The rich don’t disappear during the recession; they simply cower and await the revolution. And while cowering, they still need to eat. Enter Maison Privé, a private-chef service founded by Jennifer Scibelli and James Vellano, two chefs who found love on the line at Per Se and now bring “Michelin quality dining into your home.” They come into your kitchen, charge you money ($70 an hour), cook for you, and no one has to see you eat truffles. Also, it’s a deal.
According to James, “Everything is completely custom, to make sure they get exactly what they want. We do our best to source organic, sustainable products, but some people don’t care, so then it’s much cheaper. It can be as low-end as you want — hamburgers and cheeseburgers — or high-end.” Below is a fourteen-course meal the two prepared for a recent dinner party in Greenwich, Connecticut (obvi!). Cost per person: $260. Compare that to the Per Se tasting menu, and you get five more courses for fifteen fewer dollars. Most important, you don’t have to expose yourself to the scorn of the masses!
Chilled Summer Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho
peppadew peppers, lime pickle, Spanish olive oil
Salmon Caviar
yukon gold potato blini, chive mousseline, scallion salad
Sardine in Saor
golden sultanas, toasted pine nut, sherry vinegar
Tempura Pink Shrimp
tamari glaze, hen-of-the-woods mushroom
Cauliflower Panna Cotta
Kumamoto Oyster
Wagyu Beef Tataki
daikon kimchi
Hearts of Palm Salad
summer citrus, celery, cilantro, sauce vierge
Crispy Skin Florida Snapper
fennel confit, nicoise olive crumble, basil coulis
Butter Poached Lobster Tail
crispy bacon, braised romaine, tomato marmalade
Whole Roasted Quail
fig relish, Satur Farms Tokyo Turnips, mizuna leaves
Flying Pigs Farm Crispy Pork Belly
poached apple, brussel sprout leaves, grain mustard
Fourme D’Ambert
bing cherry compote, crunchy walnuts
Mascarpone Sorbet
persimmon pudding
Dark Chocolate Cake
milk chocolate cremeux, olive oil emulsion
