May Auld Acquaintance be NOT Forgot!

Sue Bianco & Cathi Hatch

Last night, Ken and I travelled from Clyde Hill to the West Seattle waterfront for a New Year's Eve party hosted by Jim & Sue Bianco.  It was a beautiful, cold crisp evening and our coach (okay, it really was an SUV) dropped us off at the front door of their home.  When we opened the door, their home was a-glow with Christmas decorations and alive with music and festive conversation.  We were warmly greeted with a champagne flute of chilled, bubbly, pink Billecart-Salmon NV Brut Rose.

The year 2011 will mark the 20th anniversary of Cell Therapeutics Inc. and this New Year's celebration was a kick-off to what appears to be an exciting year upcoming with the hope that Pixantrone will get a reprieve by the FDA and approval in Europe. Jim was resplendant in a deep blue satin dinner jacket and wearing his Christmas gift from Sue, an exquisite pair of diamond, sapphire and ruby antique Faberge cufflinks.  Sue was absolutely gorgeous wearing her gift from Jim which was a glittering, silvery Roberto Cavalli cocktail dress and towering jeweled sandals. 

Jim Bianco toasts CTI and friends.

We had the opportunity to meet the Bianco's talented architect, Mark Elster, and his outgoing and cute wife, Nancy Ellen and see his inspired architectural plans to convert the Bianco waterfront home into a traditional Italian villa.  The planned appearance is magnificent!  Friends Mike Kunath and Kate Harrison, John Bauer and Maryel Duzan were there as well as Heather & Michael Sandoval.  Michael was sporting crutches from a broken leg from a recent soccer accident.  CTI Co-Founder Jack Singer and his wife Tia Higano and daughter Emily were there to celebrate as well as Louise Grose and Andrew Bronstein and many other CTI associates too.

Jim toasted the upcoming year and all the people who have shared in both big and small ways in helping CTI achieve this 20 year milestone.  Jim pulled some gems out of his wine cellar that he shared with the revelers.  I was particularly enthralled with the Dalla Valle Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon which appeared at the end of the evening.  See the amazing list of fabulous wines at the end of this blog posting.



Ken Hatch & Michael Sandoval

Kate Harrison & Cathi



Chef William Belickis and associates



The guests did not go hungry of course since the open display kitchen was under the command of Chef William Belickis of Mistral Kitchen.  Each small plate was a work of art.  My favorite was the Osetra caviar served atop a potato galette with creme fraiche and chive.  Though I did not intend to try the octopus ceviche, Chef William insisted that I at least taste it and I was surprised at how delicious and refreshing it was and not the least bit rubbery.  It was most appripriate that he played the Beatles' song, Octopus's Garden, as he served this course.  I was also quite amazed at the completely recognizable flavor of the corn microgreen garnish atop the seared Japanese hamachi and the delicious combination of Chef William's handmade Trofie pasta served with slow-cooked pork shoulder. See the full menu at the end of this blog posting.

It was an extraordinary New Year's Eve party to remember and with food and wine memories to savor.  Thank you Jim and Sue!  Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve Celebration Menu  

presented by Chef William Belickis, Mistral Kitchen 

Osetra Caviar, POtato Galette, Creme Fraiche, Chive

Pork Belly, Steamed Buns, Panang Curry Vinaigrette, Cilantro

Octopus Ceviche

Seared Japanese Hamachi

Trofie Pasta with Slow Cooked Pork Shoulder

Seared Hudson Valley Fois Gras, Toasted Brioche

Loin of Lamb, Black Eyed Peas, Pomegranate

Beef Short Ribs, Black Piedmontese Truffles

Selection of Artisanal Cheeses

~

Rosemary Cookies, Fromage Blanc Mousse

Chocolate Cream Puff

Black Forest Parfait Pops

~

Billecart-Salmon NV Brut Rose

Krug Grand Cuvee

1981 Chateau Coutet a Barsac, Premier Cru

1982 Brico Asili, Barbaresco

1990 R. Rostaing Cote Rotie, "Cote Blonde"

1989 Pichon-Lalande, "Comtesse de Lalande" Pauillac

Peter Michael Chardonnay

Dalla Valle Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon