When it comes to catering a huge event that includes not only A-list celebrities but also the future King and Queen of England, the menu had better be impressive.
Such was the case at the BAFTA's Brits to Watch 2011 Gala in L.A. on Saturday, where world-class catering company Patina Catering served an American-British hybrid menu of delectable and sophisticated plates to a guest list of 280 that included Prince William, Duchess Kate, and celebs like Nicole Kidman, Tom Hanks, Jennifer Lopez, Zooey Deschanel, Jack Black, Quentin Tarantino, Jennifer Garner, Paul Rudd, James Gandolfini, Mary Louise-Parker, Anna Kournikova and Barbra Streisand.
Before dinner, guests dined on an array of fine hors d'oeuvres including bite-size fish and chips with malt vinegar espuma, crisp toast with locally farmed English pea purée and tangerine lace, and Splichal's famous tower of ahi tuna with avocado and soya onions.
During dinner, an appetizer of courgette and mint tian with a lemon-pine nut gremolata was served. The main entree featured a filet of beef with creamed leeks, pickled spring garlic, asparagus, turnip, baby onions, potato fondant, and a red wine sauce. For dessert, guests nibbled on Eton Mess (English rose meringue served with fresh picked strawberries and cream) and Petit Four (opera chocolate cake with a touch of gold leaf).
The wine list included Champagne Taittinger, Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. (Plus Evian water to wash it all down.)
According to a release, Patina Catering plans to repurpose the evening's menu as a "Royal Menu" for special events and weddings throughout the country in the coming weeks.
