C-CAP 2011: Chelsea Piers, Pier 60
Getting in the door was not easy. I was told by my mother my name would be on the list for VIP. I get there at 6 pm prompt and no one can find my name. After posing as my father, (which is ironic because I always get upset when people confuse the two of us) I walked into the splendiferous atmosphere of wine glasses clinking, steam rising from the tables, and the distinct whiff of Peking Duck only Shun Lee could do right.
It was my friend, housewares manager and long time Zabar's employee, David Lopez’s first C-CAP event, and since I arrived 20 minutes later than the rest of my clan, we decided to tour the tables together. We observed and tasted the myriad of plates filled with aesthetically beautiful appetizers. Now Lopez is a bigger foodie than I, and was more adventurous with his pallet, but I think we made a good team, with me focusing on aesthetics and him on taste. Fish seem to be a big theme this year, and many did it quite well. Tuna Tartar filled spring roll, warm on the outside, cool on the inside, was a unique treat, as was Nobu’s sautéed scallops over daikon radish (which Lopez and I jointly agreed to be the best of the seafood tasters). In the non-fish department, flatbread with vegetables and nuts was sweet with fantastic texture; Pancetta sliders with pickled onions was superb; and not to mention Sarah Beth’s delightful desserts; chocolate mousse with whip cream in a cookie cup. We tried and examined everything we could get our hands on, all washed down at the fantastic (and free) wine bar.
It was a delight to be part of this experience again. It was my third year and can honestly say it was my favorite time as of yet! And I have a feeling after this momentous feast of culinary grandeur, Lopez will be attending many more C-Caps, and was as happy as a clam...or a scallop.
David Lopez with Mehdi Chellaoui
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