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© 2008 Dan Perlman
Casa SaltShaker
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Chef: Dan Perlman
Host: Henry Tapia
March 21-22, 2008
We balanced no eggs (though some got quite evenly distributed within a cheesecake) on the equinox, which for us, here in the southern hemisphere, is the autumnal rather than vernal, i.e., the “official” start of fall, not spring. Known to the druids as Alban Elfed, it’s also called the Autumnal Equinox, Chumash, Cornucopia, Feast of Avalon, Festival of Dionysus, Harvest Home, Harvest Tide, Mabon, Night of the Hunter, Second Harvest Festival, Wine Harvest, Witch’s Thanksgiving; and the first day of autumn. For us, it was an excuse to showcase some fresh produce that has just come into the markets.
Thoughts from some of our guests:
"What a wonderful time, it almost seemed more intimate and easier to encounter others because there was just 10 and not my additional 2 guests, which I think would have isolated us at another table - so I thought this was not only a great dinner but a ¨happening¨that will leave many pleasant memories for quite a long time. I leave tonight but am already ¨plotting¨my return and you will be one of the first informed so we can dine with friends again." - R.B.
"We have enjoyed the experience. The food was excelent, specially the trout, the wine superb, and all flavoured with Henry's and yours simpathy. S... and F..., the couple from California, who have shared the table with us, were very friendly. My "sister in law" and her husband have already booked for April. Hope We can repeat this experience in the near future. "Abraços" - M.&D. G.
"Thank you for cooking such tasty and original dishes for us. It has been our favorite experience in BA. How could you improve it? Well, we only wished the return cab driver was tardy so we could linger a bit and talk more with you and Henry. But that's not your prob. However, A... offers up a suggestion: he said perhaps you could post very brief "bios" of each individual expected at dinner on your web site. For example: A..., graphic designer, Los Angeles. Another suggestion he had would be to take a group photo of the guests so you can send it with your email as a souvenir." - K.N.
"We really enjoyed the dinner, and I must say, being a rather critical person, I don't have many critical comments to make. In fact, I have just sent your website to an artist friend of mine, here in BA. Her name is Nicola Constantino and she is a rather well known person in the art circles here.You can google her. I must say that at first, seeing the 2 couples that arrived with us, I was a bit concerned about having anything in common with them. But once your friend from Miami came, everything changed for me. I thought the food was delicious and the presentation wonderful. It was a fun night. I would have like to have you join the conversation. I am always interested in what bright people have to say. Maybe next year, when I return to teach another course, I will have that pleasure." - A.O.
