Susanna Vapnek threw a Fiesta party last Saturday and it was a hit for 2 reasons. First off, her chef was her old friend, the writer Nils Bernstein (Wine Spectator, Bon Appetit, New York Times and more), who cooked an exquisite dinner of gourmet Mexican cuisine. Secondly, all who wanted to could get in some whacks at a piñata of the Donald, and boy did they go at it! He was destroyed, with a coup de grace through the heart to make sure the job was really done. Great Norteño music and good company added to the happiness quotient on this lovely, balmy evening. It was a privilege to be asked to shoot a master at work (for his website – details of the menu will probably be found there) and a real hoot to see that other man get his just deserts.
Nils Bernstein and Susanna Vapnek before the fun begins 8/6/16 Susanna Vapnek residence.
Chef Nils Bernstein at work 8/6/16 Susanna Vapnek residence.
Scallops and shrimp appetizer by Nils Bernstein 8/6/16 Susanna Vapnek residence.
Quesadillas by Nils Bernstein 8/6/16 Susanna Vapnek residence
Ricotta stuffed Hibiscus flowers by Nils Bernstein 8/6/16 Susanna Vapnek residence.
Dianne Vapnek (Danceworks Santa Barbara driving force) arrives! 8/6/16 Susanna Vapnek residence.
Nils Bernstein doing what he loves most 8/6/16 Susanna Vapnek residence
Barracuda! 8/6/16 Susanna Vapnek residence.
Grill that barracuda 8/6/16 Susanna Vapnek residence
Corn and other delights by Nils Bernstein 8/6/16 Susanna Vapnek residence.
Chef Nils tells all 8/6/16 Susanna Vapnek residence.
Chef Nils pust the final touches on the vermillion snapper 8/6/16 Susanna Vapnek residence.
Natan Vapnek starts of the whacking with gusto 8/6/16 Susanna Vapnek residence.
It takes a lot of persuasion to get Donald to give up some loot 8/6/16 Susanna Vapnek residence.
Makes you want to holler 8/6/16 Susanna Vapnek residence
The Donald is going doewn for the count 8/6/16 Susanna Vapnek residence
and gets the coup de grace 8/6/16 Susanna Vapnek residence.
Dinner is served 8/6/16 Susanna Vapnek residence.
Time to hit the main courses 8/6/16 Susanna Vapnek residence.
