On April 30th, the DeSimone Family hosted a special dinner won in the Annual Garden Party. Ryan and Gina Ahern were the high bidders and chose 5 additional friends and family to join them for the occasion. Preparations began and continued throughout the week as the DeSimone home was cleaned, the menu planned, and the groceries shopped for. The guests arrived at 6pm and were rewarded with the following menu:
Appetizers:
- Caramelized Onions w/Fig Jam Crostini
- Skewered shrimp & melon wrapped in prosciutto, pan seared
- Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Soup:
- Minestrone Soup with Pecorino Romano Cheese
Dinner:
- Whole Roasted Mahi Mahi Fillet with an Herb & Lemon Butter sauce on top of Oven Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
- Petite Fillet Mignon w/Cabernet Reduction
- Julienne Vegetable Sauté
- Caramelized Fennel Risotto
Dessert:
- Fresh Fruit Tart
- Assorted Italian Pastries
We’re including a small gallery of photos from the evening. Plan on this being an event to be talked about, and remember that your bids make a difference.
How can I describe my experience as the recipient of the DeSimone Family Foundation’s Dinner? Beyond anything I could expect. From the greeting at the door to the laughs throughout the night, the evening was perfect. Coordinating red aprons, embroidered chefs coats, food with so many complex flavors and layers, ever flowing wine and champagne, the most gracious service … dinner at the DeSimone house was better than any five-star restaurant. I think what made the night so special was not only the top notch food (I’m wrangling to get the recipes), but the warmth, humor, and graciousness of our hosts. The DeSimones have always been our favorite family. Everyone is so funny and friendly you instantly feel welcome no matter what the reason for visiting. This dinner was no exception.
From the crostini to the eggplant tomato stacks (a personal request that was graciously incorporated into the menu planning), every bite was superb: perfect portions, perfect balance, and perfectly presented. Catherine, Lori, and Carol presented the food and drinks with affection and charm that convinced us that they were having as much fun as we were. When we moved to the dining room for dinner, Mike described the preparation of the entrees that he, Joe Jr., Joe Sr., and Rob cooked better than any professional chefs. The food was so great that I definitely over ate and took over a day to recover. But the pain was worth it! The DeSimones are amazing cooks.
Our dinner was so wonderful that I’d be hard pressed to find a restaurant that could provide such an amazing meal … let alone provide the perfect atmosphere. So instead I’ll just be sure to bid feverishly on the DeSimone Family Foundation Dinner at the 2011 fundraiser. Thank you, DeSimone Family, for your talent, hospitality, humor, and heart. I am honored to be your friend.
Sincerely,
Gina Ahern
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