YES, this was an actual question recently posed by a client.  The occasion, a multi-course seated dinner with world-class wines at a private venue, which was planned to celebrated the retirement of a top-level executive with Hines Interests, who, years ago, had overseen the Disney Concert Hall project.  The Frank Gehry-designed architectural landmark was faithfully evoked in the form of a first-course salad for thirty-six lucky guests.
 
Did we succeed?  You be the judge:

The CULINAIRE Team on Saturday, December 8th, created a festive atmosphere and tasty cuisine for the UH Law Center's Annual Holiday Brunch, where donors and family members celebrated holiday cheer.

 
HOT BEVERAGE STATION
 
Coffee & Hot Tea
Hot Chocolate
Ghirardelli Hot Chocolate
served with candy canes, whipped cream, sprinkles and chocolate shavings
 
SNACKS PLACED AT BARS
 
Cheddar Cheese Straws and Spiced Pecans
 
HOLIDAY BRUNCH STATION #1
 
Buttermilk Waffles
served with hot, buttered maple syrup
 
Southern-Fried Chicken Tenders
hot sauce on the side
 
Baked Egg Frittata with Peppers and Green Onions
 
Seared Breakfast Link Sausages
flavored with sage and maple
 
Lightly Sweetened Strawberries
 
 
HOLIDAY BRUNCH STATION #2
 
Angus Beef Short Rib Grillades
slowly braised in aromatic red wine gravy with trinity and Cajun spices
 
Baked Cheddar Cheese Grits
 
Boiled Gulf Shrimp
Commander's Palace remoulade, cocktail sauce, lemon wedges
 
Chopped Winter Salad
greens, carrots, baby tomatoes, cucumbers and garlic croutons
topped with Champagne-dill vinaigrette
                                                                                                                                                 
 
DESSERT DISPLAY
 
Croissant Bread Pudding
with Bourbon-vanilla bean creme Anglaise
Honeycrisp Apple Bars
Lemon Berry Tarts
Dark Chocolate Brownies with Gold Leaf
Sand Tarts
Sugar Cookies
 

On Thursday, Dec. 6th, the CULINAIRE Team created an intimate setting for the Rice University Board of Trustees Ladies Lunch.

LUNCH MENU
 
Thai Butternut Squash Soup
with coconut milk, crushed peanut garnish and Thai basil, garlic croustade
 
Winter Caprese Salad
arugula, persimmons, charred baby tomatoes, fennel, roasted beets, basil leaves
with house-made goat ricotta, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic reduction and balsamic
with warm, grilled rosemary and pink peppercorn chicken
 
Gluten-free Corn Muffins and Focaccia
butter
 
Chocolate-Chestnut Terrine
with whipped cream, seasonal berries
and a lace cookie