On
April 20, 2009, American Ballet Theatre had its thirteenth Culinary
Pas de Deux, an evening of dining and dancing, at Pier Sixty in New
York City. This year's event, "Dancing with ABT Stars," celebrated
the artists of ABT with demonstrations of salsa, hip-hop and tango.
The evening, hosted by ABT principal dancer Marcelo Gomes and soloist
Craig Salstein, featured creative samplings from some of New York City's
most celebrated chefs, with pairings from several premier wineries
and specially designed cocktails by the city's top mixologists.
Guest chefs for the evening included Matt Hoyle of Nobu Fifty-Seven,
Martin Howard of Brasserie 8 ½, Samuel Freund of One if by Land,
Two if by Sea, Brian Young of Tavern on the Green, Larissa Raphael
of Telepan, Joseph Paulino of Café des Artistes and mixologist
Albert Trummer of Apotheke. A silent auction featuring unique items
will be conducted throughout the evening.
The Culinary Pas de Deux, which benefits ABT's Spring Season at the
Metropolitan Opera House, was co-chaired by Cheryl Katz, Paula Mahoney,
Ruthe Ponturo, Jerry Ruotolo and Melissa Smith. Junior co-chairs were
Ian Bone and Asha Talwar and vice chairs were Janice Berman and Kathy
Thelmo. In addition, Veronica Webb and Christian Siriano were some
of the celebrities in attendance.
