Food with a View

They say you first eat with your eyes, but it’s not just what’s on your plate that counts. Sometimes it’s the gilded leaf Vera Wang plate itself. Or the quilted Kate Spade flatware. Or the stunning floral centerpiece that seems to reach on forever. Basically, the whole layout of the table can make you feel as comfortable and content eating as any delicious meal could; a fact that will be tested rigorously at tonight’s Tablescapes: Dining by Design at 6 p.m. at Bloomingdale’s (in the Garden’s Mall, 3105 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens).

The concept: Five hostesses are each paired with a chef and a charity. The hostesses design a table using Bloomingdale’s fine wares, while the chefs — from restaurants Aqua Grill, Metronome Parisian Bistro, Strip House, Sushi Jo, and Zuccarelli's — fill them out with their sumptuous dishes. Judges will choose a winning table, and $1000 will go that table’s charity. All you have to do is show up to eat, drink free wine from Barefoot Wines & Bubbly, and gaze upon the gorgeous settings. Lucky you. Tickets cost $25. Call 561-832-8885, or register at tablescapes.eventbrite.com.
Wed., Sept. 10, 2008