Play Date with Jennie and the Gordo

So yesterday afternoon I spent sharing a bottle of Sangiovese while being a supportive friend to my "creative soul sista" Jennie Sturgeon from Trumpet Vine Catering - she was cooking for the Gordo (aka Gordon Ramsay) and crew of Hell's Kitchen. Though totally "over the moon" honored she was understandably a smidgen nervous (only noticeable to the trained eye).

The group was up from the big city, filming a wine blending excursion for the show at Meridian Vineyards and Winery. I volunteered to "style" the buffet table (red velvety kangaroo paw imported from the south... river rocks, moss runners, burlap) for her while keeping her company and helping her chill (ok - there was a significant amount of spying from behind the barrels involved too).

When Gordon came back to the prep station and asked what we were having - Jennie's ultra calm and collected response (while whipping up the Florentine sauce over the hot range) was to rattle off the specific ingredients contained in each dish and be friendly and warm (impressive!). We all did the happy dance as soon as he was out of sight and had another glass of wine. After the meal, he took time to kiss all the girls and shake hands - pretty nice guy. Did I happen to mention yet, that he's waaaaayyy hotter in person than on the tube?! Meooooww!

You too can have the "Gordo Pleasing Menu" at your next event or Wedding:

Mixed salad with feta, blood orange and braised fennel
Green Beans with grape tomatoes and garlic
Chicken Florentine
Flat Iron Steak with Romesco and Cilantro-avocado Pesto sauces
Manchego & Green chili polenta cakes
Pumpkin Chocolate Bread Pudding

Cheers to another great play date! We're planning more.

Photo credit: Me!