Oh, What A Party! Lata Style
After the best Bubbles & Sweets in the Festival’s five year run, where event designer extraordinaire, Mitchell Crosby, whimsically introduced furry handcuffs into the “adult candy” theme, it’s surprising that the night could get any better.
But, of course, where there’s Mike Lata, there’s a way.
What is it about Lata? Chefs love him. Married women admit to having dreams about him. There isn’t a guy who doesn’t have a man crush on him. Whether its respect, envy, lust or just a good ‘ole swooning sensation, you can’t not have a feeling about Lata when you meet him. Yet, even with all this frenzied attention, reaching a pinnacle this weekend with the auction bids on a massive mosaic of Lata’s head, he doesn’t let it go to, well, his head.
Meaning that average folk can still get into his Wine + Food Festival after party at FIG, thank goodness.
If anyone out-charismad Lata last night, it had to be Daniel Boulud. The big chef of the weekend let loose, downing bourbon (favorite quote of the night in reference to Boulud: “A Frenchman drank all my whisky!!”) and posing for full on photo shoots with nearly screaming fans. He puts some sort of yellow funnel on Sean Brock’s head and he and a blushing Brock fall into hysterics. He shows us a great photo on his camera of Brock downing a bottle of whisky…”This is what happens when he goes out!” More blushing and hysterics ensue. He picks up a random lady fan and starts swinging her around.
Just then Lata runs in and jumps up on the table. Like he knew someone was stealing the charming award. People love it (although expectant woman were so obviously hoping for a little strip tease). Apparently the back kitchen is the place to be!
It makes sense, really. Lata and Boulud. Apparently the French chef is Lata’s inspiration. In fact, he was the chef behind Lata’s first ever fine dining meal. So it’s a reunion of sorts.
Party goers scarf down pulled pork sandwiches straight off the fire. A bottle of bourbon gets passed around a circle out back. Swig. Let’s hope no one has the Norovirus.
Two guys make fun of a new expression starting, “IMHO.” “In my humble opinion…” They laugh at pretentiousness over more bourbon.
Top chefs start scarfing down cold pizza.
The constant line of hopeful party crashers outside starts to whittle down.
We reach the “cameras off” portion of the evening.
It’s 4am. Time to start thinking about bed. Ahhh, the life of F&B.
FOR MORE PHOTOS, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
Story by: Caroline Nuttall
Photos by: Karson Photography
Why is it that this article feels so elitist? The who-is-who is never described or elaborated on, and to be honest, it leaves newby Charlestonians feeling very left out. I’d love to see a bit more context — like, for example, explaining who Mike Lata is. It’s not like he’s Thomas Keller or Mario Batali or Tony Bordain. Charlie is here to express what is beautiful about Charleston to everyone — keep it that way! It shouldn’t just be for foodie insiders — expanding the world is what makes the world better. Why not let the rest of us who are interested, and who support the publication, into the loop?
New Charlie, if you don’t know who Mike Lata is, did you just get to Charleston yesterday? Stop by FIG…he’s knocking on the door of the chefs you mentioned…and btw, Tony Bordain is great food personality, but he’s not an extraordinary chef…Les Halles is a very run-of-the-mill restaurant in NY. And finally, did the author of the article not say that “run of the mill” folks were allowed in the party? Charlie is a mag for Charlestonians of all sorts, but if you’re going to call yourself such then get in the game! (spoken from one who is a recent transplant as well)