"I'm drawn to the kind of food that people truly enjoy - vibrant food that people want to return to time and time again" - Ralph Lauren
I was thrilled for Meghan Markle, aka the Duchess of Sussex, when I heard that the American leg of her Baby Shower tour included one of my favorite restaurants in New York City, The Polo Bar!
This exclusive Midtown eaterie, located just off 5th Avenue, is one of Ralph Lauren's four restaurants (the others are in Chicago, London and Paris) and has quickly become THE spot to see and be seen in NYC. It is currently a favorite of celebrities including J.Lo and A-Rod, Gwenyth Paltrow, Bradley Cooper and Andy Cohen.
The first time the Hubby and I dined at The Polo Bar we were smitten! The welcoming exterior, complete with a beautiful Henry Koehler, polo-inspired mural, classic green awnings and manicured boxwood topiaries, set the tone for the elegant experience to follow.
Ironically, The Polo Bar is located in the same site as the legendary NYC restaurant La Côte Basque. Dubbed "a high-society temple of French cuisine," by the New York Times, it was a favorite of celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Babe Paley and Jackie Kennedy Onassis. La Côte Basque thrived for 45 years until it closed its doors in 2004.
As a Pharmaceutical sales rep in Manhattan in the late 90's, I hosted my first physician dinner at this esteemed establishment. Needless to say, it was extremely well-attended and one of my first experiences with fine dining in NYC. It sure felt good to be back to experience the location's most recent incarnation.
After properly checking in at the front door (more on that later!), we stepped into the warmly lit, equestrian-themed, 36-seat bar area complete with glamorous, gilded light fixtures and mirrored walls. The enchanting ambiance was greatly appreciated after our day of travel (including a 5 hour flight delay following a bird strike!).
Soon we were seated at the bar sipping chilled glasses of Veuve Cliquot Champagne and sampling a selection of delightful bar snacks. Savory Pigs in a Blanket slathered with spicy mustard never tasted so good, while the divinely decadent Caviar & Fingerling Potatoes were the perfect accompaniment for our Champagne. After sufficiently priming our palates, we were summoned from our reverie by the hostess who guided us downstairs to our table.
The dining room exuded a handsome, masculine elegance with rich, Mahogany paneling, cozy leather banquets and sumptuous emerald green walls. Tartan pillows and gold sconces completed the look and no Ralph Lauren establishment would be complete without Lauren's personal totem, the horse.
The Polo Bar dining room features a profusion of gold framed, equestrian-themed portraits and photos accented by equine accoutrements such as burnished leather saddles, polo mallets and helmets. Together, these items add rich texture, depth and dimension to the inviting space.
The cuisine at The Polo Bar is distinctly American, and features causal, yet chic fare with specialties including the RRL Hot Dog, Ralph's Corned Beef Sandwich, and the famed Polo Bar Burger. Steaks are sourced from Lauren's own Double RL Ranch in Colorado when availability permits. Service was also spot on and our servers at the bar and our table guided us towards food and wine selections we were supremely satisfied with. No matter where we dine, we always ask the staff to share their favorite dishes and wine recommendations, nobody knows the menu like they do!
We enjoyed a delicious bottle of the 2015 Jean-Louis Chave Saint-Joseph "Offerus" with our meal. This full-bodied, Syrah-based red wine from France's Northern Rhone Valley featured smoky, spicy, black fruit accented flavors that paired beautifully with our dishes, especially the Warm Mushroom and Kale Salad, with a rich bacon-infused dressing!
The Hubs and I shared the juicy, flavorful NY Strip Steak($55) with Hand Cut Fries and the succulent Chicken Under a Brick ($34) with Sauteed Spinach, Lemon & Rosemary. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium-rare and served with a generous serving of heavenly, crispy fries that were completely addictive. The ketchup and fries were both served in silver julep cups which was lovely, glamorous touch.
One dish Steve and I are both passionate about is roast chicken. Whenever we visit a new restaurant, the roast chicken is always one of our selections because we've found the quality of a restaurant's roast chicken is generally a good gauge of the menu as a whole. I'm happy to report, the Polo Bar's incarnation was phenomenal! The wonderful flavors of lemon and rosemary beautifully accentuated the chicken.
