Countdown to 2013

Our hosts, Sue & Jim Bianco

On New Year's Eve, Ken and I attended a lovely party at the home of Sue & Jim Bianco.  Their house was festive and sparkling with red Glassy Babies lining the windows and extensive holiday decorations throughout.  I loved the Christmas tree in their dining room which had the most unusual sphere-type colored LED lights that transformed from one color to another as you watched.  Much more fun that the static white lights on our Christmas trees at home!

Ken Hatch, Connie Blumenthal, Kevin & Cindy Swett

Tia Higano, John Bauer, Jack Singer, Maryel Duzan

Once again this year, the featured Chef was William Belickis of Mistral Kitchen, along with his team, and it is always so much fun to see what culinary treats he has in store.  One of my favorites this time was a slice of roasted guinea hen served atop creamy, al dente risotto with shaved black truffle.  A close favorite was the velvety squash soup and the seared scallop course.

William Belickis (center) and Mistral team

Once again Jim selected excellent wines to complement the food courses:
Crug Grand Cuvee
Staglin Estate Chardonnay 2010
Merry Edwards Olivet Lane Pinot Noir 2010
Domaine Serene Etoile Vineyard Chardonnay 2007
Darioush Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Sue Bianco with son Lucho and his friend, Magda

Sue and Jim both looked stunning and elegant antique aquamarine earrings dangled from Sue's ears; a recent gift from Jim.  It was a treat to see their sons Lucho and Julio, both of whom had grown up since the last time I saw either of them a few years ago.

We saw and talked with many old and new friends at the party including Gene Juarez who was there with both Alex and Connie Blumenthal, Mike Kunath & Kate Harrison, John Bauer & Maryel Duzan, Tia Higano & Jack Singer, and we enjoyed meeting a recent addition to the CTI management team, Monique Greer, and her husband, Charles.

Mike Kunath, Alex, Kate Harrison, Gene Juarez

Jim had put together a competition for the guests to name the music he was playing from the 80's and 90's including several which were either named after an animal or a city.  Luckily, Kate Harrison has a memory for music and was able to help us with enough answers to place in the competition, so we received a celebratory bottle of wine as a prize which we have promised to share with her when we open it.

Happy New Year everyone!

Jim Bianco, Ken Hatch, Connie Blumenthal