l'etoile
Nov 5, 09, 3:02 pm
No sooner did the notice from Vegetarian Times hit my Facebook page than I picked up the phone and made a reservation. For the first time in 23 years, the James Beard Foundation was having a vegan dinner – a vegan dinner prepared by Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby of the highly acclaimed Horizons vegan restaurant in Pennsylvania at Beard’s Greenwich Village townhouse. Often times, the meals at Beard’s can’t be made to accommodate vegetarians, so, being a veg, I figured this was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.
Unfortunately, I had to squeeze the trip in between various other trips and appointments, so that left me departing SFO at 4:10 p.m. Monday with a 12:45 a.m. arrival Tuesday at JFK. I’d grab some sleep, go shopping in SoHo and Nolita, head to the Beard dinner, and then grab a tad more sleep before departing on the 6:55 a.m. out of JFK the next morning. I figure I have to be one of the few who manages to go to New York for 29 hours yet ends up needing two nights hotel. Oh well. It’s not like New York is one of those pricey hotel cities. ;)
The Bay Bridge was still out as of Monday morning and I just wasn’t so sure I wanted to be one of the first ones over it after repairs anymore, so I headed south to the San Mateo Bridge, scouted out one of my preferred parking spaces at ParkSFO and caught the shuttle. My upgrade cleared at the gate, and I settled into 10A.
I increasingly have the ability to sleep on planes, and that’s pretty much what I did. Sorry, no airplane food photos here. About all I remember was telling the FA they could have my plate of shrimp that came with the salad. Oh, and the specialty p.s. cocktail. I forget what it was, but it was really pretty good. I had two, and tried to watch “The Hurt Locker”, but heavy eyelids won out.
The flight landed a bit early and my driver was waiting. I headed to the Millenium Hilton. This has generally been where I like to stay for its proximity to SoHo, but I will be looking for a new hotel in the future. Construction at the WTC site never bothered me there before, but now it is going on 24 hours a day. They offer earplugs as the counter. Lovely.
I was out of the hotel early and already shopping. One pair of Moschino gloves and one Save the Queen blouse bought by 9 a.m. I headed over to Mulberry Street and my favorite hat designer didn’t open until 1 p.m. (what’s up with that?), but it was OK because I found a shop I had not been in before – Calvin Tran. I may have liked his things a little too much. Dinner was suddenly getting a little more expensive. :o
I stopped in for an iced Aztec chocolate at Marie Belle before going off in search of a belt to go with a piece from Tran. Then it was off to another designer I like, but she was closed on Tuesdays. Probably just as well as I’d done enough damage in a very short time.
Walking back to the hotel to shower and change, I went through a park and found a black squirrel. In California we have brown squirrels; in Boston I’ve seen gray squirrels; but this little black guy was a first for me. Unfortunately, the camera on my phone was not good enough to snap a decent photo.
By 6:45 p.m. I was off to Beard’s. His townhouse is very plain and easy to miss. There’s no sign that I noticed. From what I read, Beard’s townhouse was left to Reed College, but chefs such as Julia Child thought the place needed to be preserved for food events. So with help from folks like Wolfgang Puck, they put on fundraisers and managed to buy it and create the foundation. Now there are food events there about 250 days a year.
Hors d'oeuvres were at 7 p.m., with the dinner beginning at 7:45 p.m.
When I arrived, the place was already packed. Guests walk through the living room, into the kitchen and in the back to the atrium, where hors d’oeuvres and sparkling wine are served.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n57/letiole/PB030205.jpg
View down at the atrium from the upstairs dining room.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n57/letiole/PB030195.jpg
Jacoby is the blond and Landau has the towel over his shoulder. Guests were free to go in and out of the kitchen and chat with the chefs as they worked.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n57/letiole/PB030209.jpg
Black Olive Blini with Truffle Cream and Golden Beet Relish. The Seaweed Caviar had yet to be applied.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n57/letiole/PB030198.jpg
Some of the wines for the evening.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n57/letiole/PB030202.jpg
The table settings.
I was seated at a table in the living room with about 10 other people. In all there must have been 80-100 guests. I was told this was a bigger turnout than at most dinners they have since it's rare they set up tables in the living room. I was thrilled as this would seem to bode well for future vegan and vegetarian dinners at the Beard house. The company was great - as a friend commented to me (endearingly, I think ;) ), "Probably like nirvana for you...crazy liberals and awesome vegetarian food." Indeed, he was right on all counts. The owners of Candle 79, a wonderful veg restaurant in Manhattan were there, as was PETA spokesman Michael McGraw. In truth though, most people, and all but me at my table, were omnivores. And all raved about the meal.
I apparently came the furthest ...once I mentioned to one person I came out from San Francisco just for the dinner it seemed the whole restaurant got wind, including chef Landau, and had to come meet the crazy from California to chat about favorite San Francisco restaurants, including Greens and Millennium.