We thoroughly enjoyed our evening at The Polo Bar. It was the perfect kick off to a luxurious weekend in NYC and we highly recommend it the next time you're in town. HOWEVER, one important thing to note when making your plans is The Polo Bar has a MANDATORY reservation policy. So whether you plan on dining at the restaurant OR having a drink at the bar, reservations are REQUIRED.
A manager explained the policy is intended to preserve the experience for guests with reservations since space is extremely limited. So please be sure to plan well in advance the next time you're heading to NYC because the experience is definitely worth it. Plus, you never know when you'll run into royalty - Hollywood or otherwise!
The Polo Bar 1 E. 55th Street New York, New York 10022 212.207.8562
I recently asked my Facebook friends to name their favorite city to visit during the Christmas/Holiday season. Although many fabulous places around the globe were mentioned (Austria, London, Park City, etc) the most popular place hands down was New York City.
Like these folks, there's no place that puts me in the Christmas spirit quite like New York. The elaborately decorated store windows, the vibrant hustle and bustle, the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree - every square inch of this city transforms into a veritable Winter Wonderland. As a native Floridian who spent a few years living in Manhattan, there's also a bit of nostalgia for me as well. So when we make our annual trip to New York in December, here's the 5 spots we're sure not to miss:
1.) Radio City Christmas Spectacular: Ever since I saw this show for the first time during my junior year of high school I've been hooked! Having danced for 13 years growing up, the Rockettes were the epitome of glamour and I was completely mesmerized by them.
Since it's first production in 1933 this show has been dazzling kids of all ages with its elaborate sets, festive music, and, of course, the Rockettes. From their signature "kickline" and "falling soldier" moves to the arrival of Santa, I defy anyone to sit through this production and not find themselves in the Christmas spirit. So whether you're on a girls trip with your BFFs, bringing the kids to NYC for the first time, or it's just you and your spouse make plans to go - you won't regret it!
**The GG Tip: After the show take a leisurely stroll across the street to Rockefeller Center and visit the beautiful tree - perhaps even take a spin around the ice rink?
2.) The Plaza Hotel Champagne Bar: This iconic hotel opened its doors on October 1, 1907. No expense was spared in its construction and soon it was dubbed the greatest hotel in the world! Since then, it has appeared in classic films such as North by Northwest, Home Alone 2 and Sleepless in Seattle. The hotel also appeared in Sex and the City on more than one occasion: The Plaza's famous Oak Room was the site of Charlotte's first encounter with Trey's mother, Bunny MacDougal and Carrie recreated the scene from 1973's The Way We Were (which was also shot there) in front of the hotel after Big and Natasha's Engagement party.
The glamorous Champagne Bar overlooks Fifth Avenue and the Pulitzer Fountain and is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of your favorite Champagne after taking in the store's festive holiday windows (see #5) or before heading to dinner. After soaking up all that glamour and Champagne, don't forget to get a photo in front of the beautiful Christmas tree in the lobby.
**The GG Tip: Afternoon Tea at The Plaza's legendary Palm Court is also a classic New York City experience if you're unable to visit the Champagne Bar!
3.) '21' Club: Officially opened on January 1, 1930, '21' is one of America’s most famous speakeasies from the Prohibition Era. Designed with its own disappearing bar and a secret wine cellar to hide the illegal liquor from prying eyes, it’s a place where celebrities and captains of industry have wined and dined for more than 80 years (they even have their favorite tables - click here to view). Over the years, '21' has made cameo appearances in such well known TV shows and films as Sex and the City, Wall Street, and Breakfast at Tiffany's to name a few.
During the Christmas season, the restaurant is decorated to the nines and greets you with its historic jockeys and iron gate decked out in festive red bows and boughs of fir. Menu classics include the "Speakeasy" Steak Tartare, Steak Frites and Creamy Chicken Hash and for my fellow wine lovers, a tour of the cellar is a must! You'll get to see the hidden entrance, how they concealed the "secret cellar" during Prohibition, as well as bottles once stored for celebrities including Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Leroy Neiman, Eva Gabor, and Sammy Davis Jr.
**The GG Tip: Request a table in the legendary Bar Room and make plans to tour the wine cellar either in advance of your reservation or when you arrive.
4.) Sunday Brunch at Balthazar: I've been in love with Keith McNally's French bistro-inspired eatery ever since I lived in Manhattan in the late 1990's. Located in SoHo on the corner of Spring and Crosby, Balthazar is still thriving to this day and for good reason. Since last year's departure of founding Chefs Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson, Shane McBride, who's been at Balthazar since 2010, has taken the helm in the kitchen and the cuisine continues to be phenomenal!
Sunday brunch has become a ritual for us on recent visits and it's the perfect way to start your day before wandering the cobblestone streets of SoHo. You also never know who you'll be elbow to elbow with at the bar, Celine Dion's manager? A certain well known movie director? Just be sure to do some people watching (ok, and eavesdropping) as you enjoy a glass of Champagne (or one of Cisco's delicious Bloody Mary's) with your mouth watering Steak Frites or Eggs Benedict.
**The GG Tip: If you haven't made reservations, head straight to the bar and give your name to Cisco the bartender. The wait at the bar is much shorter than the dining room and alot more fun!
5.) Bergdorf Goodman's Christmas Windows: Of all the iconic store windows in New York City, Bergdorf's are my favorite! Located on the corner of 58th and 5th (right around the corner from The Plaza Hotel), this NYC institution (a subsidiary of Neiman Marcus - another favorite, to read more click here) always provides the most gratifying visual confections. Since it was founded in 1899 by Herman Bergdorf who soon collaborated with Edwin Goodman, this harbinger of glamour has built its reputation catering to the world's fashion elite.
The 2018 theme is "Bergdorf Goodies," and these windows are the culmination of an 11-month creative process representing 3,500 work hours and a team of 30 employees. In keeping with this year's culinary theme, each window features a different fantasy on holiday-inspired sweets. So from candy canes to gingerbread houses to antique chocolates and other assorted confections, each window is a mouthwatering feast for the eyes and a must for all foodies!
**The GG Tip: If you really want to immerse yourself in the Bergdorf Experience, enjoy lunch and a glass of Champagne at BG Restaurant located on the 7th floor of the store (reservations recommended).
If you happen to visit any of these suggestions, be sure to tag me using #TheGlamorousGourmet. And did I leave anything out? Where are your favorite place to visit in New York City this time of year?
The day after the glamour and indulgence of "Chefs & Champagne," the James Beard Foundation's Summer fundraiser that I cover every year, Steve and I love spending a relaxed, unplanned day discovering the Hamptons. Last year's meandering led us to afternoon cocktails at Topping Rose House followed by a delightful, casual dinner at EMP Summer House and we were hoping for similarly fabulous results this year.
From our home base in Southampton, we hopped into our rental car and set our sights on Montauk. Luckily, we were armed with some helpful recommendations we procured the night before from some fellow food and wine lovers, so we were feeling very optimistic. And we were in the Hamptons, after all - it's kinda hard to go wrong!
We wound our way up Route 27 with the windows down, enjoying the delightful feel of the cool Summer breeze on our skin, and gradually, the scenery began to change. The closer we got to Montauk, the more dense and lush the landscape became. The cars also evolved from shiny, new Range Rovers and sleek, convertible Mercedes, to weathered pickup trucks and rugged, vintage jeeps, a tangible sign of the town's more relaxed, laid-back ethos.
Located on the easternmost point of Long Island's South Fork, Montauk is truly the "end" of the "East End." It's primarily known for its rich fishing heritage that's claimed over 30 world records and it's also a prime spot for year round surfing as well. And while Montauk is generally considered more laid back and less flashy than say, East Hampton or Southampton - its air of glamour may just be a little less obvious.
Andy Warhol once owned a sprawling estate here where he entertained the likes of the Rolling Stones, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. Today, celebs who reside in Montauk include Julianne Moore, Ralph Lauren and Robert De Niro.
When we arrived, we headed straight to the Montauk Point Lighthouse. This impressive structure is the oldest lighthouse in New York state and the fourth oldest active lighthouse in the US. While I'd love to tell you we walked all the way up to the top (um, NOT after a long night standing and dancing in 4" heels), we DID stay to enjoy the dramatic views and bask in the amazing weather. The lighthouse was truly stunning against the bright, blue Montauk sky!
