When it comes to food and wine, (in the context of the good fortune to live in our American society) I see two choices. You can eat and drink as part of the survival instinct to live another day. --That is my food as fuel theory.  Or, you can eat and drink on a higher quality level and in doing so, you elect to embrace, enhance and celebrate your life.

On every level, my life has benefited from the direction I’ve taken in my food and wine choices. 

This was certainly substantiated by the dinner party I recently hosted. 

A while back I felt the need to produce a very special evening with friends. The past year was the most turbulent and transitional year of my life. From the death of a parent to the birth of a novel, a major change of employment, a substantial renovation of my apartment, new relationships, new directions and dozens of off the wall surprises and experiences… months into 2010, I am still processing it all. 

I decided that with so many new people in my life and the dreaded feeling of losing touch with those whom I’ve known for a long time, I really needed to get everyone in the same room. 

In order to covey how special this evening was going to be, I picked the theme of “big bottle night.” -- Every bottle of wine was to be poured from a magnum sized bottle. 

There are a number of advantages to buying fine wine in large format bottles. One is that the wine seems to age better, but more importantly; big bottles require multiple people to share the pleasure of the wine with. Mags are party animals! 

The blessing in the pursuit of fine food and wine is that it attracts people with similar sensibilities. So the magnum concept served as flypaper for a lot of interesting and fun loving people. 

Twenty-seven guests arrived on a beautiful first day of spring, including two nationally prominent artists; several wine retailers and professionals; business people; lawyers and stay-at-home moms. 

What everyone had in common was a passion for life and a positive approach to living. 

A true wine writer would write detailed notes about all the wines present. A true blogger would greatly elaborate on all the food that was shared. I am neither. 

Life can be cruel, rough and unfair. There are disasters, death, disease, pain and heartache.  As much as life weighs on me, I refuse to lose sight of its beauty. Part of what makes life so precious are good-hearted, supportive, creative, kind and giving people. I am blessed to know so many. 

So last Saturday, the lure of great food and wine brought me a home filled with wonderful friends. Although every political and social persuasion was represented, there was no talk of politics or of shallow social debates. Laughter and joy permeated from beginning to end. I think I experienced what the religious call: fellowship.
 
Below is a list of the wines and the food that set the stage for this most memorable night of joy and sharing:

The magnums: 

Henriot Souverain non-vintage Champagne
2007 Joh. Jos. Prum, Riesling, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Auslese, Mosel
2005 Joseph Drouhin, Beaune Clos des Mouches, Blanc, Burgundy

1985 Chateau de Beaucastel, Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhone
1998 Domaine Ponsot, Clos De La Roche, Cuvee Vieilles Vignes, Burgundy
2004 Grand Vin de Leoville, du Marquis de Las Cases, Saint-Julian-Medoc Bordeaux
1996 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan Bordeaux
2002 Rudd Oakville Estate, Napa
2005 Merry Edwards, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Coopersmith, Sonoma
1998 Falletto di Bruno Giacosa, Barolo, Piedmont
1999 Altesino, Brunello di Montalcino, Montosoli, Tuscany

2000 Fonseca Vintage Port, Portugal 

The food:

Assortment of chesses, olives, bread, smoked salmon and shellfish.
Terrine of Foie Gras.
Crab cakes.
Pulled Pork.
Spicy chicken wings.
Jamaica rice and peas.
Spaetzle.
Roasted fingerling potatoes.
Roasted root vegetables.
Steamed spring vegetables.
Grilled lamb chops.
Spiced mini meatballs in refined tomato sauce with pasta.
Roasted chicken breast, medley of mushrooms served with reduced mushroom stock.
Short ribs in reduced veal stock.
Truffled macaroni and cheese.
Baked beans and rib butt ends.
Scrambled fresh farm eggs, chives and smoked duck breast.

The wines showed extremely well. The 1996 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion needed decanting and it was the crowd favorite. My favorite was the 1998 Domaine Ponsot, Clos De La Roche; the vintage was not considered a good one, but in the hands of a great wine-maker, there is no such thing as a bad vintage. 

I did most of the cooking, but had major contributions from Luc Dimnet, chef of The Brasserie in New York City and Wayne Norstein, chef-owner of Big W ‘s Roadside Bar-B-Q in Wingdale N.Y. -- Neither of whom attended but their hearts were present in every savory bite.

The only thing I can add is my advice to start planning a special night for those who are dear to you. The food and wine should shine but never be outshone by your guests.

And, oh yeah, mags are really cool.