Thursday, March 24, 2011

Bouquets to Art 2011 - Opening Night Preview Party


DSC05649 Chestnut & Vine



While I'm editing the remaining photos of Bouquets to Art 2011, won't you take a few moments to enjoy the dazzling buffet brought to the De Young Museum by the talented crew of McCalls Catering for the Opening Night Preview Party?

Step into Wilsey Court and choose between the seafood or vegetarian paella, or a little of both.  

DSC05631 Galla paella display

Make sure to leave enough room on your plate for a helping of  rack of spring lamb.

IMG_3005 Spring Lamb Racks

Of course, you must eat your vegetables. These are roasted to perfection. 

DSC05634 Roasted Vegetable display

Chase it with oyster gazpacho shooters, or three or four, like I did. 

DSC05636 Oyster gazpacho shooters

If you still have room, you can belly up to the carving station receive the world's friendliest service.

DSC05640 Carving station buffet

Now take a moment to admire the towering living sculpture created by Svenja Brotz of  Chestnut & Vine (top photo). This arresting design took center stage in the Piazzoni Murals Room. The epiphytic roots of the dainty yellow phaleonopsis look right at home in the nooks and crannies of the bleached grapewood. 

I know it's hard to ignore the buffet of desserts luring you. Will it be the strawberry cheesecake?

DSC05651 Gala Dessert Display

Or California berries in sabayone, with an optional dollop of whipped cream? Maybe with a meringue kiss?

DSC05642 California berries and zabaglione

Who could resist these profiteroles, either chocolate, vanilla, or coffee cream, served on a Tiffany blue plate? Go ahead grab the tongs and help yourself.

DSC05643 Profiteroles

While you are digesting all this, I will be preparing the next few posts featuring the artistry of the Bay Area's best floral artists with their interpretations of the fine art inside the De Young Museum. 

Enhanced by Zemanta

31 comments:

Lisa Gordon said...

Oh, I'll bet this was wonderful!!
The food looks amazing!!

California Girl said...

I am sitting at my desk. I'm supposed to be working. I'm hungry. So I idly decide to check the blogs I follow and here is your new post with gorgeous photos of food glorious food and I want some!

What a delightful evening. Well worth the ticket price, I'm guessing. Who the hell eats this because everyone in Ca is trying to stay thin? hahahaha!

CC said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
CC said...

Dear DB,

Thanks. I think I've gained 15 lbs looking
at the pictures. Looks like a lovely party.

Kala said...

The food alone was worth going I think! So many yummy photos.

Margaret said...

The asparagus and strawberries got my attention! Wow, such a beautiful spread!

Susan said...

OMG! You are killing me! I would go for the food alone. DROOL!!

Forest Dream Weaver said...

I've just found your interesting blog and beautiful images........I look forward to seeing more!

Best wishes!

rochambeau said...

The man serving the prime rib has a smile that shines!! Thank you for taking us along with you!! Such an elegant first course, for what is yet to come! I remember last years stunning flower designs...mind blowing they were!

Happy weekend
AND
ThAnK you for being willing to give David hope.

xox
Constance

Also,
Iris didn't run this year for the first time ever because of inclement weather, so Kay didn't ride for the first time in 40 something years. Still, so very happy at least M got to ride!!!

Ginnie Hart said...

You don't have to ask me twice, DB! This remded me of the big buffet feasts they serve on the big crusie ships at the end of the cruise, when they have the ice carvings and floral arrangements. WOW! To die for. :)

Speaking of cruises, we leave for Oslo this Tursday and start our 6-day crusie along the fjords on Monday, a week from now. Are we excited or what! You are one who knows what we're in for. I love it. :)

Pretty Zesty said...

What a feast!!!!

Vagabonde said...

This is wicked – I just had an apple for lunch as I thought I was not hungry, then I came to read your post…. I would not mind some profiteroles with a good cup of expresso – that makes my mouth waters for some great French pastries – another few weeks and I’ll be in Paris though so I better stick to my apple only.

Marilyn Miller said...

Now shame on you for placing all that beautiful food in front of me. Now I want to run off to the best bakery in town and of course decorate with gorgeous flowers too. Just beautiful, all of it!

dona said...

Oh my God, I can't resist! :)

Relyn Lawson said...

YUM!!!!!!!!!

Dutchbaby said...

Dear lisa,
Indeed it was!

Dutchbaby said...

Dear California Girl,
Sorry about tempting you. You make a great point about everyone being on a diet here. As for the ticket price, we were amazed that it went up $50 in one year - still worth it plus it's a donation to the museum.

Dutchbaby said...

Dear CC,
Nah, the food I serve here is very lo-cal.

Dutchbaby said...

Dear Kala,
You are right about that!

Dutchbaby said...

Dear Margaret,
You thinking the cherry tomatoes are strawberries ties in beautifully with your 55-word story today :)

Dutchbaby said...

Dear Susan,
McCalls is the best San Francisco caterer I know. Yes, the food alone is worth the drive to The City.

Dutchbaby said...

Dear Forest Dream Weaver,
Welcome to Dutchbaby! Thank you for your visit and kind words.

Dutchbaby said...

Dear Constance,
As a former caterer, you know how difficult it is to pull off an event like this. You also know how valuable a shining smile is. Thanks for joining me here.

Dutchbaby said...

Dear Ginnie,
Yes, this evening is a bit like the cruise ships in presentation, but the food is more delicious here.

Bon voyage to you and Astrid. Bring back lots of great photos and stories from Norway!

Margaret said...

The strawberries are on the dessert... :). My experience cocktail waitressing was something. I was horrid at it but to be fair, I left before many of my tables did and I told my friend to keep the tips, if any. I waitressed for a number of years, but never dabbled in alcohol again (on the serving side, that is).

Dutchbaby said...

Margaret,
Thanks for clarifying :-|

I'm sure you were a great waitress. Your positive attitude would have motivated me to leave you a big tip.

Dutchbaby said...

Dear Kris,
I think this is your kind of evening!

Dutchbaby said...

Dear Vagabonde,
You choosing the apple over the profiterole and espresso is precisely why you look so fabulous! Have a grand time in Paris!

Dutchbaby said...

Dear Marilyn,
Sorry for tempting you! You can look stylin' in that beautiful blouse you just made as you go into town.

Dutchbaby said...

Cara dona,
I dare say that it is impossible to resist.

Dutchbaby said...

Dear Relyn,
Double YUMMMM!!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Bookmark and Share