After our hour plus drive and lighthouse visit, we were definitely in need of sustenance. After the decadence of the previous night (i.e., Red Velvet Macarons with Foie Gras Mousse!) we were very tempted to simply devour some delicious steamers and clam chowder from one of the many inviting roadside stands or delicious dives...BUT we decided to push on - and we were very glad we did!
After checking out a few different restaurant recommendations, we finally eased the car into the gravel drive at Duryea's Lobster Deck. We made our way inside the quaint, whitewashed retail store and were redirected around the corner to the actual restaurant. And as we rounded that corner...the magnificent view took our breath away (click here to see video!).
I was instantly reminded of an amazing lunch we shared with our good friends Kaki and Phil at the Carlton hotel in Cannes a few years ago. The setting was virtually identical: French music wafted through the air as the sun danced and sparkled across the cerulean blue sea. Magnificent yachts bobbed gently in the adjacent harbor while beautiful people on the outdoor deck were washing down decadent lobster rolls with copious amounts of crisp, dry Provencal rosé. Needless to say we had found our #happyplace!
Located on scenic Fort Pond Bay, Duryea's Lobster Deck has been a Montauk mainstay for over 80 years. In fact, it was 100% family-owned and run since its inception in the 1930's until 2012 when owner, Perry Duryea III, sold the business to private-equity billionaire, Marc Rowan.
The restaurant re-opened in 2016 with some timely upgrades including a glamorous new wine list (the restaurant was previously BYOB), featuring an impressive (and pricey) selection of Champagne and rosé. Also, in place of plastic tables and chairs, the new owners upgraded to teak furniture and stainless silverware.
And while pricey, the food was truly exceptional! The $35 lobster roll was chock full of succulent lobster meat, dressed only with a whisper of mayo, then nestled in a soft, buttery bun. Crispy sweet potato chips and coleslaw were the perfect accompaniment and added great flavor and texture as well. We also enjoyed plump, flavorful steamed clams served in a delicious broth which was perfect for sopping up with salty, crisp French fries. The generous bowl of tarragon-laced clam chowder rounded out our feast perfectly!
Hmmm now whatever to drink with our meal? As you might expect, we washed everything down with a refreshing, rose petal pink hued bottle of Chateau Saint-Maur Provencal Rosé. The wine's enticing notes of red berries and spice brought the perfect brightness to the decadence of our meal. We also sampled the Summer Ale from the Montauk Brewing Company Summer Ale which had the perfect balance of flavor and freshness. The company's "come as you are" tagline also perfectly embodies the "no frills good life "of its eponymous town.
We happily lingered at Duryea's Lobster Deck for hours, savoring every bit of the delicious food and wine while enjoying the spectacular view. If you find yourself in Montauk this Summer, we highly recommend it, but just a helpful tip - beware of the eager seagulls who'll happily help themselves to a bite of your lobster roll if you're not careful!
Duryea's Lobster Deck | 65 Tuthill Road | Montauk, NY | 11954 | 631.668.2410 | www.duryealobsters.com
Nowhere embodies relaxed Summer glamour quite like the Hamptons. Located on the East End of Long Island, this sophisticated seaside haven is also home to our favorite Summer event, the James Beard Foundation's "Chefs & Champagne." Held on the last Saturday in July, this glamorous Summer soirée takes place under a sprawling white tent beneath cerulean skies, at the scenic Wölffer Estate in the village of Sagaponack.
It combines delicious, seasonally-inspired offerings from over 35 Chefs accompanied by flowing Champagne as well as an array of Wölffer Estate's eponymous wines. It is truly a feast for the senses and this year also featured some very special new faces.
The 2018 "Chefs & Champagne" event marked the first for the foundation's newly appointed CEO, Clare Reichenbach. The charismatic, blonde Brit (pictured below) brings her seasoned experience as executive vice president of strategy for BBC Worldwide and AMC Networks, to the renowned culinary organization, as well as extensive media expertise gained by working with clients including NBC Universal and New York Public Radio.
A self-described "deeply impassioned home cook," Reichenbach rallied the crowd of revelers by announcing the evening's enduring themes of, "good food, for good" and "pleasure with a real purpose." She also added, "we celebrate excellence in food, and we delight in deliciousness." I couldn't agree more!
