A Chef’s Predinner Technique, from Appetizers to an Straightforward Magnificence Routine

Revealed on: November 17, 2022

Picture courtesy of @jazminmonetphotography

If you’re producing even essentially the most elegant, relaxed-seeming dinner for Veuve Clicquot, Nike, or goop, you spend most of it in your ft and within the kitchen, says LA chef and entertaining skilled Olivia Muniak, who based La Cura, a massively profitable catering and occasions firm. However entertaining at residence requires an totally totally different method. “What’s the purpose of getting mates over if I can’t sit down and luxuriate in their firm?” she laughs. Muniak’s technique: Sort out all the pieces—from appetizers to a straightforward magnificence routine—upfront. “That means, the night unfolds and not using a hitch, and I get to have enjoyable, too,” she says.

1 Step 1: Get up your pores and skin
(and finesse with touches of colour).

My magnificence routine is no-stress, no-fuss, however it makes me really feel prepared,” says Muniak. “I like a bit of eye cream to clean up my eyes. Then I do a fast swipe of mascara and dab on the GOOPGENES lip balm—I’ve the brand new trio, and I can’t stay with out the clear for lengthy event-install days, however I like the brand new Tomato shade for a straightforward night look.”

“The opposite factor I at all times do is clean on GOOPGENES physique butter,” she says. “I’ve parched pores and skin, and it actually ensures I’m glowing all night. I even apply it to my arms.”

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2 Step 2: Persist with dishes you recognize and love.

“As soon as I tried coq au vin for the primary time simply earlier than a cocktail party,” says Muniak. “I had incorrect components and simply sufficient cooking time earlier than dinner—evidently, it was inedible. We ordered pizzas, drank wine, and laughed the entire night time—which is a good reminder that your company are there to hold with you, not for the meals.” Her suggestions: “Learn a recipe just a few days earlier than you intend to prepare dinner it. A cocktail party might be not the most effective time to attempt one thing difficult you’ve by no means made earlier than, so persist with dishes you recognize and love. That technique won’t ever allow you to down and can lower your stress degree by 1,000,000 p.c.”

“For example, I make this beef tenderloin forward so I can pop it within the oven whereas having fun with a cocktail with my company,” she says. “To make it even simpler on myself, I roast a sheet pan of root greens—tossed with the identical rosemary-garlic combination I take advantage of to marinate the meat—on the identical time.”

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3 Step 3: Put together cocktails in huge batches.

“I prebatch cocktails so company can serve themselves, and I set out all the pieces they could want, from glassware to garnishes and ice,” says Muniak. She provides that basic cocktails like martinis, Manhattans, and negronis can all be premixed, saved, chilled, and served in glass flip-top bottles (additionally they final a very long time within the fridge or freezer). “Cocktails like margaritas which might be made with recent juices final two days within the fridge, so I maintain the spirits separate from these cocktail mixes and arrange the bar with the bottle of combine and the urged spirits like tequila or mezcal for a choose-your-own-adventure form of second,” she says.

4 Step 4: Go fancy-lazy for appetizers.

“I like dishes like chips and dip, caviar, seasonal crostinis, or a vegetable tart lower into bite-size squares,” says Muniak. “Something that may be made the morning of, then dressed proper earlier than it’s placed on the desk, is ideal.”

5 Step 5: Have a uniform.

“I’m a denim woman,” says Muniak. “There’s one thing about denim that simply makes you’re feeling so rattling good—a high-waisted wide-leg is stylish (and comfy) for a day-to-night look. I’ve been residing within the G. Label wide-leg denims paired with a easy cardigan; if the occasion is fancier, I swap out the cardigan for a chic bustier for an easy holiday-at-home look.”

A Relaxed Vacation Menu from Chef Muniak

Herbed Beef Tenderloin and Citrus Crème Fraîche

“This festive vacation recipe is equally scrumptious served heat or at room temperature, and it’s the proper dish to make forward. I particularly love the zippy horseradish crème fraîche with the earthy greens and the tender lower of beef.”

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Citrus-Braised Beets and Spiced Yogurt

“The beets get an exquisite winter citrus twist from an orange juice marinade, which doubles as cooking liquid. Then they’re layered with an herby yogurt and garnished with toasted hazelnuts.”

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