I want to share just a little about this past Saturday’s Art and Wine Gala – my full story will run in the Beacon on 10/8 – because the guests were great, the food was awesome, the wine was killer, the ballerinas adorable, the TPC staff was attentive and the auction proved once again that there’s no better time for an auction paddle than when artists, and wine lovers, come together.

Entering the TPC Country Club, escaping a surprise 100 degree heat wave after weeks of cool weather, guests were greeted by canapés and, wait…what is that? An Oyster Shooter Station?

TPC’s Executive Chef Daniel Otto planned…well…I can’t give you the full menu until 10/8, but here’s some of the mouth-watering appetizers to whet your whistle: Oyster Shooter Station, mini crepe-stuffed with chevre and roasted vegetables splashed with truffle essence, deconstructed slider with cornichon, cheddar and bacon on brioche…

But before we got past the appetizers and took our seats for the main event, guests took time to enjoy both a Nicolas Feullatte Champagne and Mitch Cosentino’s white wine blend, the Novelist 08 from Napa Valley, while perusing the expansive auction items.

Ballerinas – that would later work the live auction – flitted among the crowd. A musical ensemble played on a Balinese Gamelan, was new for many of us, and a pleasant light drumming background to the festivities.

In the program I had my eye on, and paddle ready for, every single wine lot put up by my new friend/wine aficionado Steve Elzer, a ruby and diamond ring, several original works of art, and in particular, one by Russian artist Andrew Atroshenko called “Beyond”.

To be continued…