Review: The Gilded Fork – Entertaining at Home
For a while now I have admired the remarkable palate of Chef Mark Tafoya. Perhaps it is the juxtaposition of my own rustic, bold style to Mark’s artistic and often delicate creations that draws me to his work? Kind of like how people with curly hair always wish it was straight. I am forever dazzled by the array of ingredients both familiar and exotic that Chef Tafoya combines in his cosmopolitan menus.
Speaking of exotic, Jennifer Iannolo is famous for her passion, dare I say lust, for fine foods. As the author of Food Philosophy, Jen has lauded her Sex on a Plate notion which equates the aesthetics of gastronomy to more tantric pursuits. I have always revered people who live life rather than endure it. Curious about her Scottish ancestry Jennifer didn’t go to genealogy.com, she went to Scotland. It is sad how much my bucket list resembles her been-there-done-thats.
Jennifer and Mark have many successful collaborations to their credit. Their edible enterprises are the heart and soul of the Culinary Media Network. Recently, their alliance has again hit gold with the publication of their book The Gilded Fork – Entertaining at Home (The Gilded Fork, LLC, 2009).
This is not another collection of random recipes loosely trust together with a string of commonalities. To the contrary it is a how-to guide to celebration. Tafoya and Iannolo have carefully crafted full menus for life’s assorted events.
There are four course dinners for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and birthdays. Six courses for holiday get-togethers. They have specialty menus as well, brunch, harvest celebration, vegan and dinner for two. The list goes on.
Each designer menu is accompanied by chef’s notes and pairings. The thorough recipes with amazing flavor profiles will make your next party the party of the year. Entertaining at Home is like having a catering chef and party planner tucked away on your bookshelf ready to spring forth at a moment’s notice to add to your legend as party host.
Valentine’s Day is Sex on a Plate
The following is from my good friend Jennifer Iannolo, co-founder of the Culinary Media Network®. Jen has planned the ultimate Valentine’s Day Event this year but I’ll let her tell you more about it. Read on:
What does your inside voice say when you taste something sublime?
Mine says this.
Youve seen me talk a lot about Sex on a Plate on Twitter and Facebook, but I think its high time we got out of the digital realm to bring the experience to life, so if youre going to be in NYC for Valentines Day, I hope youll join me for a very special evening.
Instead of the rote table-for-two scenario, I’m inviting you to my cocktail party in the Penthouse of the Roger Smith Hotel. We’ve planned a sultry evening of tastes to evoke your senses with the kinds of aromas, textures and flavors that will make your mouth water and prime you for what we hope is a most sensual evening. It doesn’t matter if you’re a single, double or threesome. Or any other combination.
Step inside my head, and see what Sex on a Plate looks like to me.
Pretty please, with a strawberry on top.
*** EVENT DETAILS***
DATE: February 14, 2010
TIME: 6:30-10:00 PM
VENUE: Roger Smith Hotel, Penthouse: Solarium, Lexington Avenue & 47th
EVENT TYPE: Cocktail & Tasting Party
MENU: A series of delectable small plates and adult beverages
TICKETS:
$100 per person through January 31st
$125 per person after January 31st
Space is limited. 21 and over. Order your tickets here.
Note: Due to the nature of this tasting event, we will unfortunately not be able to accommodate food allergy restrictions. Menu may contain shellfish,
nuts or other allergens.HOTEL SPECIAL
The Roger Smith Hotel is offering a special Take Monday Off rate on Valentines Day for this event. Please contact Brian Simpson for details on Twitter or via e-mail.
Photos: Kelly Cline