Water Babies: A Festive February Birthday Dinner at Cafe Boulud Palm Beach

For those who're a little shy about celebrating their birthday, sharing the soiree can get everyone in the spirit. We recently hosted a birthday bash at one of our favorite culinary playgrounds, Cafe Boulud, for four fabulous gals (yours truly included. Clearly I'm not the shy one!) born in February.

The birthday girls invited mutual friends as well as a few others to join in the fun, keeping the night interesting and light hearted.

After mingling over cocktails, we sat for a four-course dinner by chef de cuisine Zach Bell with wine pairings from sommeliere Mariya Kovacheva. Patissier Matthew Petersen created a birthday cake with chocolate ganache filling and buttercream icing to round out the evening in anything-but-typical birthday fashion!

On the menu:

Torchon de Foie Gras
trilogy of apples: spiced compote, fresh salad, green apple mustard

Maine Peekytoe Crab Salad
crushed avocado, pink grapefruit, orange blossom aïoli, crispy plantains

Fresh Black Truffles from Périgord
served over parmesan risotto

Seared Cleanseas® Hiramasa
edamame purée, swank baby pac choi, crispy – aromatic salad, miso vinaigette

Sautéed Veal Rib Chop
mushroom stuffed artichoke with bacon, balsamic glazed onions, gremolata pan sauce

Chocolate and Vanilla Cake

Following the feast, cocktails continued in the moonlit courtyard at the Brazilian Court hotel, and a great time was had by all! Can't wait to do it all again next February...

Photos by Rich Graulich, LILA Photo/www.lilaphotos.com

15th Annual Evening on Antique Row Brings Record Crowd

Though temperatures dipped into the mid 40s, a record number of young friends and supporters the Historical Society of Palm Beach County flocked to the 15th annual Evening on Antique Row. Shop owners along South Dixie Highway opened their stores to more than 2,200 guests, highlighting West Palm Beach's world-renowned antique and design district.

Co-chaired by Aime Dunstan, Jen Groden, Melissa Lee and Laura Wissa, in conjunction with district association president Tracy Coffey, Evening on Antique Row is the primary fund-raiser for the Young Friends of the Society. Making an appearance for the second year at event was a selection of classic cars from Chariots of Palm Beach, and a garden lounge complete with cigars, music and adult beverages designed by Dunstan Designs and sponsored by Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens and Gentlemen of the Garden.

The evening continued for members of the Young Friends Host Committee with the exclusive After Party on the chic rooftop pool deck of CityPlace South Tower, where guests enjoyed a live drag performance by “Maxine,” “Mitzi” and “Ricky.” A spread of hors d’oeuvres prepared by Sandy James Fine Food Productions, made-to-order hot mini Ruben sandwiches prepared on site by Grease Burger Bar, and an array of desserts graciously donated by Café Chardonnay were complemented by a Ketel One Vodka ice bar.

Proceeds from the Evening on Antique Row support the educational programs of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum. For more information about the Young Friends’ Host Committee, sponsorship opportunities for the 2011 Evening on Antique Row, or general information regarding the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and Johnson History Museum, please call (561) 832-4164 or visit www.historicalsocietypbc.org.

Join It! Girl Blair Griffin at Saks on 3/12