A Celebration of Excellence: Honoring Frankie Baroudi
- info2475618
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
At Baldwin's VIP, we take great pride in celebrating the achievements, milestones, and moments that bring people together. Last week, we had the privilege of joining an extraordinary gathering in honor of Frankie Baroudi—an individual who epitomizes refined taste, generosity, and the art of truly living well.
From fine wine and gourmet cuisine to art and adventure, Frankie has long been a connoisseur of life’s finest offerings. It was only fitting that his birthday celebration reflected that same level of excellence, and what an exceptional evening it was.
An Unforgettable Culinary Experience
The event took place in the private dining room upstairs in the VIP restaurant at Baldwin's Bistro, where guests were treated to an unforgettable culinary journey. The evening commenced with an exquisite burrata salad and a striking beetroot millefeuille, elegantly paired with a Beurre Blanc sauce and complemented by Deutz Rosé Champagne—a perfect prelude to what was to come.
Hokkaido scallops followed, prepared with precision and showcasing the finest flavors of the sea. Soon after, Alaskan King Crab—considered the pinnacle of crustacean delicacies—arrived at the table, expertly crafted to highlight its natural sweetness and delicate texture.
Paired with these dishes were two exceptional sakes, each a testament to craftsmanship and innovation. The Tamanohikari “Brilliant Soul” Junmai Dai Ginjo from Kyoto delivered elegance in every sip, while the 2024 Link 8—a remarkable sake aged in ten-year-old Chivas Regal whisky casks—offered an unparalleled depth of flavor, weaving together notes of vanilla, fig, honey, and a touch of fine smoke.
Elevating the Atmosphere: Art and Ambience
The setting was further elevated by a stunning lithograph from celebrated Belgian artist Christian Develter. Titled Koireng Chin Sei I, this piece from his Kaleidoscope series brought an added layer of sophistication to the evening, seamlessly complementing the ambience of the private dining space.
Surrounded by great company, exquisite art, and an impeccable menu, the evening already felt extraordinary—yet there was more to come.
A Rare Vintage and a Perfect Pairing
No celebration of this caliber would be complete without an exceptional wine selection, and the unveiling of a 1981 Penfolds Grange was a true highlight. Aged to perfection, this Australian masterpiece displayed remarkable depth, offering aromas of aged tobacco, dried fruit, eucalyptus, and earthy spices. On the palate, notes of dark chocolate, panforte, and subtle mint created a lasting impression—a rare opportunity to experience one of the world’s most iconic wines.
This was followed by a perfectly seared Wagyu steak, served with Taylor’s Wakefield ‘The Pioneer’ Shiraz, 2018. Deep, intense, and complex, this young yet powerful wine was a flawless complement to the richness of the dish, showcasing layers of dark plum, spice, violets, and mocha.
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