Really…where does the time go? One minute it is Halloween and the West Village Parade and then ” trick or treat!” It is the end of the year
And what a year. We are still dizzy.
Our Domaine Bott Dinner was delicious, of course, with Chip’s precision on thinking of the winemaker and all the balance to showcase just how special they were. The wines are both modern and old at the same time. A sensibility I can relate to!.
November brought Thanksgiving late in the month, which creates a millefeuille of Christmas, Hanukkah and New Years Eve, all tumbling over each other, vying for our attention.
The city is teeming with energy that cannot be contained. It is as if we close our eyes, we can become Peter Pan, lifted up in flight over the lights, action and beauty.
Rabbit and Guinea Hen landed on the menu. Dishes I ponder over white wine?…Red wine?… So, we did both. Always an Italian red for the Lapin thigh, basted in, yes, Red wine. And for the little liver Chartreuse, an Alsace Pinot Blanc. Guinea Hen Breast, St. Aubin Blanc. And with the knodel of thigh, our bread, bacon and onion, Cru Beaujolais. Topped with a duc sel of liver and mushroom, seared in a cast iron skillet. Yummy. Finished with endive slow sauteed in apple cider.
Thanksgiving. We had our meal down at the restaurant with a few wayward staff members and colleagues. Our new friends from Atomix brought a Japanese white sweet potato gratin that was as beautiful as it was delicious. Sun, our very first CIA Culinary extern made a traditional Korean Beef with mushrooms and soy, served with rice. We have not persuaded the Dean to expel him from school so that we can just keep him! A rare young professional.
Chip, mais oui!, did his Southern culinary charm, drawing from those memories that make any meal a treat, bring to mind those holidays where all came together to enjoy each other’s company as well as the cuisine. All of the chairs in the restaurant held the spirits of them with us.
Spatlese Riesling and Champagne went down too easy along with a martini or two.
December rolled in and had the nerve to act like “Winter!!” Cold, rainy, windy. I loved it. Reminding me of those long ago romantic days when the city had snow drifts past your hips, people skiing along Park Avenue, spiked hot cocoa. A favorite season for Chip and I. With that, our friends Dan and Rob found us a new painting to grace our dining room…all blues and grays, looking South to 59th from Central Park, by William Samuel Horton. It is as if it was always meant to be in that room.
And how in the world did Michelin find us? Trying so hard to be under the radar. Outstanding Service Award! What!?! It all begins in that kitchen and then our front team swings into action, all of them creating that rhythm we call care. Chip and I full well know that without our small, but mighty team, none of this is possible. We are super blessed with their talents.
The obvious question? What are you doing New Years Eve? We are doing it our way, subtle, quiet and small. Raising a glass to greet the New Year to come, while we glance over our shoulders to 2024. We wish for all of you good health, joy, success in your goals, time to wind down, time spent well with family and friends. Being enraptured by music, theatre, dance. All of Arts, leaving us breathless, allowing an escape.
And, of course, delectable, lip smacking food and wine.
Take good care. May your dreams come true…ours did.
–Tina and Chip
