Citymeals Crème de la Crème event in Rockefeller Center.
The
unmatched elegance, style and sophistication of grand French dining
magically transformed Rockefeller Center into a Parisian boulevard
in a once-in-a-lifetime tribute to the world’s greatest masters
of French cuisine, served up by the star American chefs they inspired
at Crème de la Crème -- the
annual Citymeals-on-Wheels Chefs’ Tribute
gala fundraiser on June 17.
A dozen of France’s gastronomic legends were flown to New
York for the Citymeals’ gala where the American superstar chefs
they once mentored paid them tribute by each preparing two exquisite
dishes – one of the masters’ classics and a signature
dish of their own. A crowd of more than 1,100 leaders of business,
industry, fashion, entertainment, media, government and the food
world then feasted on the culinary creations in the outdoor plaza.
The event raised more than $900,000 for Citymeals,
a non-profit organization that provides home-delivered, nutritious
meals to frail, homebound elderly in New York City.
French master chefs Jean Banchet, Georges Blanc, Paul Bocuse’s son Jerome,
André Daguin, Pierre Gagnaire, Gaston Lenôtre’s son Alain,
Jacques Maximin, Louis Outhier, Jean Jacques Rachou, André Soltner,
and Pierre Triosgros’s son Claude flew
in from France to watch their protégées prepare mouth-watering
masterpieces. Unable to attend were Chefs Gérard Boyer,
Michel Guerard, Fredy Girardet, Marc Meneau, Alain Senderens, and
Roger Vergé. Chef Paul Haeberlin was also honored
in memoriam.
The legendary André Soltner cooked with
his protégé,Bill Peet and Jacques
Maximin with his protégé, Joachim
Splichal. Among the special dishes they created for
the evening were smoked Louisiana wild prawns, roasted tomato & mango
vinaigrettes, and baby herb saladprepared by André Soltner andMousse
de saumon fumé et saumon mariné concombres aigre-doux
(smoked salmon mousse with marinated salmon and sweet & sour
cucumbers) prepared by Bill Peet. Jacques Maximin served braised
Kobe beef short ribs in fresh morel cream with chive essence and
Joachim Splichal served gratin de homard aux macaronis à la
parmigiane (macaroni and lobster gratin).
Famed architect and set designer David Rockwell and
his team designed the gardens, rink and esplanades of Rockefeller
Center for the event. Live music and dancing added another rich ingredient
to the festivities, which filled the upper and lower tiers of the
plaza. The bar area, dubbed “The Ooh La La,” was
decorated in a festive can-can theme.
Also in attendance were actress Kathleen Turner, Samantha
Boardman, Aby Rosen, Celerie
Kemble Curry, Fernanda Niven, John
McDonald, and JD and Amanda Hilburn.
Crème de la Crème was chaired by Susie and Kevin
Davis, Ninah and Michael Lynne, and Laura and John
Pomerantz. Nick Valenti / Patina Restaurant
Group was the evening’s Grand Host.
Chefs celebrate at Creme de la Crème.
Marcia Stein, executive director of Citymeals-on-Wheels; John Pomerantz, event co-chair; and actress Kathleen Turner.
Honored French chefs Georges Blanc and Andre Soltner; Gael Greene, co-founder Citymeals-on-Wheels; Jacques Torres, and Daniel Boulud.
Paul Bartolotta, Jean Georges Vongerichten, Alfred Portale, Joaquim Splichal.
