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For the third year in a row, St. Louis Magazine dazzled and delighted guests at the first night of the annual Food Wine Design Culinary Week, presented by Lexus. Greeted by a red carpet, wine by Major Brands and beer by Peroni, guests mingled in the outdoor tent and entered for a chance to win the perfect wine package, offered by Lexus.
During the lively cocktail hour, guests were treated to creative Purus Vodka cocktails and edible cocktail "caviar" created by Justin Cardwell of BC's Kitchen and a fun, modern spin on toasted ravioli and meatballs as the evening's hors d'oeuvres. Partygoers admired the creative table tops designed by The Designing Block with Susan Block, Hip & Gable with Retta LeRitz and Laura Murray, and Centro Modern Furnishings with Steve Schuepfer.
Ben Poremba from Olio and Elaia and James Beard Award Winner Patrick Connolly from Basso were the culinary stars of the Modern Italian night of Food Wine Design and showed their true talent and passion with every course they prepared for this sold-out crowd of 160. The first course of the night, a Caprese salad, was paired with Colterenzio Pinot Grigio and was a unique spin on this traditional Italian dish. That was soon followed with course two, Pasta alla Carbonara complete with a poached egg on top! The third course—a modern spin on chicken parmesan—featured chicken sausage (yes! sausage) was paired with Tenutta Setti Pont Grognolo and Peroni. A beautifully designed Tiramisu—almost too gorgous to eat—was the sweet ending to a delicious Italian meal.
Just as the Downtime Trio was finishing their last set, the winners were announced of the tabletop competition and Hip & Gable took first place for the best table top of the evening! Through the live auction and raffle, St. Louis Magazine was able to raise more than $5,400 for Food Outreach. With a fundraising goal of $25,000 for the week of Food Wine Design, we are right on track to help Food Outreach's mission. To see it for yourself, check out St. Louis Magazine's party pics to see who was there and get a glimpse into this delicous evening. Tickets still remain for Wednesday's Gourmet Comfort dinner and Thursday's Contemporary American dinner. Don't miss out—make your reservations today!
