Maybe it was the excitement, or the lack of guidance by the door hosts, or my ravenous appetite, but though my friend and I held VIP tickets, I foolishly traveled onto the main floor in childlike delight to begin making rounds before the major crowds, only to realize that had I only looked to my left upon entering or to the right while waiting for my coat check ticket, I would have realized the VIP Lounge was there awaiting our entrance...no such luck! We were totally stuffed by the time we realized where it was at the end of the night.
I've attended several food and cocktail philanthropic events at the Cyclorama over the past year and a half or so, but this was my first Taste of the South End. I will be sure to pay attention next time around (if I'm still in the city) or perhaps skip the couple of bubbly aperitifs with Mark at Hamersley's Bistro beforehand.
On to the Yummy Bites:
Haley House presented a nice spicy white meat Jerk chicken, with collards and whipped naturally sweet potato.
Keeping up with the spice, we enjoyed a beautiful chicken tikka masala, Basmati rice, Veggie Samosas and Saag Paneer by Mela
An interesting Indian-Italian fused Masala ravioli by Da Vinci Ristorante
Kitchen showed off a number of pates, sausages and jerky. My favorite being the hot smoked venison sausage!
Aquitane's Socca Crepes with roasted mushrooms, Swiss chard, and Cantal fondue
Hamersley's Bistro smoked, spiced fish and dill cream topping
B&G Oysters' fresh, shucked oysters...
Beautifully, tender pork (whole roasted pig) served with Vigoron salad by Chef Rodriguez of Orinoco
Chef Karen Akunowicz, Executive Chef at Myers & Chang and one of my favorite chefs in the city, presented a lovely salmon and honey apple crisp tartare with a spicy soy vinaigrette, pomegranate, on an airy sesame crisp
El Centro's lovely plates. I absolutely loved the salmon dish in a light sauce with microgreens and tortilla crisps. The zucchini and squash dish was lovely as well.
Fresh smoked salmon on baguette was served up by a favorite French bistro Petit Robert
Yummy deviled eggs with housemade pickles and pickled carrot by Chef Eric Gburski of Estelle's!
Masa offered a refreshing habanero watermelon margarita and a delicious poblano vegan chili!
The Stephi's on Tremont team demonstrated real teamwork and served up a tasty dish of tender braised short rib over toasted brown butter farro, with Brussels sprouts, and butternut squash and fig glaze!
Whole Foods knocked it out of the park with their spoons of layered flavor, color, and texture:
Mistral
Stir's Niçoise Salad
The Beehive's shrimp and grit with a nice roux and Cajun spice
I believe it was The Butchershop that served this beautifully rich soup:
The Gallows served these toasted marshmallow treats:
There were many more great dishes and my favorite wine station of the the evening was of course Rodney Strong!
Proceeds (ticket costs and auctioned items) benefit the Aids Action Committee http://www.aac.org/
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