But perhaps the overarching theme of the evening was the most timely, namely, the equality of women in the culinary arena. Spawned by the #MeToo movement and numerous sexual misconduct allegations in the culinary realm, Reichenbach also cited some sobering statistics, "While half of culinary students are women, they make up less than 20% of Chefs and head cooks."
The evening's ethos of equality was a continuation of May's James Beard FoundationAwards, which challenged the food community to RISE for diversity, culture and inclusion to ensure a seat at the table for everyone.
Which brings me to this year's Honoree. In her announcement, Reichenbach began, "Her passion for food, family and feminism makes her the ideal honoree for this year's event," and she couldn't have been more right! Padma Lakshmi is truly a driving female force in the culinary world. In addition to her titles of food expert, model, actress and best-selling author, she's also the host and executive producer of Bravo's James Beard award winning and Emmy award winning show Top Chef.
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with the luminous Lakshmi about her favorite Summer flavors, passions outside of food and what it means to be honored by the James Beard Foundation before the event got underway:
Q: How have you been enjoying the Hamptons so far?
A: "I just got here today, I've been filming the finale of Top Chef overseas in China. If feels good to be back but I'm a little jet-lagged."
Q: You contributed so much to the food world in such a unique way, what does it mean to be here and be honored by the James Beard Foundation today?
A: "It feels great, it feels so exciting! I've always admired Chefs who were of James Beard caliber, and also cookbooks that were recognized by the James Beard Foundation so to be here as their Honoree is really fantastic and a life bucket list dream come true."
Q: Since we're almost halfway through, what are your favorite flavors of Summer?
A: "It's a little early, but in a few week the corn will start to come in really sweet and ripe. The tomatoes are divine and we have a ton of basil in our garden so instead of always making pesto, we make green curry with it. My most favorite flavors of Summer though are peaches and tomatoes."
Q: As a Sommelier, I have to ask, do you have any favorite wines or cocktails you specifically enjoy in the Summer?
A: I mean, I love really good wine, I love [Chateau] Figeac, I also love Tignanello.
Q: You've inspired so many people to experiment in their own kitchens and think outside the box, are there any spices in particular you think of when it comes to Summer that people should explore?
A: "Here's two Middle Eastern spices, one is Sumac and one is Za'atar powder and I mention those two together because in the Summer you have such beautiful vegetables and it's easy to make a very simple yogurt dip with just yogurt, those two spices and salt and maybe a pinch of cayenne if you like things spicy. It's a great healthy snack for kids and adults and you put it out and it's beautiful. We actually make a ton of it and use it on our baked potatoes as well, instead of sour cream."
Q: You've filmed Top Chef in so many amazing places, if you could pick anywhere to film it next, where would it be?
A: I'd really love to do a finale in Goa. I'd love to be able to bring Top Chef to my home country. I just think Goa would be such a beautiful place, not only because of the Portuguese influence but also the wonderful mix of food and also the natural beauty. You have the beaches, the nightlife and the historical side - it's got a little bit of everything.
Q: What's been your favorite place to film Top Chef so far?
A: Singapore was pretty good, Hawaii was beautiful and I loved filming in New Orleans as well.
Q: What are your greatest passions in life outside of food?
A: My daughter of course, rollerskating, and reading. I love all those things.
Q: What are you reading right now?
A: Actually I'm reading this book by Francine Prose and it's called "What to Read and Why." And it's just a beautiful book of essays and it really reignites your love of classic books. And it's written in such an approachable, down to earth way, it makes you all of a sudden want to go back and read Tolstoy. She's such a great writer.
Q: Do you have a favorite culinary quote or words to live by?
A: Yes, "'Tis an ill cook who cannot lick his own fingers!" It's from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet."
Once again, the food at the 2018 Chefs & Champagne event was truly spectacular! As in years past, I have to share my Top 10 Tantalizing Dishes with you - please scroll down for the deliciousness:
1.) Calvisius Tradition Prestige Caviar (White Sturgeon): The silky, slightly saline taste and delicate yet firm texture of this Italian caviar was positively dreamy and the perfect pairing for the Boizel Champagne.
