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Event Mon Jul 15 2013
CS Mag Bash Pairs Food and Charity
Thursday night found the penthouse of the century-old Reid Murdoch Building in River North playing host for the kickoff of CS Magazine's slickly styled restaurant issue.
Riding the ranges were Chef Jacques Torres, aka "Mr. Chocolate"; Mindy Segal (Chicago's own "Ms. Hot Chocolate"); Jared Van Camp; Chris Pandel and a formidable cast of other distinguished chefs. The evening benefited the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, a worthy cause that over the last 30 years has raised and distributed nearly $40 million to hundreds of community based agencies on the battlefront of the AIDS epidemic.
The outdoor terrace, with its table of fire, clock tower and panoramic view of the river and beyond was the perfect setting on a beautiful July evening. Best bites of the night included E+O Food & Drink's John Wayne "Duke" Formica's Seared Smoked Scallop with Celery Root Puree and Pickled Cherry Tomato finished with some kick-ass olive oil. A perfect balance of rich and smoky playing against the acid from the tomato and the peppery finishing olive oil; Embeya's Thai Dang's Escargot over Grilled Eggplant with Green Curry and Shiso; Adam Seger's science fiction meets Japanese tea ceremony inspired infused fruit cocktails (apparatus pictured at left); and the Dark Chocolate Peanut Bark and other assorted chocolates by the master himself, Jaques Torres. Quite a coup, this guy is a legend, and the quality of his chocolates, really superlative.
In all, a better than expected, well done affair. I love when my expectations are exceeded.
