How to Throw a Chez Panisse-Style Dinner

December 27, 2008

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“It’s 11 o’clock on the morning of his holiday dinner party, and David Tanis, chef of Chez Panisse, is already in the thick of it—potatoes are frying on the stove, a pot of braising liquid containing a prehistoric-looking octopus is sitting on the counter and a pan of prawns awaits the paella pan. Ever the consummate host, he takes a break to offer me a cup of thick espresso before showing me a scrap of paper on which he’s scrawled in shorthand the complete menu he’s preparing for a dozen of his friends: squid-ink paella topped with Santa Barbara spot prawns; potato-and-egg tortilla; roasted piquillo peppers filled with goat cheese; pork kebabs with Arabic spices known as pinchos moruños; almonds roasted with rosemary; octopus salad; and garlicky toasts topped with anchovies.”

To finish this beautiful article from San Francisco’s 7×7

Ever wonder how to create an elegant, yet stress-free evening for your friends? Take your cues from David Tanis, or come check out In The Kitchen’s cooking class on The Dinner Party!

Tuesday, January 13
The Dinner Party! Cooking to entertain!
6-9 pm / $50

Has the dinner party become the new right of passage into the sophisticated world of adulthood? I hope not! Getting your friends together for dinner should be a fun, relaxed and joyful occasion, and being able to cook a meal that is gracious and delicious is always a nice touch! This menu, although it may look difficult is actually quite easy and will really make your guests feel special and allow you to have fun and leave the stress in the dust!

Monkfish Roasted with Procsuittio
Glazed Brussels sprouts
Herb and Gruyere Tart
Arugula, Fig and Point Reyes Blue Cheese Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette

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