everyday entertaining

This little gathering is the ideal formula for winding down after an evening out on the town. Following a heavy dosage of big­-­city excitement, you know it’s going to be difficult to get to sleep. You had a light supper hours ago, and brunch isn’t until mid­-­morning. So why not splurge with a deluxe midnight snack featuring good­-­quality Russian caviar, fine French Champagne, and a few excellent cigars to top off the ­festivities?

Our late­-­night supper took place in the den of my New York City apartment just off Fifth Avenue, an enclave I call the Red Room. It is a sleek, suave, and sophisticated miniature microclimate, where four people can go to relax and insulate themselves from the commotion ­outside.

Timing

The potato takes about a half hour to boil, so you can prepare it in advance. The dessert requires refrigeration, so it, too, can be made in advance–the morning before or the afternoon of the party.

Menu

Smashed Potatoes with Caviar
Chocolate Mousse with Raspberries

Tips

Joys of Caviar
Champagne Tips
Crème Fraîche
Cigars