2.) Red Velvet Macaron with Foie Gras Mousse + Aged Balsamic by Chef Adrienne Cheatham of SundayBest Pop-Up Series: The combination of the moderately sweet macaron and silky foie mousse were positively heavenly. The balsamic drizzle and flourish of briny sea salt made the perfect finish!
3.) Tarte Pissaladière (Savory Onion Tart with Anchovies, Niçoise Olives + Arugula) by Chef Georgette Farkas of Rotisserie Georgette in NYC: This classic dish from the South of France was a real treat and the bright arugula provided a fresh pop for the savory, salty olives and anchovies.
4.) Whipped Feta with Watermelon + Pistachio Dukkah by Chef Ayesha Nurdjaja of Shuka Restaurant in NYC: The airy texture of the feta was the perfect counterpoint to the dense chunks of sweet, ripe watermelon. The generous sprinkle of chopped pistachios, seeds and spices added delightful depth and earthiness to the dish as well.
5.) Olive Oil-Poached Chinook Salmon with Charred Leek Emulsion, Jersey Corn Puree, Black Garlic + Corn Cracklings from Chef Matthew Woolf of The Rainbow Room: We were absolutely smitten with the silky texture of the salmon as well as the combination of flavors and textures of the accoutrements!
6.) Foie Gras Torchon with Duck Prosciutto, Local Cherries, Rooftop Honey, Farm Blossom + Seed Cracker from Chef Chris Starkus of Urban Farmer in Denver, CO: As a sweet and salty fan, this was a hands down favorite! It led with the salty tang of the prosciutto and finished with the bright, flavorful sweetness of cherries and honey.
7.) 45-Day Dry Aged Certified Angus Beef Rib-eye with Bone Marrow, Bearnaise Sauce + Tomato Confit from Chef Nicole Gajadhar of Saxon + Parole in NYC: Sheer meaty decadence describes this dish in which revelers were offered a choice of sliced, buttery meat or a giant bone robed in an ample lashing of meat and fat - see photo above for my choice!
8.) Wood-Grilled Oysters with Greenneck Butter + Charred Bread from Chefs Janine Booth + Jeff Mcinnis of Root + Bone in NYC and Stiltsville Fish Bar in Miami Beach, FL: This dynamic duo always amazes and we so enjoyed their flavorful oysters served marinating in the decadent butter with bread for handy sopping.
9.) Sweet Corn Sabayon with Blackberry Reduction + Cornmeal Crumble from Chef Claudia Fleming, Chef + Owner of The North Fork Table + Inn in Southold, NY: This masterful dish featured airy, silky/sweet sabayon as the perfect canvas for the flavorful blackberry and delightful texture of the crumble.
10.) Grilled Oregon Albacore with Lemongrass, Galangal, Chile + Lime from Chef Gregory Gourdet of Departure Restaurant + Lounge in Portland, Oregon: This delightful spice and citrus-infused albacore totally popped and provided the perfect vehicle of deliciousness that was also perfectly seasoned.
And in keeping with "Chefs & Champagne" tradition, towards the end of the evening, all participating Chefs gathered in the field for a group photo. Cheers to the James Beard Foundation on another fabulous evening - we're already looking forward to next year! Also, to view my posts on previous Chefs & Champagne events, please click here.
If you're a foodie you've probably heard of the James Beard Awards. These famed and highly coveted awards are widely considered the culinary equivalent of the Oscars. And, like their Academy Award counterparts, they are equally as career changing for their talented recipients. But while you may be familiar with these prestigious awards, what about the man behind them - just who IS James Beard?
James Beard was a "pioneer foodie" and true champion of American cuisine. The New York Times dubbed him the "Dean of American Cookery" in 1954 and he nurtured and taught a generation of American Chefs who continue to influence our food culture today. But while he had a profound influence on American food, it wasn't always easy going for Beard.
Born in 1903 in Portland, Oregon, Beard was initially determined to pursue a career as an actor and singer. After a brief stint at Reed College during which he was expelled due to his homosexuality, he traveled abroad with a theatrical troupe in pursuit of his dream. It never seemed to happen for Beard though and after moving back to the US in 1927, he ultimately settled in New York City. Here, he continued to try his hand at acting and to supplement his sporadic income, Beard turned to catering. Thankfully, it wasn't long before he realized his future was in food.
