When Thomas Keller needed a party planner for the 20th anniversary celebration of his famed French Laundry in Yountville, Calif., he turned to the one person who could pull off a momentous outdoor dinner party: Todd Fiscus of Dallas- and Houston-based Todd Events. Fiscus took the task to heart, orchestrating a street fair-style event worthy of the renowned Napa Valley establishment that has topped several "best restaurant in the world" lists.
Guests got the party started with caviar and champagne served from sleek, ice-carved X's near the bar, where mixologists were shaking up fresh custom cocktails. Other hot menu items included crudité from Keller's famous garden served from chrome wheelbarrows and charcuterie on custom wood tables.
For a personal touch, Keller was surprised with a congratulatory video featuring guest appearances by Charlie Rose, chef Daniel Boulud and Adam Sandler.
As for decor, Fiscus played off the naturally breathtaking scenery. He wowed partygoers with his signature lush floral arrangements and impressive 20-foot custom olive trees. For a personal touch, Keller was surprised with a congratulatory video featuring guest appearances by Charlie Rose, chef Daniel Boulud and Adam Sandler.
Keller is no stranger to boldface names in his restaurant, but this crowd was extra special, including Francis Ford Coppola and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.
And Fiscus wasn't the only one representing Texas — Houstonians Marcia Backus, Mike Hood and Fiscus' partner Ceron and Dallasites Cindy and Howard Rachofsky, Meghan Looney and Suzanne and David Droese also made the trek west.
"Listening to chef Keller lead this team of over 150 of the top chefs and service team members in the world was a masters education in leadership and motivation and humility," Fiscus said. "It was an honor to do and an honor to be present."
This is not the last of Fiscus' high-profile parties this year. He is poised to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his namesake firm with a series of parties in September and October. He will also design Two x Two for AIDS and Art in Dallas in October, the 50th anniversary of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles in December, and the upcoming nuptials of Lauren Scruggs and Jason Kennedy.
Laura Cunningham, Joseph Perrulli, Thomas Keller, Todd Fiscus, Ceron
