There are those who are enchanted by the notion of a bridal bouquet fashioned from a head of organic cauliflower. For some, doling dulse into their quinoa is considered an indulgence. Yes, there's much is to be said about the simple joys in life, the charm of the unadorned and the modest. But you won't read about that here. At least not today. Opulence is the theme of … [Read more...]
CROQUEMBOUCHE
Croquembouche: The dessert that "combines elegant traditionalism with an imaginative modern approach to the elaborate form of styling."* It's not quite fair to say that Croquembouche is simple, but the effort-to-reward ratio is off the charts, thus making the endeavor well worth the undertaking. Croquembouche's translation, basically "crunch in the mouth," is spot on. … [Read more...]
LOBSTER CASCADE WITH OYSTERS A LA RUSSE IMPERIAL
This magnificent Lobster Cascade centerpiece rising from a platter of Oysters à la Russe Impérial is lifted directly from TV's classiest soap opera, Downton Abbey. Poor Lady Edith, jilted bride, humiliated and bed-bound with despair, bleakly regards a spinster's future. Whilst recognition of her reduced status tearfully dawns, staff scurry to erase all traces of the annihilated … [Read more...]
GEORG JENSEN PANTON PLATTER
A glorious crumple of polished stainless steel ($600, as shown here) or in warm, glowing sterling silver (for a mere $30,000), this Georg Jensen Masterpiece Panton tray is a delight as is, bouncing rays of light day and night, or cradling lovely fruit or really any sort of pretty little things. And if you have $30,000 to shell out on a tray, chances are you have lots of … [Read more...]
JEFF KOONS PUPPY VASE WITH HYDRANGEAS
This terrier vase is an authentic Jeff Koons puppy. Filling it with fresh puffy hydrangeas brings Koons' epic installations of his giant puppies abloom with live flowers all around the globe. We were lucky to have one shown here in NYC at Rockefeller Center a few years ago. Jeff Koons' modern art is exciting and sometimes polarizing. Seems everyone loves a puppy, but he did … [Read more...]
OUR TOP 10 BEST LIST FOR 2011
1. Best Meal: Our wedding party. After sharing our lives for 29 years, Steve Russell and I married in September. 125 guests (45 of whom were family, pictured) celebrated in Greenwich Village on a sunny Sunday afternoon overlooking downtown and the harbor. Highlights of our spectacular feast included four types of caviar, toasted ravioli, lobster rolls and a four foot long … [Read more...]