Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams

As a child, I loved Saturday morning television. Unlike most children, I didn't watch cartoons; they always got on my nerves. My Saturday morning TV viewing started with Style with Elsa Klensch, truly the best show that has ever aired on CNN. Nobody can pronounce "Thierry Mugler" and "Yohji Yamamoto" with as much flair as Elsa. After Elsa was over, I believe that I had an hour's break before my other favorite show aired. Can you guess what it was? It was that guilty pleasure of the 1980s, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

Now I admit that the show could be a little cheesy at times, but I have to say that it made for good entertainment. How else were you going to see the homes and yachts of your favorite television (or better yet daytime television) star? I actually don't think that I ever really liked the decor of any of the homes featured, but that was beside the point. And really, if that show doesn't sum up the 1980s, then I don't know what does.

My sweet friend Jean just gave me her copy of The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous Cookbook, published in 1992. Let me tell you, this cookbook is a real treasure. All kinds of rich and famous people are featured as are their favorite recipes. As you might expect, Elizabeth Taylor and Larry Fortensky are in there as are Tova and Ernest Borgnine. (Come on, you know you love Tova and Ernie.) But others like Valentino, Marylou Whitney, and Alain Ducasse are also featured. I have not yet tested any of the recipes, but they actually look quite good. Cold Avocado Soup, Hot Pepper Jelly Cheese Puffs, and Poached Salmon on Saffron Sauce are all on my list to try.

Who knows? This cookbook just might get me one step closer to champagne wishes and caviar dreams.



I guess it comes as no surprise that Dina Merrill's table is my favorite, what with the Porthault linen and the lettuceware.



Barbara Taylor Bradford serving up Veal Casserole.



The late Eva Gabor who was quoted as saying "Dahling, you can have anything you want in life. I am the living proof." Gabor's specialties included Chicken Paprikash and Hungarian Goulash.



Do you remember Jean LeClerc, the soap star? He seemed to be on the show all of the time! Here, he is taste testing some berries and creme fraiche.



That's Gary Collins and Mary Ann Mobley eating some of Marylou Whitney's famous chicken sandwiches.



Yet another goulash! I actually like Ivana's silver basket serving dishes.




Sally Jessy Raphael...because I couldn't resist.



A table set by Anoushka Hempel.



A young Alain Ducasse in Monaco.



And last but certainly not least, Joan Collins in her kitchen preparing Scottish Salmon and melon. Her other favorite dish is Spaghetti Bolognese.