A Sparkling Dinner Party With Chef Michael Smith
Tuesday, June 02, 2015
When you get an invitation to shuck oysters and enjoy a sparkling dinner party with Chef Michael Smith, it's very hard to find a reason not to go. Let me tell you, this guy knows how to throw a party. From a fancy venue and a delectable menu to sabering champagne and setting bananas on fire, what more could you ask for? The #SparklingClean event, hosted by Cascade, took place at The Chase Fish & Oyster in downtown Toronto. Upon arrival, guests were invited to join Food Network's Chef Michael Smith and learn how to properly shuck oysters. But not just any oysters. PEI oysters! Upon successful completion, we partook in the Oyster Society Oath that ended with a salty kiss. Figuratively speaking, of course.
Following this interactive activity, we gathered together to officially kick off the dinner party with a bang. We watched as Chef Michael coached a guest in the art of sabering a bottle of champagne. Can't say I've ever seen that done in person before. It sure wowed the crowd.
As we took our seats, I couldn't help but notice how everything sparkled. The drinking glasses and table décor definitely set the tone for the dinner party. Chef Michael also made sure to add a special touch by including fresh flowers and letter blocks arranged to spell words such as "sparkle" and "wine". I thought it was a creative idea to include the blocks. It wasn't long before it became clear that he had put much thought and effort into planning this party. He even took great care to write out his Sparkling Dinner Party Tips on the chalkboard using his excellent penmanship.
As an hors d'oeuvre, we were served a portion of his delicious Bacon Potato Casserole which was followed by the restaurant's rendition of Chef Michael's Sunny Southwest Salad. As an entrée, we enjoyed some Greek chicken stuffed with oregano and lemon butter, caramelized onion and creamer potatoes with herb roasted tomatoes. It was incredibly delicious! The only part I didn't eat was the skin. But it was crisped to perfection and so Chef Michael, who sat next to me, couldn't resist adding it to his plate. He convinced me, though, that it's one of the best parts so I'll be sure to give it a try next time.
As much as I'm always ready for dessert, nothing could prepare me for the grand finale. Chef Michael showed us how he makes his Flaming Bananas recipe by setting them literally on fire. Have no fear. A fire extinguisher was within reach just in case. Can you tell by the look on his face he was having fun? Like a kid in the candy store!
It was the same look on my face when they placed the dessert in front of me. Oh my word, was it ever amazing! A little piece of heaven topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. Perfection!
Planning a dinner party chez toi? Chef Michael Smith shares the following tips to help make your party sparkle:
- Spend time to save time: Prep as much as you can in advance – from food to your table. Smart preparation will allow you to spend more time with your guests.
- Clean as you go: Get the mess out of the way, and load the dishwasher as you prepare dinner. With Cascade Platinum, you don’t need to worry about pre-rinsing – it will clean stuck-on food in one wash.
- Start with a bang! Do something collectively right away. A group activity subtly reminds everyone “We’re in this together!”
- Give your guests something fun to do: At some point, engage your guests in an interactive activity, something hands on, that’s not work.
- Make your guests feel special: Thoughtful details tell your guests they are special. Set the mood with music, place cards, flowers and sparkling dishes and glasses. I use Cascade Platinum in every cycle to make sure everything is ready for a big event.cascade
- Share the work: Many hands make light work. After the main meal and before dessert, encourage everybody to pitch in with clean up.dinner setting
- Grand finale: End the evening with something spectacular, something memorable, or my favourite—something flammable!
For more tips and recipes from Chef Michael Smith and Cascade Platinum, visit www.foodnetwork.cacascade.
As a bonus, Cascade wants to give one lucky reader a hefty supply of Cascade Platinum to help ensure you have sparkling clean dishes every day. You could win a #SparklingClean prize pack containing 3 tubs of Cascade Platinum, valued at approximately $57! Simply complete the Rafflecopter form below. Open to Canada only, excluding Quebec.
P&G has only provided me with the product that I am using as the prizes for this contest. The contest is not otherwise endorsed, designed and/or administered by or associated with P&G. By entering the following contest you are accepting that, if you win, your contact information will be shared with a P&G PR and shipping agency for the purpose of mailing your prize. Please allow 4-6 weeks from the contest closure date to receive your prize.
70 COMMENTS
I put out my nice dinnerware so that everything matches and is pretty. Sparkle and shine!
ReplyDeleteI like to make a game plan for the week leading up to my party so I do a bit each day and I'm not scrambling the day of!
ReplyDeleteI organize myself ahead of time, set a beautiful table the day before and try to create a nice atmosphere with candles and flowers.
ReplyDeleteI try to get everything done in advance so I am not too overwhelmed just before or during the party.
ReplyDeleteI always set the table in advance so I don't miss anything.
ReplyDeleteFlorence C
I do as much in advance as I can.
ReplyDeleteget most of the cleaning done the day before
ReplyDeleteThat looks great! I'm impressed with the big table and how pretty it looks.
ReplyDeleteMomfever
I love setting a table with my good silver (yes I polish it!) and lots of votive candles.
ReplyDeleteTry not to have too much left to do during the party, socialize!
ReplyDeleteWow. The decor is absolutely stunning. And that food looks scrumptious! It looks like you had a blast.
