“A Second Helping of Life”, a tasting event to benefit SHARE, a self-help not-for-profit organization for women with breast or ovarian cancer.

The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers, www.piersixty.com, in New York hosted “A Second Helping of Life”, a tasting event to benefit SHARE, www.sharecancersupport.org, a self-help not-for-profit organization for women with breast or ovarian cancer, on September 20, 2004. It was an enchanting September evening, where the occasional cruise ship passed by, with a spectacular sunset and culminated in a starry evening, celestial as well as earthly.

The stars shined their brightest, as top female chefs at New York restaurants joined forces with theatre, television and literary stars who joined them as “sous chefs”, to provide a delectable tasting menu. Imagine Sashimi Scallop with Spicy Cod Roe from Anita Lo of Annisa, Heirloom Tomato Tarte Tatin with an Arugula and Shaved Fennel Salad from Alison Awerbuch and Abigail Kirsch, Sweet Squash Ravioli with Horseradish and Almonds from Charleen Badman of Inside, Lobster Rolls from Rebecca Charles of Pearl Oyster Bar, Cold Duck and Foie Gras Pot-au-Feu from Ariane Daguin of D’Artagnan, Brown Sugar Cake with Pear Compote and Cinnamon Ice Cream from Karen Demasco of Craft, Watercress and Black Grape Salad with Pepper-Crusted Beef from Alexandra Guarnaschelli of Butter, Sheep’s Milk Ricotta Raviolini with Fresh Heirloom Tomatoes and Basil from Patti Jackson of Le Madri, Brandied Liver Pate with Pickled Radishes from Sara Jenkins of 50 Carmine, Warm Chocolate San Andreas Cake with Raspberry Sauce from Sarabeth Levine of Sarabeth’s, Tamales de Tinga de Pollo con Salsa de Pina (Chicken Tamales with Pineapple Sauce) from Zarela Martínez of Zarela, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Blueberries and Raspberries from Susan Midura of Chocolicious Chocolatier, Wild Mushroom Empanadas with Salsa Verde and Cotija Cheese from Ivy Stark of Dos Caminos, Mezcal-cured Salmon Tostada with Avocado, Mango and Habanero Salsa from Sue Torres of Sueños, Cured Tuna with Soy Yuzu Vinaigrette from Patricia Williams of Morrells, and Cassis Mousse from Bindi Desserts.

Stars included Sissy Biggers, Blair Brown, Martha Byrne, Kathleen Chalfant, Carol Higgins Clark, Jamie deRoy, Christine Ebersole, Katherine Helmond, Tama Janowitz, Brini Maxwell, Carole Shelley, Valerie Smaldone, Linda Stasi and Suzyn Waldman.

We took time out from tasting to speak with the delightful Broadway actress, Katherine Helmond, who in addition to acting as “sous chef”, is starring in the play “The Oldest Profession.” Another highlight of the evening, was speaking with the engaging Broadway actress Carole Shelley, who is starring in the play, “Wicked”, and despite having had surgery on both of her feet earlier in the day, charmed guests in her role as “sous chef” and proved that “the show must go on!” Bravo, Carole!

We sampled Gosset’s Grande Réserve Champagne, Clinton Vineyards Cassis Dessert Wine, and Rogue Ales selections. Ed ended our evening on a sweet note, when he found a dynamic pairing of his own making when he paired dark chocolate covered blueberries from Chocolicious Chocolatier, with a Pinot Noir 2000 from Willamette Valley Vineyards, a full bodied red wine with ripe fruit flavors and a long finish. Ed then acted as the liaison between these two supporters of the SHARE event, and brought wine and chocolates to both of them so they could sample this dynamic pairing, which they both agreed was wonderful.

© November 2004. Luxury Experience. www.luxuryexperience.com. All rights reserved.