Dinner After Dark: Sexy, Sumptuous Supper Soirees (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "This was an elegant celebration to mark a special occasion, yet it was pulled together rather quickly..." (more)
Key Phrases: New York, Los Angeles, Middle Eastern (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Stylish entertaining is easy, assures lifestyle guru and party-planner Cowie: all it takes is "exciting drinks, tasty food, interesting conversation, a good mix of music, a relaxed host, and the proper timing." It sounds like a tall order, but Cowie (who has organized weddings for Kelsey Grammer, Lisa Kudrow and Jerry Seinfeld and boasts oodles of famous friends) offers a sumptuous but straightforward guide to throwing the most successful party in town. Each chapter presents a dinner party complete with recipes for cocktails, appetizers, entrees and desserts, plus tips on decorating (Cowie loves candles) and making guests feel welcome. Cowie's Bombay Soirée features Stir-Fried Shrimp with Lemon and Scallions, several raitas and other accompaniments, plus beer shandies for thirst-quenching; his Fashion Week, NYC dinner party showcases Salt-Crusted Wild Striped Bass with Braised Fennel and Garlic Aioli, with Campari drinks for the quaffing. The recipes are delicious, and uncomplicated enough to allow the host to enjoy her own party; the problem here is that this guide leans toward the smug and smarmy. The photographs highlight gorgeous women noshing on Cowie's creations, while the text purrs over the successful designers, producers and actors who also sat around the table. Cowie also strains the adjectives "chic," "stylish" and "fabulous" through sheer overuse. "Time spent with friends and family around the dinner table...is the most precious of all," he writes, but his high-concept party plans can feel trendy and staged rather than cozy and authentic. First serial in InStyle. 300 color photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

In his latest book, lifestyle guru Cowie (Weddings) offers a glimpse into the dining lives of the rich. He presents 20 or so special suppers that he has orchestrated, from "Fashion Week, NYC" to "Sex on the Beach" to "Caviar: What an Ending," with menus (including the "Cocktail de Nuit"), decorating suggestions, and other tips for entertaining. Although Cowie says he emphasizes simplicity, his tone is often, perhaps unknowingly, pretentious (his guests, for example, always "dine" rather than "eat"), and his soir‚es tend to feature elaborate centerpieces and touches like "the Indian hand-stitched tablecloth picked up on holiday in the Greek Isles." Dozens of color photographs show off his suppers, as well as "the beautiful people" who are his guests. Cowie's Everyday Elegance cable series is highly popular, and he's also a contributor to InStyle magazine, so expect demand.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Clarkson Potter; 1 edition (October 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0609609750
• ISBN-13: 978-0609609750
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #711,958 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jetsetters cookbook, October 7, 2003

By	NYC gal (NY United States) - See all my reviews

So you've been to France, Japan, Italy, Cuba and Russia and whatever hot international destination, or do you just want to eat and entertain like you have? This book let's you do this. Its really thorough- from making cocktails to setting the table, to making theme based dinners. The recipes are thorough too - you can have a country type garlic chicken (inexpensive) but you'll also reach for this book when you want to treat yourself to caviar (expensive). This is not the Joy of Cooking. My only complaint is some of the dishes are "heavy" and this is not a cookbook for the sake of a cookbook (some recipes are hit or miss)- there are better ones - and do take MUCH MORE THAN AN HOUR. My husband complains that its too rich. Maybe his model thin guests actually don't eat what he prepares? Also, I have his other Cookbook. Between these two, I am ready to entertain for any event. That one is more "practical" since it has non dinner recipes. If you are going to entertain to the Jet Set crowd you should get this one. For production & style & menu ideas , it lets you dream.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spectacular as always, February 12, 2003

By	Shelley Clee (Canada) - See all my reviews

I was delightfully enchanted with Colin's newest book. Having read his previous publications, I was very pleased with Colin's creativity and design style. I am always pleased with the calibre of design in all his books, but I find I am always left wanting more. Everyone has a favourite, some old hat, some new and hip to contemporary fads, but Colin is timeless, creative, and mindful of your budget. He's a Creative genius and I truly enjoyed this book. It sits on my desk at work where people come by to borrow it and have a hard time returning it!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely delicious!, February 7, 2008

By	Robert Senzon - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I love this book. Each chapter and recipe makes me feel as if I am at the party with Colin. After trying most of these recipes, I now can easily make these myself as if I had created them myself. Colin recently came out with a new book, CC Chic, which is a compliment to this book. He offers fresh tips and insights to ensuring your life goes as smoothly as possible. The master himself gives insight to what's what.