French toasting

 With bars, cafés, and restaurants still closed the tendance for small gatherings to meet for apéros at private homes more than ever before continues.

Soirée dînatoire

These photos, from the sensational apéro dînatoire held at Le Cordon Bleu École de Cuisine to showcase student skills, represent only a portion of the evening's offerings.

 As champagne and wine flowed tray after mouth-watering tray materialized from busy kitchens. Chefs helmed tables carving, grilling and plating an astounding array of beautiful hors-d'oeuvres and delectable small plates.

Above: layered verrines of lobster cream atop a gazpacho base; seared foie gras garnished w/popcorn (!); succulent roasted lamb w/couscous

 Below: gourmet terrines being turned into canapés on artisanale country loaves; poached "eggs in nests" w/their crispy mouillettes; petit fours.... 

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With thanks and congratulations to the remarkable team and students of Le Cordon Bleu, Paris

Petit apéro entre amis

Panoramic terrace chez friends with stunning views of Eiffel Tower and sunset.