Twelve guests. Five chefs. Seven courses. Six wines. Dinner parties don’t get any better than this. Pano and Georgia Karatassos recently hosted an epicurean extravaganza at their Buckhead home to benefit the Atlanta History Center. The private dinner, which was auctioned for $22,000 at the Swan House Ball, featured a “Truffles and Caviar” themed menu, live music, and selections from Pano’s personal wine cellar. Among the guests: Cindy and Bill Voyles, Angie and Jere’ Garde, Kristy and Michael Robison, Richard Wolfe, Mimi Bean, Brandon Wolfe, Regina Lupole, Preston Wolfe and Colleen Coveney.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLIE JACOBS
ABOVE (L-R): STRIP SIRLOIN, ALBA TRUFFLE RICOTTA GNOCCHI, HARICOT VERT & PICKLED ONION SALAD POMMERY VINAIGRETTE; SAFFRON BUTTER BRAISED MAINE LOBSTER, SALSIFY ALBA TRUFFLE RAGOUT; AHI TUNA & SCOTTISH SALMON CARPACCIO, OSETRA CAVIAR, MELON, GINGER & MACHE LETTUCE.
The exclusive evening began with a ceremonial champagne bottle lancing, followed by a heavenly procession of hors d’oeuvres, from Carolina White Shrimp Crisped in Brique with Lemon Aioli to Braised Rabbit Ravioli with Light Braising Jus. Flamenco guitarist Rouzbeh Hoshmandy set the mood with mesmerizing music, entertaining the group as they enjoyed cocktails, conversation and the culinary creations. Meanwhile in the Karatassos’ kitchen, where there’s no such thing as too many chefs, five of the city’s top talents – Pano I. Karatassos, Gary Donlick, Matt Rainey, Piero Premoli and Jeff Pfeiffer – whipped up dish after dish. Once the guests were seated in the formal dining room, the divine dining commenced with Amuse Bouche, Russian Osetra Caviar Malossol and Potato Blini with Crème Fraîche, served with Krug Grand Cuvee. The subsequent courses ranged from Ahi Tuna and Scottish Salmon Carpaccio to Saffron Butter Braised Maine Lobster and Japanese A-5 Kobe Filet Mignon and Strip Sirloin. Each was beautifully paired with a select vintage. And then there was dessert: Baba au Rum, Strawberry Vacherin, Mignardises and Chocolate Truffles – a sweet finish for an unforgettable night.