A FINE FUNGUS AMONG US
Truffle lovers were in hog heaven once again as Jane Seymour and hubby James Keach opened the doors to their spectacular ocean view home to benefit their favorite cause for kids-City Hearts.
The organization’s annual dining extravaganza is a delightful-and delicious-way to reach out to at-risk children through arts education.
Jane made a splashy entrance in a curvaceous mermaid gown while Liane Weintraub sported a sexy little black number offset by loads of ba-da-bling. The black-tie affair kicked off with a cozy indoor-outdoor cocktail party. Servers made the rounds with spoonfuls of fresh sturgeon, tuna tartare and tasty caviar. The well-clad crowd sipped bubbly while bidding on once-in-a-lifetime vacation getaways like a four-night stay at the La Mamounia hotel in Marrakech.
As the stars came out, we made through the lush flower-filled grounds past dozens of flickering candles into a palatial party tent. Inside, the black and silver tables were piled high with white roses, orchids and Casablanca lilies. Jane and James took center stage, thanking their guests for 20 years of support and for making a difference in lots of young lives. “We take at-risk kids and teach them Shakespeare and poetry,” Jane said. “They learn to communicate through the arts rather than violence.” The pair proceeded to act as celebrity auctioneers, fetching big bucks for exotic adventures like a China River Cruise and a private visit to the Nicoulai Caviar Farm. Up and coming keyboard whiz William Joseph provided the entertainment, tickling the ivories with some innovative new sounds as well as a fab rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir.” Rock on!
It was almost enough to make you forget the real star of this dinner-fresh truffles-that $1,000 per pound prize only available from October to December and specially flown in from Italy. Guests tucked into a lip-smacking spread prepared by celeb chef Joachim Splichal. The culinary line up included a Lobster Martini with Green Apple and Celery Panna Cotta, Monkfish Steak and Venison Loin, all accompanied by flavorful white truffles.
As the evening wrapped up, guests waddled off with well-stocked gift bags packed with yummy beauty products, splits of champagne, fragrant perfume, colorful kids books and a box of Godiva chocolates-chocolate truffles, of course.
After two decades, it’s clear that City Hearts has touched the lives of many and enjoys a base of loyal supporters. “I am involved in a lot of charities,” Jane said. “But this one is closest to my heart.”