ReplyDeleteTry to prepare what you can ahead of time so you can socialize with your guests...I also love to pick fresh flowers from my garden to decorate the table.
ReplyDeletetexan_michael AT yahoo DOT com
I set the table in advance and make sure I have enough serving dishes
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to get as much as possible done in advance so you can have time to visit and enjoy your dinner party! (Judy Cowan)
ReplyDeleteNever refuse help
ReplyDeleteChristina D
Prepare well ahead of time and don't take on too much, I always set a menu that is excruciating and keeps me in the kitchen, I have learned to simplify it so I can enjoy time with my guests
ReplyDeleteClean as you go!
ReplyDeletemake lists, always have a Plan B, C, D..... thanks
ReplyDeletei start prep at least a week before and make a list of things to do and stick to it, also make sure you ask about any dietary restrictions before hand
ReplyDeleteI make the guests do the dishes afterward hahaha
ReplyDeleteI try to clean up as I go so that I can relax and enjoy my guests and not have a huge mess at the end.
ReplyDeleteI clean as I go and make as much as I can ahead, I have a mini bar with coffee, alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. Last year I gave each guest a bottle of their favorite spirit with their name on it along with some home made fudge.
ReplyDeleteclean as you go, and accept help :) (Andrea Amy)
ReplyDeleteI always supply champagne, its Sparkly!
ReplyDeletePlan ahead, make lists and be organized.
ReplyDeletehave time to socialize with guests/prepare as much as you can the days before leading up to party.
ReplyDeleteWe set up the dinner table in the living room so there is plenty of space to move around.
ReplyDeleteI like to do as much preparing before hand as possible.
ReplyDeleteI prepare the day before and choosematching decor
ReplyDeleteMarla
Clean as much as you can beforehand.
ReplyDeletespazsss@yahoo.ca
Cut some fresh flowers from your garden and place it around the dining room
ReplyDeletePrepare as much as you can before hand, that way you can spend as much time with your guests
ReplyDeleteI always plan ahead and before setting the table I make sure the silverware is polished for a sparkly table.
ReplyDeletePrepare as much as you can in advance and freeze it..night before set the table then put a clean sheet to cover table and dishes..day of remove sheet
ReplyDeleteI always make sure I have a nice centerpiece.
ReplyDeleteIf your silverware has hard water stains on them, polish with vinegar! Works like a charm!
ReplyDeleteI prepare as much as possible before guests arrive so that I can be a Proper host and spend time with them
ReplyDeletePlan way ahead, especially food wise.
ReplyDeleteprepare as much as you possibly can in advance
ReplyDeleteI like to do as much as I can in advance so that I don't feel stressed and can enjoy talking to my guests. The last few things that need to be done I usually have lots of volunteers helping and it is enjoyable as we get the food served.
ReplyDeleteI like to prepare as much as i can a day or two ahead :)
ReplyDeleteI like to prep as much as I can, clean as I go and not afraid to accept help if asked!
ReplyDeleteI am a big believer in the clean as you go
ReplyDeletejan
I do most of the prep work the night or afternoon before the party and clean up as I cook so I have more quality time with my guests.
ReplyDeletePrepare everything in advance.
ReplyDeleteClean as you go , don't leave everything till the end!
ReplyDeleteWhen prepping food, I love to clean as I go so my sink is not full of unwashed dishes. Also, I do a lot of my prepping the night before.
ReplyDeleteHave a checklist with all the things that need to be done
ReplyDeleteI break out mom's crystal glasses and fold up the napkins into them. Tea lights add ambiance.
ReplyDelete(Debbie W)
I use glass and crystal as much as possible so that everything sparkles and is visible.
ReplyDeletePrep ahead and clean as you go!
ReplyDeleteI wow with a perfect dessert to top of the meal
ReplyDeleteI do as much as possible before the guess arrive so I could spend more time with them.
ReplyDeleteI like to make lists so I can be organized and not forget anything.
ReplyDeletedo the dishes ahead of time and cook too so I can relax too
ReplyDeleteHave Chef Michael Smith and Cascade Platinum host it!
ReplyDeleteBesos, Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
I make a list of all things that need to be done and cross each item off the list so I know I won't forget anything.
ReplyDeleteLots of wine
ReplyDeleteMy advice - make sure you check for any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance!
ReplyDeleteHave a plan, and do whatever prep work you can ahead of time
ReplyDeleteHave a variety of foods for the guests so there is something for everyone.
ReplyDeletetry to clean up as I go so that I can relax
ReplyDeleteVariety and prepare ahead of time! :)
ReplyDeleteI will plan a meal that can have most of the prep..done before hand. Fresh flowers add sparkle too...
ReplyDeleteI always prepare as much as possible before my guests arrive, that way I have more time for my guests. :-)
ReplyDeletePlan ahead have everything in order
ReplyDeleteI clean up as I go
ReplyDeletePay attention to detail.....makes a huge difference!
ReplyDeleteChoose a menu that can mostly be prepared in advance so you have time to visit with guests.
ReplyDeleteI love your ideas! I like to invite friends for dinner. I am a perfectionist so no matter who I invite for dinner I like everything to be wonderful! Thank you for the lovely ideas! I really agree that is important to clean as you go. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to leave a comment here on Toronto Teacher Mom. Hope you have a great day!