All posts tagged Daniel Stern

A Feastival Dinner Party For The Ages

by Michelle Flisek on April 27, 2012 in Chef News, Michelle's World with 2 Comments
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For the past two Septembers, Philadelphians have been lucky to experience Feastival, an annual fete bringing together Philadelphia’s elite chefs and restaurants to benefit the Philadelphia Live Arts and Philly Fringe, one of the biggest urban arts festivals in the nation. A mainstay of the Feastival is its auction — a number of exclusive packages go up for bidding, with all proceeds directly supporting the arts in Philadelphia. The ultimate food-centric experience offered as part of 2011′s Feastival auction became an opulent reality in March, when seven of the city’s most celebrated chefs created an unprecedented private dinner party for an exclusive group of Philly-based patrons of the arts.

The roster read like a well-informed foodie’s ultimate dinner list — Nicholas Elmi (Rittenhouse Tavern), Jon Cichon (Lacroix), Terence Feury (Fork), Daniel Stern (R2L), Michael Schulson (Sampan and Izakaya) and James Beard winners Jeff Michaud (Osteria) and Michael Solomonov (Zahav) all contributed their immense talents to the evening, with each chef crafting a no-expense-spared course reflective of his personal style and discipline. Wine for this once-in-a-lifetime meal, which took place at a beautiful private residence in Society Hill, was curated by talented Vetri beverage manager Steve Wildy. Legendary Le Bec-Fin chef Georges Perrier even made a surprise appearance to greet guests and sing the praises of the men working so hard to make the night of charitable appreciation and celebration one to remember.

Only a select few had the opportunity to dine with this kitchen dream team, but here’s the exciting news: This dinner party for the ages will once again be offered as an auction item at this year’s Feastival, scheduled for September 12, 2012. The winner will not only have the rare chance to take in this priceless experience — he or she will also lend invaluable support to our city’s vibrant and unmatched performing arts community. So get your bids ready and we’ll see you on the auction floor in September!

Daniel Stern Shows his Stuff (and we are once again totally impressed!)

by audrey on September 28, 2011 in Audrey's World, Class News with 1 Comment
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I met Daniel Stern many, many years ago when he was the Executive Chef at Le Bec-Fin. His cuisine was then, as it is now, divine. He was quiet and seemed quite the opposite of what you would expect in such a position. He was gracious and reserved. I remember joining Georges at Le Bar Lyonnais (now TRYST) for champagne to ring in the New Year. The bar was packed, the vibe was crazy and in the corner was Daniel. Quiet with a little smile. When the new year struck, he kissed a pretty woman, and I think looking back, it may have been the first time he and this woman were “out in public” together. She is now his wife, Jennifer Urdang Stern. Jennifer came to adoringly watch her husband teach his mastery at COOK last week. He still is that quiet gentle guy.

Daniel has “old school” training. He’s one of the last of that kind – the type who has paid his dues as a dishwasher, working on the cold side for years, becoming a saucier to a master, just to learn. He is not new to this business and doesn’t do it for the fame or glamor. He is proud of what he does and clearly lives and breathes it. I miss his wonderful little Gayle, one of my all time faves in the city. He has opened some and closed some and he remains a true artist.

At COOK, he worked tirelessly and put on such a show, never stopping his intricate steps as he moved around quickly, alone, with no assistant. He rocked it! The plates he created were beautiful and delicious. His menu included:

  • Poached Fluke and Crab, Potato Sauce and Caviar
  • Warm Salad of Veal and Tuna with Tonnato Sauce
  • Salt Baked Rack of Pork, Spaetzle, Heirloom Beans and Mustard

That rack of pork was wearing the biggest salt helmet I’ve ever seen! (See photos!)

Also, it was Restaurant Week with a slammed R2L and MidAtlanctic running without him that night. You would never had known though based on his demeanor. What a pro!

(Photos courtesy of Michael Spain-Smith and COOK)