Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1477684
The Ever- Entertaining Alex Hitz With Veranda's Steele Marcoux E r u d i t e a u t h o r, c h e f, tastemaker, and master host Alex Hitz releases his latest entertaining cookbook, Occasions to Celebrate: Cooking and Entertaining with Style (Rizzoli), this month. Hitz imparts his wisdom for the perfect party, be it on a Tuesday or Thanksgiving, via more than 100 recipes for impeccable dishes, clever menus, seasoning secrets, table setting and seating advice. How many bon vivants can really cook? As he plays host to the Atlanta, Beverly Hills, and New York social set, Hitz delivers equal doses of witty conversation and crowd- pleasing Southern and French-inspired dishes, such as spiced pecans, mini crab cakes with mango chutney, mustard-crusted rack of lamb, and lemon pecan shortbread cookies. Thankfully for the novice — or nervous — host, Hitz spells out everything in the book, from exactly how to season "to taste" to his favorite brand of Dijon mustard (Maille) and that it's okay to use frozen puff pastry, as long as it's made with pure butter (check the label for partially hydrogenated oils, a no-no). What, When, Where: Cocktails, illustrated talk, and book signings with Alex Hitz, hosted by Steele Marcoux, editor in chief Veranda magazine Wednesday, September 21, 6:30 to 8 pm. Go to texasdesignweek. com for location. Alex Hitz's 10 Favorite Restaurants Le Voltaire, Paris. Nino, Rome. Scott's, London. Donahue's Steak House, New York. Sette Mezzo, New York. Keens Steakhouse, New York. La Grotta, Atlanta. Café Pacific, Dallas. Madeo, Los Angeles. La Sirena, West Palm Beach Entertaining advice: "Celebrate ever y day. Don't just wait for a special occasion. Every day is filled with so many of those." — Alex Hitz IAIN BAGWELL IAIN BAGWELL Left: Baby Anne's Vidalia onion tart Below: Alex Hitz's Five-Onion-Soup topped with toasted baguette slices and Gruyère. 154