy candied pecans

Truffled honey

Crostini

Wine pairing: La Marca Prosecco, $15-17

Primo

Hand rolled gnocchi (made by yours truly), brown butter, sage, parmigiano reggiano

Wine pairing: 2016 Lvnae Vermentino, Liguria, $25

Secondo

Tuscan ribeye, arugala, grana padano, salsa verde

Cortono

Grilled broccolini

Wine Pairing: 2011 Piccini Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany

Dolce

Affogato: espresso, vanilla bean gelato

It was an indulgent and hedonistic evening, the wine flowing endlessly and the conversation increasingly titillating as the night wore on. It was one of those perfect, "the stars have aligned" type of evenings where personalities put in the same room who've never met before, interact effortlessly as though they were a group of old friends getting together. No topic was taboo, and the realness and authenticity of everyone in attendance was truly refreshing. While this post is intended to be one only about the food, wine and decor - expect further posts to come where I'll share some of the fascinating insight discussed at the table. 

And, if you too, want to know what "God's semen" tastes like - pick yourself up the cheeses mentioned in the antipasti board and see for yourself.