A Candlelit Birthday Dinner in Paris

Recently, I was able to celebrate my birthday with my twin sister Simone, who crossed the seas from Marfa, Texas to be in Paris for our annual fête. First we went on a road trip through white truffle laden Piedmont, Italy and after, hosted an intimate birthday dinner party at a friend's elegant home in Paris. 

My French-American friend and private cook, Alix Lacloche, helped us prepare the meal. She effortlessly organized the shopping and the prep and let us chill out. She threw on her apron and started chopping, tasting and pulling all the elements together. Simone and I were in charge of one thing, the white truffle ravioli that we made from scratch using a truffle we hand selected at the white truffle fair in Alba. 

I adore the apartment that belongs to the charming couple, Michaela Lee and Alex Thumerelle.  Alex runs a bookstore, gallery and boutique, called Ofr. I met Alex when I curated an art exhibition in the Ofr gallery a few years ago featuring three artist and musician friends from California. Their chic apartment also functions as an extension and atelier of the Ofr universe. It's a gorgeous apartment used for photo shoots, private events, a showroom during fashion week and beyond. I was thrilled when she offered us the space for our birthday dinner, as it has lots of old world Parisian spirit, magic and soul. 

Alix prepping a pile of fresh Chanterelle mushrooms from a nearby market, 

Simone cutting the pasta sheets for the ravioli

Alix carefully inspects the Chanterelle mushrooms

Simone inhaling the intoxicating smell of the chosen white truffle at the Alba truffle show in Italy

A truffled egg yolk sitting in a pillow of fresh ricotta from my favorite fromagerie down the road

Each guest was served a single raviolo to begin the meal. I finished each one with a drizzle of browned butter and grated white truffle. One of the best things I have ever tasted in my life. Seriously. Quickly cooking dishes à la minute was fast-paced and fun, especially when one of our guests happened to be co-owner of 3 of Paris' best cocktail bars (Candelaria, Le Mary Celeste and Glass) and made everyone in the kitchen a round of very good Negronis. Yes!

Á table! Simone takes a moment to slowly stoke on the raviolo. Mmmmmmmmmmm

Stuffed pork loin with Chanterelle mushrooms and herbs, 

Lovely Michaela in her billowy white chiffon blouse

Alix explains it all

Alix slicing the pork loin, 

A happy dinner plate with stuffed pork loin, roasted potimarron squash with herby salsa verde, potato purée, sautéed Chanterelles, and fresh greens. 

Last but not least... came two birthday cakes brought by a guest from Stohrer, the oldest Pâtissier in Paris (since 1730), along with lots of champagne

All photos by Danielle Rubi-Dentzel, except for top 2 photos by Simone Rubi

ALBA TRUFFLE FAIR

Marilyn Monroe, Alfred Hitchcock, Sophia Loren, Gerard Depardieu, Alain Delon and many more...all loving on the truffle

In preparation for our trip down to Alba, I put together a group of photographs from the 79th Truffle Auction that took place in the Grinzane Cavour Castle last year. The castle is also the headquarters for the Ordine dei Cavalieri del Tartufo e del Vini di Alba, The Order of the Knights of the Truffle and Wines of Alba. Here, master tasters screen all wines of the region and give them an official seal of approval.

The seal of the truffle and wine knights displayed on a bottle of Barbaresco

A chef negotiating outside the auction door & Adrian taking notes on how to be a truffle guard

 

Tartufo Bianco d'Alba

another slice of wild boar salami with truffles ... please

The Wild Bill Hickock of Tartufaios, truffle hunters

The Autumn vines of Cascina Delle Rose

Giovanna and her family , a bottle of their Dolcetto d'Alba

When visiting Piedmont, we always stay at the Cascina Delle Rose. They produce organic wines that are delicious and made with love. Giovanna takes good care of her guests and the small farmhouse inn has 3 rooms and 3 apartments for families or groups of 3 - 5. We have enjoyed tastings in her cellar, shared many stories in the living room and can't wait to return.When staying at the Cascina we feel as if we are sleeping at a friend's house.  Their logo reminds me of why I love their wine. Goodness.

If you ever see this label, buy the bottle