The best for the best a fabulous setting, superb wines, and Chef Keller's genius

The Staglin Family Vineyard, situated in beautiful Napa Valley, was the setting for the night-before the-wedding-dinner of Master Sommelier Ralph Hersom, of New York's Le Cirque 2000. Maura kept0 husband to be relaxed and smiling throughout the evening with their closest friends and relatives, sipping the fabulous Staglin Family wines. It was a who's who in the "back of the house" as well as the "front of the house", as noted chef Thomas Keller of French Laundry fame brought a staff of twelve to serve hors d'oeuvres and five courses to over 30 appreciative guests. Here are some of the guests, and here are some of the dishes.

Panned seared breast of Liberty Valley Duck Breast, with 'Pruneaux D'Agen. Glazed Tokyo Turnips and Sautéed Moulard duck 'Foie Gras', below duck on the grill

Panned seared breast of Liberty Valley Duck Breast, with 'Pruneaux D'Agen. Glazed Tokyo Turnips and Sautéed Moulard duck 'Foie Gras,

French Laundry team with new Sommelier Bobby Stuckey, Oliver Morante

Ralph and Maura in the pink

Thomas Keller, above and far right, Keller and assistant filling 'coronets' of Atlantic Salmon 'Tartare' with a red onion cream Fraiche

Above, Staglin Family Vineyard, 'Stagliano', Sangiovese, Napa Valley, 1998.

Host, Garen Staglin gives bride to be Maura, some fatherly advice

Ralph, always at work

Marcarpone-enriched Yukon Potato Agnolotti with summer truffles & white truffle oil

Plating of the duck

Marcarpone-enriched Yukon Potato Agnolotti with summer truffles & white truffle oil

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