Beard established a small food shop called Hors D'Oeuvre and published his first cookbook, Hors D'Oeuvre and Canapés, in 1940 which established him as a culinary authority. This led to even more successful cookbooks, a teaching career as well as a live cooking show on NBC in 1946, making Beard the first American culinary television personality. Beard was the truly consummate host who loved to entertain right up until his death at 81 years old.
Today, Beard's legacy lives on in the James Beard Foundation that was founded after his death in 1984. Thanks to Julia Child, one of Beard's dear friends and colleagues, and Beard's former student, Peter Kump, the foundation's headquarters are housed in Beard's former New York City apartment. It is currently North America's only historic culinary center.
On a recent trip to New York City, Steve and I toured the James Beard House. Yvon Ros, Director of Sponsorship and Special Events for the Beard Foundation, kindly guided us through the Greenwich Village brownstone. Originally built in the 1860's, the home has been lovingly cared for and preserved. "We try to keep it as original as possible," Ros confirmed. "With Chefs and people coming in and out, the space sees a lot of wear and tear. Funds from membership, sponsorships, ticket sales and dinners are used for the constant upkeep. House purveyors are also key and keep the kitchen stocked with essentials."
Each floor of the brownstone features portraits and paintings of Beard at different ages and stages of his career. Menus and tributes as well as a library full of books are also on display as tributes to the amazing culinary events which have taken place in the house featuring some of the countries most revered Chefs.
And while you might expect the kitchen of the James Beard House to be a grand, ultra modern showcase, it's essentially the home's original kitchen. It was brought up to code, however, which was a huge undertaking in and of itself. At any moment though, you feel Beard could appear from around a corner, offering you a caviar-stuffed mushroom and glass of Champagne.
Behind the kitchen is a glassed in atrium which leads out to a spacious courtyard that's perfect for pre-dinner cocktails when the weather allows. Thankfully, the neighbors are pretty understanding on event nights.
The second floor features the library, which now serves as the main dining room as well as what used to be Beard's bedroom and bathroom. This portion of the house retains much of its original charm, right down to the avocado green walls, pineapple wallpaper and the bedroom's mirrored ceilings and completely mirrored bathroom.
It WAS the 70's and 80's after all!
Beard's mattress was also placed against a bay of windows that faced the street. Ros shared a humorous anecdote, "Beard loved to entertain but rumor has it when people saw his feet against the window, they knew not to come in."
Many thanks to Yvon for the wonderful tour and I hope you've enjoyed the virtual tour of the James Beard House. Next time you're in New York City, please consider arranging a tour and/or attending one of the many amazing dinners offered throughout the year. You'll be benefiting up and coming Chefs and preserving one of America's oldest culinary institutions.
Steve and I will be attending the Beard Foundation's annual Summer event "Chefs & Champagne" featuring Honoree Padma Lakshmi next Saturday, July 28th. Please click here for more information and we would love to see you there! You can also click here to read more about previous years and honorees (Marcuss Samuelsson, Bobby Flay, John Besh) here on my website.
James Beard House | 167 W. 12th Street | New York City, NY | 10011 | www.jamesbeard.org
People say we don't have seasons here in Florida, but as a native Floridian I must disagree. In fact, we have two: "season" and "off-season." And there's only one word that adequately describes South Florida during “season” and that’s…PARADISE! These precious months spoil us with gloriously sun-kissed days, balmy nights and just enough chilly weather to break out our boots and sweaters a few times.
One of my favorite places to experience during our season that really captures the natural beauty and relaxed glamour of South Florida is the Eau Palm Beach Resort + Spa. Located in tony Manalapan, just a skosh south of Palm Beach proper, this former Ritz-Carlton is known for its posh ambiance and luxurious service standards. The property's enduring Forbes Five-Star status serves as reliable testament to this.
While I've raved about the hotel's truly amazing Spa before (a MUST for you spa-lovers!), I recently had the opportunity to experience one of the resort's newly renovated Jonathan Adler suites. This special property provides the perfect canvas for the part-time Palm Beach resident's signature style which incorporates vibrant, sun-drenched colors, bold, patterns and whimsical details in a chic, yet playful way.
