Solar System Soiree

When I asked my friend Seth if he wanted a theme for his birthday dinner, I did not anticipate his response: the solar system. While at first stumped, a chat with my brilliantly nerdy friend David and a trip to the library revealed fun facts about each planet, as well as plenty of mythological references. These findings inspired a ten course menu with each course themed around the sun and nine planets. For appetizers--the introduction to the meal--I thought back to children's introduction to the solar system (e.g. Goodnight Moon and wishing upon stars) for inspiration. Along the way I remained mindful of Seth's favorite foods and flavors. Amy's decor started with a hanging mobile of the solar system and stayed in theme with plenty of star and planet motifs. With a blue and white color palette, Amy did graphic floral arrangements and iron-on napkins with an explanation of the planets. At each place setting, we gave guests their horoscope and astrological character description. And, of course, all guests went home with neapolitan astronaut ice cream; what would a space party be without it!?

The Menu

snacks

a child's introduction to space

"The Big Dipper"

always better with dip

herb salad rolls with peanut hoison dip & spicy vietnamese dip

"When You Wish Upon A Star"

wish-bone...shapes

open faced thanksgiving sandwiches

"The Big Bear"

inspired by what a bear eats...

smoked salmon & berry caviar on potato chip

"Falling Stars"

1/5 star anise

chinese five spiced nuts

"Good Night Moon...Cow Jumping Over The Moon"

a cow becomes...

air cured beef wrapped around asian pear, manchego, fig jam & mint

dinner

a meal inspired by 9 planets & the sun

"PLUTO: The God of the Underworld"

technically a dwarf planet...potatoes grow underground...amuse bouche

mini baked potato with melted cheddar, rosemary & creme fraiche

"MARS: The God of War"

the red planet...hot versus cold

duo of tomato sorbet & tomato soup

"VENUS: The Goddess of Love & Beauty"

earth's evil sister...because the birthday boy has two least favorite foods

pan roasted asparagus with caramelized diver scallops

"NEPTUNE: God of Water & Sea"

fish swim in liquid

black cod with miso broth and shitake mushrooms

"EARTH: Mother of Mountains, Valleys & Streams"

life...mother and child...vegetation

cold smoked chicken, slow poached egg, steamed rice & pickled cucumbers

"THE SUN: Light, Heat & Energy"

colors of the sunset...too hot to handle

inedibly spicy yellow curry with red peppers, carrots & corn

"URANUS: Lord of the Skies"

flying

pomegranate glazed quail on a bed of wild arugula & pomegranate seeds

"MERCURY: Messenger of the Gods"

made of iron...full of craters

grilled rib-eyes with crater lake blue cheese

"JUPITER: King of the Gods"

the largest planet...90% hydrogen...carbohydrates are mainly hydrogen...stormy

giant chocolate-chocolate chip cookie with clouds of whipped cream

"SATURN: God of Agriculture"

seven rings

seven flavors of cake doughnuts: cinnamon spice, citrus, maple, milk chocolate, old fashioned, sugar with rainbow sprinkles, dark chocolate with chocolate jimmies

Chicken & Waffles

I recently watched a marathon of Mildred Pierce on HBO on demand. This created a die hard craving for chicken and waffles. So, I had to have a party. This classic combo is delicious no matter what (Roscoe's anyone?), but making it at home feels especially luxurious. Once again, Thomas Keller's Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe from Ad Hoc is a show stopper (that lemon brine is magical!). And since everything is better with buttermilk, I put it in the waffles too. Add some pies into the mix (another Mildred Pierce induced craving) and you've got a perfect night!

The Menu

cocktails

watermelon vodkas

to start

tomato, cucumber, little gems, avocado & apple smoked bacon with dill-chive dressing

dinner

buttermilk fried chicken

belgain waffles with maple butter & fresh peach compote

stewed collard greens

pickled okra

watermelon, mint & lime salad

rosemary cayenne cornbread

dessert

strawberry rhubarb pie with lattice crust

chocolate cream pie

Bridge Club

My friend Ahna O'Reilly is perfect as Miss Elizabeth Leefolt in the film The Help. When Ahna originally told me that she had been cast in the role, I almost died with excitement. So when it came time to celebrate the movie, I was thrilled to get to make a party in its honor. While the obvious choice would've been a Mississippi themed spread, the whole cast was too spoiled by the real stuff while filming to compete. Instead, I made a Californian buffet with lady-like touches, served in a charming garden. I had fun with new versions of finger foods--e.g. blt tea sandwiches and savory cornmeal shortcake sliders with white cheddar, creme fraiche and chives-- and dainty individual desserts. Amy also kept the decor sweet and elegant with lush garlands, white lights & lanterns, and plenty of gorgeous flowers (after all, there were Southern women in attendance!). I couldn't be more proud of Ahna and think the party managed to hold a candle to her performance.

The Menu

cocktails

cucumber mint gimlets

blackberry thyme margaritas

appetizers

savory cornmeal shortcake sliders with creme fraiche, sharp white cheddar & chives

blt tea sandwiches

chilled zucchini soup shots with cumin scented bay shrimp

pickled cherries, ricotta & basil crostini

dinner buffet

grilled lamb skewers on rosemary branches

with feta salsa verde

roast shrimp with roasted garlic lemon boy tomato sauce & purple basil

sprouted shelling beans with pecorino, shallots & thyme

big green salad with little gems & cucumbers will dill yogurt dressing

shaved summer squash with pine nuts & mint

tomato bread pudding

dessert

dark chocolate pot de cremes

lemon blueberry parfaits