Cathi Hatch: Bubbles, Bites & Good Cheer to Toast the Coming Year

Sue Bianco and Cathi Hatch

It was a crisp and clear night last evening as we arrived at the Bianco's home for their festive New Year's Eve party. We were greeted with an icy cold "Bianco-tini" which Jim had created that included Ultra Jewel of Russia vodka, Grand Marnier, Meyer lemon juice and cranberry juice which was steeped for 5 minutes on ice in a cocktail shaker along with 2 cloves and half a cinnamon stick The drink was then vigourously shaken, strained and served in a large martini glass and was a rosy pink color. Delicious!

Jim Bianco and John Bauer

Sue & Jim Bianco are the most gracious hosts and each looked fantastic; Jim in an elegant dark blue evening jacket and Sue in a sleek and sexy silver Armani sheath over ankle-length leggings and towering sandals. Sue was also wearing her gorgeous new tourmaline, diamond, sapphire and citrine earrings that had been Jim's Christmas gift to her. The spectacular architectural dangling earrings are only two of a kind designed by Marina, the granddaughter of the founder of Bulgari Jewelry, who was the jewelry designer for Bulgari from the 1950's through the 1980's. She introduced the multicolored semi-precious stone necklaces that became so popular in the 50's. Since Bulgari was recently sold to LVMH, she is not allowed to use the Bulgari name anymore so her designs are now under the label, Marina B.

Giulio, Sue and Gianni Bianco

Mike Kunath arranged for spiritual advisor Dawn Stansfield, to join the party and provide readings for several of the people including Ken, Sue Bianco, Jeff Roe, Debbie Peppa and Maryel Duzan. Some of the other guests attending the party were Bianco home architect, Mark Elster and his wife Nancy Ellen, CTI board member John Bauer, the Bianco sons Gianni and Giulio, CTI Sr. VP and Director of Corporate Communications Dan Eramian and his wife, Louise. Louise wore a stunning white jacket of her own design that included thousands of tufts of silver thread.

Ken Hatch, Jeff Roe,
Mike Kunath

Dawn Stansfield and Sue Bianco

Jason Wilson's Crush was the caterer for the evening and passed small bites that were tiny works of art. Each could be eaten in only one bite. My personal favorite was the 48 Hour Braised Beef Short Ribs from Painted Hills Farms with Horseradish Potato Cake and Caramelized Onion. See complete list of the featured hors d'oeuvres at the end of this blog posting. In addition to the Bianco-tinis, the featured bubbles and wine included Bollinger Brut Cuvee, Rombauer Chardonnay and Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon.