A Vintage Affair…Definitely one to Remember

Here is a snippet of the write up for the local presses in Montgomery on a dinner I did for clients to benefit the American Cancer society. This was too much and a true delight! I had a ball setting the tables, orchestrating the flowers and music, and working with a fabulous chef and amazing sommelier.

“In the true finery that comes to be expected with The Vintage Affair, guests were literally wined and dined for the Caldwell Wine Dinner, Friday, February 3, 2012, at a lovely home in Montgomery, Alabama. Benefitting the American Cancer Society, this particular dinner featured the celebrated wines of Napa grower John Caldwell.

From start to finish, guests’  palettes were appeased with perfectly paired culinary delights, created by Chef Rob McDaniel of Spring House Restaurant, and Mayor Todd Strange blessed the meal. From hor d’oeurves of crab and endive salad to scrumptious salads of heirloom beets, preserved kumquat, smoked pecans and Alabama’s own belle chevre, guests began the meal with a delicious manner.

Succulent scallops, fork tender short ribs, puree of apple and sunchoke and various winter crops all rounded out the dishes in fabulous farm to table fashion. A Caldwell Vineyards Syrah Port accompanied a sticky toffee pudding dotted with pistachios and dates for the magnificent ending to the meal.

Author and event coordinator James Farmer set the tone for the evening with boughs of budding white quince, dozens of ‘Mint Ice’ cymbidium orchids perfuming the air, roses in shades of the various wines, hydrangeas, White Parrot tulips, and lemon leaf garlands festooned around the entrance and on the mantle. Tables were set with vintage hotel silver, custom linens, and dinner donned in shades of gold and champagne to continue the theme of the event.

Tunes from “Stars Fell on Alabama” to “Georgia on my Mind” wafted from the grand piano and saxophone accompaniment. Guests slowly danced to such classics after the meal and then joined Dr. and Mrs. Davidson in after dinner drinks and further vintages of Caldwell Vineyard’s best.

Truly an affair to remember – and all for grand cause – The Caldwell Wine Dinner benefitting the American Cancer Society shall linger in the minds of those in attendance. The best food, the best flowers, the best wine and some of Montgomery’s best folks all toasted to a fabulous night.”