Dining

Item Description

Have you ever dreamed of visiting the Culinary Institute of America, the legendary cooking school located in Hyde Park, N.Y.? Getting a reservation at the CIA is a daunting challenge, as the restaurants are booked months in advance. The CIA is where many of today's most celebrated chefs learned their craft.

Thanks to two generous donors - In Thyme Catered Events and Faith West Events - you do not need to go this far.  Two eminent graduate chefs from the CIA will come to your home, cook dinner, serve, and help you select the right wine pairings. (Wines to be provided by the winning bidder)

Terms & Conditions: Expires 1 year from Date of Receipt. Not redeemable on holidays. Winner to be no more than 1 hour driving distance from Bergen County, N.J.

Item Special Note

Catered meal for 12 inside your home, prepared & presented by Executive Chef Michael Mehnert. The food is paired with Premium Wines presented and described by Level #2 Sommelier Chef Andy Christie. Staffing and rentals are included. Wines to be provided by the winning bidder; selection can be pre-arranged with Chef Andy Christie for a spectacular experience.

Upon Arrival
Hand Passed Hors d'oeuvres:
Goat Cheese & Caramelized Onion Popovers
Mini Beef Empanadas
Mole Sauce
Pretzel Crusted Crab Cakes
Cajun Remoulade
Chicken Wing “Lolly Pops”, stuffed with blue cheese and finished with “Louisiana” style hot sauce
Roasted Mushroom and Potato “Pizza Style”,served on Toasted Flat Bread

First Course
Bar-B-Qued Duck Quesadilla with Frisee Salad

Second Course
Pan Seared Halibut with Lemon Capers, Tomato & Chives

Third Course
Braised Short Rib served over Cavatelli Pasta with a Wild Mushroom Port Wine Demi-Glaze

Dessert
Chocolate Raspberry Terrine with Crème Anglaise Sauce 

Staffing
1 Chef
1 Server

Rentals
White Rim China, Polished Silver & Glassware

BIOGRAPHIES
 Michael Mehnert, Executive Chef for In Thyme Catered Events is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with a Degree in Culinary Arts.  Chef Mike’s passion is to create memorable dining experiences by using peak seasonal ingredients to create pure flavors…complex, yet simple.  Mike continues to unlock succulent flavors and irresistible combinations of fine dining through the use of four basic elements: spice, sweetness, acidity and richness.  If anyone of these elements is out of balance, the food will not be memorable.

Chef Andy Christie has had a long and illustrious career working in several restaurants in New Jersey and Virginia before attending The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. He graduated with honors and in 2007 he received his Level II Sommelier certification from the United States Sommelier Association at Le Cordon Bleu of Culinary Arts, Miami, FL.  Chef Christie will attend your party and educate your guests with his outstanding tasting and evaluation skills, wine knowledge and help your guests choose the perfect wine for any occasion.