AIWF Champagne Gala

The AIWF or American Institute of Wine and Food is a non profit organization determined to enhance the quality of life through education about what we eat and drink.
In addition, the AIWF looks to pioneer enriching scholarships for the future of American cooking.
The "Days of Taste" being one of the main programs.

I just got back from the gala event tonight at the Hotel Pierre. (11:42pm Tuesday)
Met some really nice people at the Champagne Gala so that was nice.
The food was a bit on the underwhelming side, but since the company was good, I am happy.

So the food really didn't shine.
And perhaps it's because there were literally too many chiefs and not enough indians in the kitchen to do the work.
Everything tasted average... Like some cooking school beginner put it together by looking at a recipe.
There wasn't the clear balance in flavors in the dishes that led me to believe a true chef and his crew crafted it.
Oh well...C'est la Vie. Sometimes you just have to accept things for what they are.

Here are a few pics I took during the courses.
Link to the Menu from tonight. List of pairings and such... link












First Course - Duck Ballontine - Daniel
Second Course - Black Cod Miso - Nobu 57
Third Course - Beef Duo - Tabla
Fourth Course - Cheese Plate - Harpersfield
Fifth Course - Candy Bar with Banana Gelato and Popcorn - Del Posto

I'm all Tattinger-ed out. What a great problem to have.