Bel Canto: The Menu

I've taken a little hiatus for the holidays, but the Astoria Book and Supper Club will be back with a vengeance in 2013.  I've been toying with the idea of cooking Ann Patchett's  Bel Canto for a while, and I think the time has finally come.  The book is based on a hostage situation in an undisclosed South American country (many say it's Peru) that brings together people from all over the world.  Set in the home of the Vice President, the hostages are confined to a small space in the home, having to survive with a group of people who speak different languages from all walks of life. I have always liked the idea of mashing up cuisines from different cultures that may not obviously go together, but actually do. Very symbolic, I know.  So here goes, the menu for Bel Canto:

Welcome Cocktail:

Pisco St. Germain Cocktail

Peru-France

First Course:

The Bel Canto Roll

Sushi roll with risotto as the rice and prosciutto as the seaweed. The filling is sautéed asparagus, drizzled with hollandaise sauce

Japan-Italy-France

Second Course:

Salmon Rillettes over Potato Pancakes

France-Germany

Third Course:

Insalata di Ceviche

Seafood salad prepared Italian Style, with Peruvian Flavors

Italy-Peru

Fourth Course:

Panko-crusted Weiner Schnitzel with Russian Potato Salad and Beets

Germany-Japan-Russia

Dessert:

Panettone Bread Pudding with Vanilla Whiskey Sauce

Italy-United States

Dinner will be held on Monday, February 4th.  Please arrive around 7:00, so dinner can be underway by 7:30.  The meal is $40, and it is BYOB this time.  Make your reservation, and Happy New Year!