Every six years or so…

In February of 2007 I met fellow OD’er shamb*ala at the Carnegie Club.  (Entry here.)  Last night we had a repeat encounter, this time at the Campbell Apartment in Grand Central Terminal, which coincidentally shares the same owners as the Carnegie Club.

She remains lovely as ever, her career having taken her to the New York Daily News.  I shared an anecdote from some president who was once told, "Some gentlemen of the press are here to see you, sir, and a person from The Times."  We nibbled charcuterie and sipped cocktails until after 11:00PM, at which time I needed to retire for 6:00AM rounds.  Otherwise we would have chatted until the wee hours, I’m certain.

The social season is in full whirl in Manhattan, and I’m attending the Princess Grace Awards Gala on October 30th.  It’s being held at Cipriani 42nd Street, which always gives me a feeling of deja vu, I’ve attended so many fundraisers, galas and auctions there.  The hostess for event is Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco.  Anyone who knows Charlene will tell you that serene is not an adjective applicable to her.  It’s always a fun evening, however.  European aristocracy do have fun when gathered together, evidenced by the fact that the invitation specifies, "After-Dinner Dancing with DJ Clockwork."  I’m not sure if that’s meant to be ironic?  Still, we do find each other endlessly fascinating, even if the rest of the world doesn’t.

The week before will find me at The James Beard House for a meal by chef Florian Hugo.  The theme is Fall French Elegance, and the menu is sublime:

MENU

• Hors d’Oeuvre

   

  • Miniature Cheese Soufflés
  • Miniature Tuna Tarts
  • Miniature Tomato Tarts
  • Foie Gras Confit with Chutney on Toasts
  • Saumon Mariné 
  • SIGNATURE DO-RE-MI > CHAMPAGNE LA CARAVELLE CUVÉE NINA WITH HENNESSY VS COGNAC, ST-GERMAIN, PEACH SUGAR, AND GREEN APPLE
  • DOMINIQUE CORNIN BEAUJOLAIS BLANC 2012 
  • FAMILLE PERRIN CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE VILLAGES 2010
• Dinner

   

  • Cheese Puffs
  • Pheasant Velouté with Garlic Sausages, Vegetable Matignon, and Foie Gras Toast
  • TORTOISE CREEK WINES LE VERGER VIOGNIER 2012 
  • Sea Scallops with Pumpkin Purée, Shiitake Mushrooms, Watercress, Chardonnay Sauce, and Amaretto Reduction
  • <span s

tyle=”font-size: medium;”>CHÂTEAU RIVES-BLANQUES LA TRILOGIE LIMOUX 2010