The dinner included:
Hors d’oeuvre
Oyster Mushroom Fritters with Aguardiente Creamed Spinach
Black Olive Blini with Truffle Cream, Golden Beet Relish, and Seaweed Caviar
Edamame Purée with Crispy Sushi Rice, Gochujang, Daikon, and Nori Dust
Grilled Seitan with Crispy Tortillas, Whipped Avocado, Cilantro, and Green Olive Relish
Domaine Chandon Brut Classic NV
Dinner
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n57/letiole/PB030215.jpg
Portobello Carpaccio with Crispy Capers, Rosemary Mustard, and Spaghetti Squash Latke
Sella & Mosca La Cala Vermentino 2007
The mushroom on this was sliced incredibly thin, giving it a very different texture. It was excellent.
Saffron–Cauliflower Bisque with Fennel Confit Crostini and Oloroso Sherry Crema
A to Z Pinot Gris 2008
Caramelized Celery Root Ravioli with Charred Brussels Sprouts, Smoked Royal Trumpet Mushrooms, and Sage–Grain Mustard Emulsion
Chaddsford Winery Pinot NoPinot Noir 2007
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n57/letiole/PB030217.jpg
Peppercorn-Seared Tofu with Creamed Leek and Truffled Parsnip Purée, Salt-Roasted Golden Beets, Hazelnuts, and Apple Cider Vinegar Reduction
Mas du Soleilla Les Bartelles 2007
I generally don't eat tofu, preferring vegetables instead of substitutions for animals, but admit this was done in a so well, it was another of the standout dishes of the evening. And the beet was amazing. Anyone who has ever had a canned beet would certainly not have recognized this.
Heirloom Pumpkin Cheesecake with Chestnut Candy and Quince Jam
Domaine Didier Petillan Brut Vouvray NV
The "cheesecake" was made with tofu and was so rich, smooth and creamy, I never would have known had I not been told. That A to Z Pinto Gris was from Pennsylvania, and was quite a surprise. All of us at our table were completely taken with it.
There were some pretty cool Beard mementos through the house - signed chef's jackets, photos, paintings. And the kitchen wallpaper was a map of the world.
The chefs mingled after dinner, and gave us all copies of their new cookbook, which they signed. They also gave us artichokes, pumpkins, persimmons and pomegranates with recipes attached.
I went back to the hotel, set the alarm for the equivalent of 1:40 a.m. Pacific Time. The car was waiting for me early and we were off to JFK at a much too early hour of the day.
I had one of those absolutely wonderful JFK-based crews (why can't they clone them?). I fell asleep prior to the FA getting my breakfast order and she rushed over as soon as she saw me stir a bit, telling me she saw my status and had to make sure I got my first choice. Very sweet.
I tried to watch "Julie and Julia" on the way back, but fell asleep (a trend here). We landed about 30 minutes early to a beautiful day in San Francisco.
All in all, I have to say it was one of the best 29 hours I've spent in New York ...and I am eagerly hoping for another vegetarian or vegan dinner at the Beard house.
Unfortunately, I had to squeeze the trip in between various other trips and appointments, so that left me departing SFO at 4:10 p.m. Monday with a 12:45 a.m. arrival Tuesday at JFK. I’d grab some sleep, go shopping in SoHo and Nolita, head to the Beard dinner, and then grab a tad more sleep before departing on the 6:55 a.m. out of JFK the next morning. I figure I have to be one of the few who manages to go to New York for 29 hours yet ends up needing two nights hotel. Oh well. It’s not like New York is one of those pricey hotel cities. ;)
The Bay Bridge was still out as of Monday morning and I just wasn’t so sure I wanted to be one of the first ones over it after repairs anymore, so I headed south to the San Mateo Bridge, scouted out one of my preferred parking spaces at ParkSFO and caught the shuttle. My upgrade cleared at the gate, and I settled into 10A.
I increasingly have the ability to sleep on planes, and that’s pretty much what I did. Sorry, no airplane food photos here. About all I remember was telling the FA they could have my plate of shrimp that came with the salad. Oh, and the specialty p.s. cocktail. I forget what it was, but it was really pretty good. I had two, and tried to watch “The Hurt Locker”, but heavy eyelids won out.
The flight landed a bit early and my driver was waiting. I headed to the Millenium Hilton. This has generally been where I like to stay for its proximity to SoHo, but I will be looking for a new hotel in the future. Construction at the WTC site never bothered me there before, but now it is going on 24 hours a day. They offer earplugs as the counter. Lovely.
I was out of the hotel early and already shopping. One pair of Moschino gloves and one Save the Queen blouse bought by 9 a.m. I headed over to Mulberry Street and my favorite hat designer didn’t open until 1 p.m. (what’s up with that?), but it was OK because I found a shop I had not been in before – Calvin Tran. I may have liked his things a little too much. Dinner was suddenly getting a little more expensive. :o
I stopped in for an iced Aztec chocolate at Marie Belle before going off in search of a belt to go with a piece from Tran. Then it was off to another designer I like, but she was closed on Tuesdays. Probably just as well as I’d done enough damage in a very short time.
Walking back to the hotel to shower and change, I went through a park and found a black squirrel. In California we have brown squirrels; in Boston I’ve seen gray squirrels; but this little black guy was a first for me. Unfortunately, the camera on my phone was not good enough to snap a decent photo.
