Wednesday, September 12, 2012

The Coterie Room Turns One: The Party Theme will be Paper

Thank you to all of you who sent in the fabulous party and menu ideas for our first anniversary which we will be celebrating on Sunday, September 16 at the restaurant.  We loved the creativity and inspiration and had a difficult time selecting just one winner.  Our judges debated between the four finalists and ultimately decided on one.

Three of you submitted paper-themed ideas before the deadline and all of you were finalists.  And the winning one was submitted by Sarah Lawson.  Congratulations Sarah! 

Sarah wrote:

Paper Theme. Traditionally, couples celebrates their first anniversary by exchanging gifts of paper, as it symbolizes the strength from the interlaced connection of the paper's individual threads - just as the McCracken-Tough team has done.

Paper can be utilized in a variety of culinary forms.

The classic preparation of "en papillote" known as "in parchment", bakes seafood or poultry causing steam within the pouch to help lock in flavors and juices.


As a thank you to the guests of the Coterie Room, the dish can be presented as little packets on the plate like a gift to unwrap and enjoy. The culinary brains of the McCracken/Tough team would be experts of flavor combinations and dish ideas. Flavor enhancers including tea, smoke, wood chips, or endless amounts of herbs and spices can be used in the "en papillote" package.

For a starter, wonton paper wrappers or rice paper wrappers could be used to make an end-of-the-summer fresh vegetable rolls. "Sheets" of pasta made by hand could be created as a small plate.  And although it is not in the fashion of the Coterie Room's French style cuisine, the use of nori paper sliced julienne could be used as a garnish and also provide a salty-brininess to a dish. 

For the dessert course, a extra touch of flare could be using Gold Paper sheets, contrasting the bright gold color against a decadent dark chocolate ganache. Or even making thin as paper crepes with caramelized fruit could be an option.

Thank you for taking the time to read my email and considering my theme. Sincerely, Sarah Lawson"

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