Not surprisingly, lunch Fifth Avenue style chez Howard Slatkin is a luxurious treat. Following Susanna Salk’s and my video shoot for our “At Home with” episode several months ago, we enjoyed a splendid lunch in Howard’s magnificent dining room.
Entering the space is like being transported to St. Petersburg via Paris. As you’ve seen, every surface and collected item is carefully considered.
Living with what you love is an art form chez Howard.
And the table is a mini masterpiece set with objets and functional art.
Monogramming is a regal tradition that lives on nobly here – these elegant glasses are crafted and personalized in Venice.
Even the herbed butter was color coordinated with its dish.
Not only is Howard a talented designer, but a gracious and generous host. In honor of Susanna’s latest tome on C.Z. Guest, Howard served a menu featuring C.Z.’s favorites, as she was a frequent guest (always a Guest and often a guest). With the holiday season upon us, I thought Howard’s delicious recipes would be a wonderful addition to everyone’s entertaining repertoire. We started with a divine asparagus soup. Since that was a seasonal starter, Howard suggested an equally light lettuce soup as a winter replacement.
The parmesan custard which floats on top is the crowning glory.
Our entrée was a fantastic salmon roulade. A feast for the eyes as well as the mouth, its presentation elicited a slight gasp. I love this type of recipe that allows for a myriad of creative adjustments.
And while we didn’t have crab, we did indulge in the delicious Louis dressing, which is as versatile as the recipe.
photo courtesy of Howard Slatkin
Dessert was an irresistible frothy summer pudding. I have now eaten on many occasions with Susanna whose interest often fades as we approach the final course. But on this occasion, not only did she polish off her portion but indulged in a little dividend – a rare occasion that was testament to the offering. I think it would be equally divine in its winter incarnation with figs and chestnuts.
Thank you to Howard for his hospitality and for sharing his recipes for such a delightful and delicious meal! Here’s to a delectable holiday season!
Stacey–thanks to you and to Mr. Slatkin for the recipes. The soup with the parmesan custard will be the first course for my Christmas dinner!
best–
Katherine
That looks like a divine luncheon and with PGT’s post today about holiday decorating with Mr. Slatkin I am really rushing out to buy a Nest candle I think! Just so I get the complete ambiance!
Stacey, Thank you! The photos and the recipes are top notch.
Mary
What a delight. Thanks for the recipes! Parmesan custards sound so good.
I will be serving the soup with Christmas dinner, and can’t wait to try the other recipes, especially with crab!
Thank you for sharing.
Teresa
xoxo
This was a “godsend!” Absolutely a feast for the eyes and surely the palate! This guy is a GEM! franki
Stacey, this is just gorgeous! I love color and pattern and so I was in heaven looking at these rooms. Thanks for including the recipes. I hope you are enjoying the holiday season!
xx Sunday
Absolutely divine; everything about this beautiful lunch! And, an added delight to have the recipes!! Can’t wait to make Parmesan Custards for a green soup. Great post!!! Just lovely. ox
Thank you for such a beautiful editorial and photos, it was a great pleasure having you for lunch. And the cherry atop the sundae is to be included, again, on Quintessence, a favorite blog I never miss, filled with endless inspiration, ideas, information and beauty! Thank you xxx Howard
so envious! I’m going to try this recipe and you and Howard are welcome to come down to sample!
What a treat. I can’t image dining in his home, especially after pouring over every square inch of his book! The recipes sound delicious!!
Great blog! Howard’s diningroom esthetic works to warm up Fifth Avenue coops where dinging rooms are often in smaller darker rooms.
As one who’s hobby is poking through high end real estate in Provence, Britain and New York, I’ve been astounded by shoddy interiors,especially where historic architecture falls victim to head on collisions with sterile overly modern, uninteresting renovations.
Our personal preference has gone away from collecting towards uncluttered yet well appointed rooms. However in the case of dining rooms, you want a romantic space that hints of drama in the food to come, especially if one employs fine cuisine in their narrative. Here Howard Slotkin is as professed as Merchant Ivory. Thank you Howard!
For whatever reason, or malady that’s infected a new generation of European’s via the sterile uncharasmatic, depressing interiors devoid of all passion, it’s assuring to find Howard Slatkin will not let his polish go to the nether-region’s of the bland decor on the continent.