Culinary artistry
Chef uses creativity for Hyde fundraiser

By Doug Gruse
Published: Tuesday, September 15, 2009

French Impressionist painter Edgar Degas created art inspired by the world around him. Caterer Kim Klopstock approaches food in a similar way.

"The arts are a very big part of my life," said Klopstock, owner and chef of The Lily and the Rose catering and Fifty South Restaurant and Bar in Ballston Spa. "I've been heavily involved in the arts and music my whole life. It's essential. It's part of what makes life worth living."

Klopstock is one of several chefs involved in "A Taste of Art ... A Wine and Food Experience." The annual fundraiser for The Hyde Collection is Friday at the museum.

The evening, which will be themed around the "Degas & Music" exhibition, will be a mix of food, wine and entertainment.

Putnam Wines of Saratoga Springs and Uncorked of Glens Falls have collaborated to supply a variety of wines, including vintages from New York, Europe, South America and Australia.

Participating restaurants include The Anvil, Cherry Tomato, The Farmhouse, Friend's Lake Inn, GG Mama's, Grist Mill, Luisa's Italian Bistro and The Sagamore Resort. Davidson Brothers Restaurant and Brewery will set up a beer garden in the museum's Hoopes Gallery.

"I love The Hyde," said Klopstock, who has worked with the museum on some of its past events.

When planning a menu for the fundraiser, Klopstock said she looked to Degas. "I thought of beauty, color, ballet, music, French bistro cuisine and New Orleans," she said. Klopstock said the era is one of her favorite moments in history and art.

"I love that whole time period. If I could have picked any time to live, that would have been it," she said.

Her dishes for the party, however, won't be literal French classics. Instead, Klopstock is working with contemporary favorites in an inspired way.

Tuna takes on an air of sophistication in one of the caterer's signature dishes. Klopstock lightly pan-sears the fish at high heat until it achieves the perfect color. Although she said she is flexible about most things in life, tuna is one of the few exceptions. "All my tuna is served rare. If you don't like it, don't eat it. There are no alternatives," she said with a laugh.

The perfectly cooked fish will be served in martini glasses with a side of seaweed salad and a dollop of wasabi cream. "I chose this because it is simple, "she said. "I wanted something simple, clean and fresh."

Klopstock, who expects to serve between 250 and 300 people at the Friday event, is glad to see local patrons helping the arts, despite the sour economy.

"People are putting money where it counts - not only in education, but in supporting the arts and culture," she said.

For the chef, the party symbolizes the true spirit of The Hyde, which was founded by Louis and Charlotte Hyde to make their family's art collection part of the community.

"They were a family who traveled and loved art so much that they wanted to share it," Klopstock said.

The chef said many people don't realize how fortunate the region is to have a museum with a collection as impressive as The Hyde's. "It's all right here. It's in our own backyard," she said.

As a chef, Klopstock has had the opportunity to travel and broaden her culinary and artistic palates.

"I have a cool life. I'm not one who is going to the grave saying, 'Coulda, woulda, shoulda,' " she said.