DIFFA 2011 Dine by Design

Metro Luxe Events Candice Vallone along with Executive Chef Daniel Vallone participated in the Diffa 2011 Cocktails by Design competition, held at Willy’s Overland Lofts.

We are proud to announce that Chef Daniel Vallone,  representing Tam-O-Shanter Country Club, and Candice Vallone of Metro Luxe Events who designed the tablescape, took first place for the “Best Appetizer” and also first place for the ‘Healthiest Dish.”

Executive Chef Daniel Vallone created a Sous Vide Lobster Tail, Grilled Chayote Squash and Avocado Salad, with a Charred Tomato and lime sauce, hinted with fresh basil and micro arugula. “I wanted to use the classic parings of tomato, basil and olive oil and fuse it with the classic tastes of avocado, lobster and arugula. Using fresh lime juice as the conduit.” The techniques that Chef Vallone used to create the dish are current with today’s food trends. He first used Transglutaminase to bond the lobster tails together from top to bottom. Using this approach, Chef Vallone was able to utilize the whole lobster tail and have a very consistent product that was evenly cooked.

Using the Thermocirulater, he slow poached the lobster tail under vacuum, in a low temperature water bath. Staying away from unnecessary fats and oils to make the dish as healthy as possible, for the tomato and lime sauce Chef Vallone used Xanthan Gum to stabilize the tomato, lime, cinnamon and star anise into a smooth velvety sauce.

With the poached lobster dish being beautifully presented, Candice Vallone of Metro Luxe Events created a tablescape to compliment the dish. “As guests approached the table, I wanted them to visualize looking into the bottom of the deep blue sea."

Using an aqua blue silk linen and a wave sequin overlay to capture the feeling of flowing deep blue water, Candice Vallone then scattered sea shells, various coral reef and stones throughout to showcase the natural sea life elements. Live Tropical Fish swam in bowls that were used to elevate a clear glass tabletop, where the delicious appetizers were presented on shell plates. For the backdrop and to complete the sea scape creation, we placed 3 large tropical floral arrangements made of orchids, seaweed, lillies and ornamental ginger.

Staying current with today’s event design trends, culinary techniques and healthy food choices are what set Metro Luxe Events Candice Vallone and Chef Daniel Vallone apart. From the masterful art of cooking and culinary presentation, to the ocean tablescape, the 800 guests who attended as well as the judges, all agreed to the “Best Overall Appetizer and Healthiest dish”!

ABOUT DIFFA DINING BY DESIGN

DIFFA: DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS is one of the country’s largest supporters of direct care for people living with HIV/AIDS and preventive education for those at risk. Merging care and commerce, supporters of DIFFA come from all fields of fine design and the visual arts, including: architecture, fashion design, interior design, photography and consumer product design.

DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide more than $38 million to hundreds of AIDS organizations nationwide since 1984.

Dining By Design is a one-of-a-kind, spectacular event that showcases local talent in the design, artistic and architectural community, who are then paired with Table Sponsors or hosts to create three-dimensional dining installations that are works of art.

***Images taken by Metro Luxe Events