Besides being a fashionista, I’m also a foodie. Imagine my excitement when I was invited to the Zagat “Off the Menu” dinner held exclusively for Rue La La Members.

We gathered at Bar Boulud, Chef Daniel Boulud’s wine bar and bistro at Lincoln Center, for a four-course wine pairing dinner presented by Chef Damian Sansonetti and Sommelier Michael Madrigale.

Throughout the dinner, the Chef and Sommelier came out to explain the dishes and wines. We got a rare insight into just how the unique flavor experience for our taste buds was created.

From the decadent Long Island Duck and Hudson Valley Foie Gras Pâté, to the cream from Battenkill Valley in Salem that was used in preparing the ricotta for the indulgent Tarte Aux Fraise for dessert, I was very impressed by Chef Sansonetti’s use of local ingredients in preparing the dinner. He brought 15 New York state farms together for the evening’s menu and stressed the importance of supporting local growers.

Sommelier Madrigale complemented every dish with superb wine pairings that brought out the fresh local flavors of the ingredients used for the menu. I loved that we were able to try two wines for every course. My favorites had to be the selections paired with the cheeses and desserts – like the Wolffer Estate 2007 Late Harvest Chardonnay from the Hamptons and the Château D’Arlay N.V. Macvin du Jura.

The highlight of the evening was meeting other Rue La La Members and fellow foodies and sharing our favorite shopping experiences on Rue La La. Thanks again for the invitation and experience! Until the next time…