After an hour or so of getting warmed up with a couple glasses of champagne and some convivial conversation, we were called into the clear dining tent, which Todd Fiscus had done up in a glowing all blue and white, over looking the spectacular Nasher garden. A five-course Wolfgang Puck meal was served that was, as Doss Alexander put it, "worth eating every bite". The wines served with each meal were worth drinking every drop. Crooner Ricki Derek provided mood music. At some point during dinner, by now the effects of the wine were in full force, a magician materialized whose tricks amazed both the adults and the table of very sophisticated tuxedo and gown-clad children (my dashing son being one of them) sitting next to us. Dessert was far and away the most memorable course of the evening. In addition to the sublime chocolate tower, the women's plates sported a golden egg - one of which contained a 2- carat diamond ring (provided by Bailey Banks and Biddle, of course). The anticipation was too much, so no one waited for the emcee to give the signal to crack the egg and we all cracked away the minute the plate was put in front of us. Long-time Nasher supporter, Betty Blake, won the beautiful ring. |