By 6:45 p.m. I was off to Beard’s. His townhouse is very plain and easy to miss. There’s no sign that I noticed. From what I read, Beard’s townhouse was left to Reed College, but chefs such as Julia Child thought the place needed to be preserved for food events. So with help from folks like Wolfgang Puck, they put on fundraisers and managed to buy it and create the foundation. Now there are food events there about 250 days a year.
Hors d'oeuvres were at 7 p.m., with the dinner beginning at 7:45 p.m.
When I arrived, the place was already packed. Guests walk through the living room, into the kitchen and in the back to the atrium, where hors d’oeuvres and sparkling wine are served.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n57/letiole/PB030205.jpg
View down at the atrium from the upstairs dining room.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n57/letiole/PB030195.jpg
Jacoby is the blond and Landau has the towel over his shoulder. Guests were free to go in and out of the kitchen and chat with the chefs as they worked.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n57/letiole/PB030209.jpg
Black Olive Blini with Truffle Cream and Golden Beet Relish. The Seaweed Caviar had yet to be applied.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n57/letiole/PB030198.jpg
Some of the wines for the evening.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n57/letiole/PB030202.jpg
The table settings.
I was seated at a table in the living room with about 10 other people. In all there must have been 80-100 guests. I was told this was a bigger turnout than at most dinners they have since it's rare they set up tables in the living room. I was thrilled as this would seem to bode well for future vegan and vegetarian dinners at the Beard house. The company was great - as a friend commented to me (endearingly, I think ;) ), "Probably like nirvana for you...crazy liberals and awesome vegetarian food." Indeed, he was right on all counts. The owners of Candle 79, a wonderful veg restaurant in Manhattan were there, as was PETA spokesman Michael McGraw. In truth though, most people, and all but me at my table, were omnivores. And all raved about the meal.
I apparently came the furthest ...once I mentioned to one person I came out from San Francisco just for the dinner it seemed the whole restaurant got wind, including chef Landau, and had to come meet the crazy from California to chat about favorite San Francisco restaurants, including Greens and Millennium.
The dinner included:
Hors d’oeuvre
Oyster Mushroom Fritters with Aguardiente Creamed Spinach
Black Olive Blini with Truffle Cream, Golden Beet Relish, and Seaweed Caviar
Edamame Purée with Crispy Sushi Rice, Gochujang, Daikon, and Nori Dust
Grilled Seitan with Crispy Tortillas, Whipped Avocado, Cilantro, and Green Olive Relish
Domaine Chandon Brut Classic NV
Dinner
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n57/letiole/PB030215.jpg
Portobello Carpaccio with Crispy Capers, Rosemary Mustard, and Spaghetti Squash Latke
Sella & Mosca La Cala Vermentino 2007
The mushroom on this was sliced incredibly thin, giving it a very different texture. It was excellent.
Saffron–Cauliflower Bisque with Fennel Confit Crostini and Oloroso Sherry Crema
A to Z Pinot Gris 2008
Caramelized Celery Root Ravioli with Charred Brussels Sprouts, Smoked Royal Trumpet Mushrooms, and Sage–Grain Mustard Emulsion
Chaddsford Winery Pinot NoPinot Noir 2007
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n57/letiole/PB030217.jpg
Peppercorn-Seared Tofu with Creamed Leek and Truffled Parsnip Purée, Salt-Roasted Golden Beets, Hazelnuts, and Apple Cider Vinegar Reduction
Mas du Soleilla Les Bartelles 2007
I generally don't eat tofu, preferring vegetables instead of substitutions for animals, but admit this was done in a so well, it was another of the standout dishes of the evening. And the beet was amazing. Anyone who has ever had a canned beet would certainly not have recognized this.
Heirloom Pumpkin Cheesecake with Chestnut Candy and Quince Jam
Domaine Didier Petillan Brut Vouvray NV
The "cheesecake" was made with tofu and was so rich, smooth and creamy, I never would have known had I not been told. That A to Z Pinto Gris was from Pennsylvania, and was quite a surprise. All of us at our table were completely taken with it.
There were some pretty cool Beard mementos through the house - signed chef's jackets, photos, paintings. And the kitchen wallpaper was a map of the world.
The chefs mingled after dinner, and gave us all copies of their new cookbook, which they signed. They also gave us artichokes, pumpkins, persimmons and pomegranates with recipes attached.
I went back to the hotel, set the alarm for the equivalent of 1:40 a.m. Pacific Time. The car was waiting for me early and we were off to JFK at a much too early hour of the day.
I had one of those absolutely wonderful JFK-based crews (why can't they clone them?). I fell asleep prior to the FA getting my breakfast order and she rushed over as soon as she saw me stir a bit, telling me she saw my status and had to make sure I got my first choice. Very sweet.
I tried to watch "Julie and Julia" on the way back, but fell asleep (a trend here). We landed about 30 minutes early to a beautiful day in San Francisco.
All in all, I have to say it was one of the best 29 hours I've spent in New York ...and I am eagerly hoping for another vegetarian or vegan dinner at the Beard house.