This year is the 5th season of the Taste of WGBH Food & Wine Festival, September 15-18, 2016. It, however, was my first year participating. Their Thursday evening Opening Chef’s Gala Reception took place right at their location at One Guest Street. And if you had ever been there before, you would be amazed at the transformation the space had undergone for this event.
It was lovely, yet rustic, with the contrast of crystal chandeliers hanging up above while flowers, caged chicken (don't worry, they were fake), empty bottles, old meat grinders and rough wood were part of the decoration.
Restaurant and wine stations lined the space with food and drink alternating. With one stemware per person, compostable utensils, and bins separating compost from recyclables from the landfill, this was a rather green event.
One guest later complained that there was just too much food, as she observed her tummy in the mirror. After discussing, however, we came to the conclusion that we had agreed on the best tastes of the night: the new darling off Newbury Street - Saltie Girl Seafood Bar with her crispy freshly fried battered lobster perched on top of a bit of warm waffle with sweet syrup and creamy butter tucked between, and the stalwart elegant L'Espalier's Pate de Campagne with Wild Mushrooms and Fried Lentils. In English, it was a slice of a meaty savory patty, with fresh frisee salad, and these lovely crisp lentils which popped and just made the plate. She told me that she had learned that they had prepared the lentils by boiling them half way, drying them, baking them, then frying them (or was that in reverse?). The results were not oily at all, but were lovely crisp crunchiness.
Tickets were priced at $125 for WGBH members, $150 for non-members, or $350 for the entire Food & Wine Festival activities.
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