Set against the vibrant azure of the stunning ocean view visible from each room, Adler's concept truly pops. The ambiance transforms the luxe design elements into an approachable, comfortable seaside refuge. I was equally comfortable whether I was ensconced in one of the cozy, royal blue sofas, relaxing out on the balcony or soaking in the generously sized, free standing bath tub. Hey, I take my research VERY seriously!
Personally, I also appreciate Adler's nod to South Florida's enduring history and local character. Thoughtful decor details include a vintage Slim Aarons photo of socialite Lady Daphne Cameron astride a tiger skin rug taken in a historic Palm Beach home; beachy, cabana-inspired canopies and window-treatments; as well as a radiant, sunburst chandelier. A sassy, colorful, crewel-work pillow emblazoned with "Palm Beach" provided the cherry on top of the design experience.
And after a delicious al fresco dinner at the hotel's casually chic, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Temple Orange, I couldn't think of a better place to retire to than our luxurious, yet cozy room. The sumptuous beds lulled us into a sound sleep only to be awoken by the rising sun and the sound of the waves softly lapping at the shore.
Bravo to designer Jonathan Adler for imbuing the Eau Palm Beach Resort + Spa with a true "sense of place" and capturing Florida's unique "merroir" in his brilliant design. For more information on the resort, please see below and to check out even more destinations featured in Glamorous Getaways, please click here.
Eau Palm Beach Resort + Spa | 100 South Ocean Boulevard | Manalapan, Florida 33462 | 561.533.6000 | www.eaupalmbeach.com
People say we don’t have seasons here in Florida, but as a native Floridian I must disagree. In fact, we have two: “season” and “off-season.” And there’s only one word that adequately describes South Florida during season…PARADISE! These precious months spoil us with gloriously sun-kissed days, balmy nights and just enough chilly weather to break out our boots and sweaters a few times.
One of my favorite places to experience our season that really captures the natural beauty and relaxed glamour of South Florida is the Eau Palm Beach Resort + Spa. Located in tony Manalapan, just a skosh south of Palm Beach proper, this former Ritz-Carlton is known for its unwavering attention to luxury and rigorous service standards. The property’s enduring Forbes Five-Star status serves as reliable testament to this.
While I’ve raved about the hotel’s truly amazing Spa before (a MUST for you spa-lovers!), I recently had the opportunity to experience one of the resort’s newly renovated Jonathan Adler suites. This special property provides the perfect canvas for the part-time Palm Beach resident’s signature style which incorporates vibrant, sun-drenched colors, bold, patterns and whimsical details in a chic, yet playful way.
Set against the vibrant azure of the stunning ocean view visible from each room, Adler’s concept truly pops. The ambiance transforms the luxe design elements into an approachable, comfortable seaside refuge. I was equally comfortable whether I was ensconced in one of the cozy, royal blue sofas, relaxing out on the balcony or soaking in the generously sized, free standing bath tub. Hey, I take my research VERY seriously!
Personally, I also appreciate Adler’s nod to South Florida’s enduring history and local character. Thoughtful decor details include a vintage Slim Aaron’s photo of socialite Lady Daphne Cameron astride a tiger skin rug taken in a historic Palm Beach home; beachy, cabana-inspired canopies and window-treatments; as well as a radiant, sunburst chandelier. A sassy, colorful, crewel-work pillow emblazoned with “Palm Beach” provided the cherry on top of the design experience.
And after a delicious al fresco dinner at the hotel’s casually chic, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Temple Orange, I couldn’t think of a better place to retire to than our luxurious, yet cozy room. The sumptuous beds lulled us into a sound sleep only to be awoken by the rising sun and the sound of the waves softly lapping at the shore.
Bravo to designer Jonathan Adler for imbuing the Eau Palm Beach Resort + Spa with a true “sense of place” and capturing Florida’s unique “merroir” in his brilliant design. For more information on the resort, please see below and to check out even more Glamorous Getaways, please click here.
Eau Palm Beach Resort + Spa
100 South Ocean Boulevard
Manalapan, Florida 33462
561.533.6000
www.eaupalmbeach.com
Safe travels,
The post Glamorous Getaways: Eau Palm Beach Resort + Spa appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
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