April 4, 2007
CHARLESTON UNDER
THE STARS--A Sophisticated Evening Produced by JMC Charleston
for the Charleston Food + Wine Festival
For Immediate Release
Contact: Barbara P Heddinger
843.795.1420
Barbara@heddinger.ws
A sophisticated soiree, whose theme ‘Charleston
Under the Stars--could have come from a Cole Porter
melody. The elegant party for only 60 guests proved
to be ‘The Top’—especially with Mitchell
Crosby at the helm. The event was held in a private
penthouse high atop Charleston, where guests had a 360
degree view of Charleston with its steeples, rooftops,
and harbor—not to mention an eclipse! And no,
Mitchell can do lots of things to make a party swing,
but the eclipse was mother natures! Charleston Gas Light
Company underwrote the evening.
The party began as each guest in black tie and evening
gowns were greeted at the entrance of the penthouse
by the owner, and were then ushered inside for cocktails
and to meet Chef Sam Talbott from Bravo’s hit
reality show, Top Chef, who prepared the hors d’oeuvres.
Guest could then stroll around the penthouse or take
their drinks outside to enjoy the view.
Dinner was be prepared by Chef Norman Van Aker , Chef
Paul Kahan, and Chef Tom Colicchio, with desserts prepared
by Le Bernadin pastry chef Michael Laiskonis.
Le Menu:
Hors d’Oeuvres
Chefs Sam Talbott and Heather Carlucci-Rodriguez
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 1998
Seared Yellowfin Tuna en Adobo
Slow Braised Spanish Onions, Cucumbers, Piquillo Chile
Mojo
Chef Norman Van Aken
Tenuta San Guido ‘Guidalberto’ Toscana IGT
2003 & 2004
Roasted Breast of Guinea Hen and Organic Veal Sweetbreads
Cornbread Porridge, Candied Black Olives, Crispy Chocolate
Chef Paul Kahan
Agricola Punica ‘Barrua’, Sardegna, IGT
2002 & 2003
Lamb Loin with Swiss Chard and Lemon Confit
Chef Tom Colicchio
Tenuta San Guido ‘Sassicaia’,
Tenuta San Guido DOC 1999, 2002 & 2003
Chocolate Egg
Chocolate in Five Textures
with Hazelnut and Buerre Noisette
Bacon Peanut Brittle
Chef Michael Laiskonis
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Porto 1985 & 2003
Wines were provided by Dr. Sebastiano Rosa of Tuscany’s
famed Sassicaia Vineyards. One of the few master sommeliers
in the United States, Robert Bath, decanted wines and
discussed the best pairings for the evening with Dr
Rosa.
Crosby, with his inimitable understanding of style
and period, chose a monochromatic décor to compliment/accent
the Art Deco décor of the penthouse. The palette
of the dining table--again in Crosby’s style--
a neutral table top that made the presentation of each
dish stand out as it was supposed to, with the tables
featuring fabulous orange floral arrangements –
chosen by the owner of the home to coordinate with one
of her few colorful paintings. Stunning flatware from
Washington, linens made for the event, elegant black
Chivari chairs and the featured Stolzle glassware from
the F+W Festival. Simply put, it was an evening to remember!
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