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MARCH
OF DIMES
Culinary
masters
make it sublime
By CATHERINE
SAXTON
 ANIEL
BOULUD
is considered one of America's greatest chefs. When he
joined a group of French and American-French chefs to bring
us the glories of Provence for a March of Dimes benefit, the
evening was sublime.
It
was held at the University Club, that venerable (what used
to be men’s only) club on Fifth Avenue and 54th Street.
This
is one of those glorious buildings that hasn’t given away
any of its history or architectural grandeur. It’s
two-story ceilings dominate, and the old world charm is
present the moment you step off the elevator.
The
reception and dinner were held on the dining room floor (the
seventh). You know male history was made in that room over
and over and over again.
Ivana
Trump and March of Dimes national
president Dr. Jennifer Howse |
For
sure, you could never replicate these fantastic old
buildings in the modern era because they’d cost a fortune
to build. From the moment you stepped off the elevator
the champagne and hors d’oeuvres flowed freely. So,
let me take you through the menu, and I promise you, if you
ever get the opportunity to stop by one of these chef’s kitchens,
run don’t walk, you’ll be in for a fantastic culinary
experience.
In
New York you can visit Jean-Michel Bergougnoux at
L'Absinthe. Christian Delouvrier holds fort at
Lespinasse (in the St. Regis Hotel). Jean-Louis
Dumonet is at Palladin. Alain Sailhac
teaches divinely at the French Culinary Institute. Jean-Yves
Schillinger is at Destinee and Jean-Yves Piquet
hangs up his toque at the University Club.
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New
York City first lady Donna Hanover
and chef Daniel Boulud
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Delta
Airlines gets the big wet kiss for flying in Gerard Clo
of L'Escale, Christian Etienne of Christian Etienne, Michel
Meissonier of Ermitage Meissonier and Francis Rob
of Le Mas du Soleil, all in the divine Provence region of
France.
Ivana
Trump,
who had co-chaired one of the original Gourmet Galas some 13
years ago, lent her distinctive brand of glamour to the
evening.
First
Lady of New York Donna Hanover (Giuliani) flew in
from her Vagina Monologues performance. Sheila
and Danny Rosenblum were generous hosts and gathered
a group of glamorous friends to celebrate.
Donna
Hanover with Daniel and Sheila Rosenblum |
Philanthropist
Denise Rich, famed fur fashion designer Dennis
Basso, Nurit Kahane, Michel and Frank Rella
(really working hard on Denise's G&P Foundation Gala on
November 29), Isabelle Leeds, longtime leader of the
MOD. Next year we'll be on a trip to Lyon and its
gustatory delights. Plan early, you'll love it.
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Elie Wiesel
calls on Americans
