Beyond the velvet rope: ChezHelvetica’s Christmas Banquet. Wise men and women surrounded a holiday table
adorned in time-honored colors with dishes inspired by traditions from the four corners of the world. A Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Soup set the warm tone for the evening, followed by Mixed Greens and Red Heirloom Spinach with a Maple Balsamic Salad Dressing topped with Spiced Nuts. Then, from Israeli chef Yotam Ottolengi’s new book Plenty More, an exotic Cauliflower Cake. Sesame and Nigella (Black Caraway) Seeds lined a springform pan and filled with Purple Cauliflower, Red Onion (scented with Rosemary and Basil) in a Parmesan Cheese, Tumeric batter. Smoked Salmon with Truffle Honey and Green Onion Cream Cheese filled Pita Bread, baked before my eyes at Oasis in Oakland. Bobby Flay’s delicious Garlic-Mustard Beef Skewers (made with Omaha Steaks Beef Tenderloin), J Vineyards Pinot Noir and Seven Deadly Zins further elevated the merriment of the evening. Like the star on top of the tree, niece Rachel and her exquisite Berry Pie with Crème Fraîche brought peace to this world of dear family and friends. Merry, Happy to All!
