JADE WEST
They say East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet, but they mixed up a fine blend of both at Dennis Tito’s place for the fifth annual Epicurean evening. The elegant dinner, which raised a whopping half million bucks for UCLA’s Jonsson Cancer Center had an eexotic Asian theme.
The bash started with a few sips of sake and rounds of eel sushi at sunset, as guests mingled with America’s most famous astro-tourist. With the strike of a gong, 300 guests made their way into a massive indoor tent, which was transformed into a formal Japanese dining room.
The space was adorned with dozens of white Japanese lanterns, black satin tablecloths and green orchids surrounded by pebbles and lemon grass. The appreciative crowd savored the flavors of featured delicacies, including a succulent seared opakapaka with mango salad and yuzu truffle vinaigrette, followed by a hearty duck and fois grass combo wrapped in rice paper and served with lemon chutney and summer mushroom ragout.
The elaborate four-star dinner was prepared by some of the country’s most celebrated Asian chefs, including Ming Tsai of Blue Ginger in Boston, Roy Yamaguchi of Roys in Maui and Hiro Sone of Terra in Napa Valley. For them, it must have been a real pressure cooker. After all, it isn’t every day that you’re serving chow for the likes of culinary legends like Julia Child.
Tito used the occasion to share some of his rarely seen space photos and share stories from the outer limits. He was unable to make the event last year due to a previous commitment on the International Space Station.
The evening wrapped up with a dessert of crisp won-ton beggar’s purse with red bean filling, coconut cream and praline and white chocolate-covered fortune cookies. After Tito’s presentation there was time for just one last dance before saying “sayonara” for another year.
OPERATIC HONORS
Placido Domingo had a lot to sing about, but didn’t at this year’s Ella Awards Gala. Instead, the famed tenor got to kick back and admire the work of others.
Domingo was honored by the Society of Singers for his musical achievements as well as his many contributions to community and humanitarian causes.
The organization was founded by Malibu’s Ginny Mancini and provides scholarships and aid to professional singers who face financial hardship.
The evening featured musical tributes from a wide range of performers, including Patti Austin and Rodney Gilfry.
Domingo, who serves as artistic director of the Los Angeles Opera, joins an impressive roster of previous award recipients, including Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, Tony Bennett and Peggy Lee.
He expressed his thanks for the honor and for the cause, saying, “So many talented singers have not been as lucky in their lives as I have. They have given so much and in the end, they have so little. It is a beautiful thing to help them.” The event raised more than $500,000 for the organization. Bravo!