James Murphy's Michelin-Starred Party Tricks for Wine Geeks
Nick Curtola, chef legend at The Four HorsemenâBrooklyn's wine bar playground co-founded by LCD Soundsystem's James Murphyâthrows what might be the fanciest nightly dinner party outside of an episode of Top Chef. With dishes like Santa Barbara uni on golden rice and Iberico pork collar that sounds suspiciously like ordering a pig to a spa, Curtolaâs menu is paired with wine so intellectual it probably critiques you back. Despite snagging a Michelin star and a James Beard (because who says chef awards can't be hoarded?), the place keeps it casualâlike fine dining meets a laid-back karaoke bar. His top tip? Prep like a culinary ninja with mise en place, wield a $377 Roland Lannier knife sharper than your in-laws' critique, and leverage equipment choices like a $430 Le Creuset pot gifted by his mom 15 years ago (finally some family appreciation). Curtain call includes multi-course tricks for weekend warriors scared of the stove and a love affair with batched cocktailsâbecause shaking martinis is so 2010.
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If your dinner party requires wielding a $377 chefâs knife and $430 cookware gifts from mom, congrats, youâre officially not 'just cooking' but staging a full-blown culinary Broadway musical where guests clap politely while you sweat silently.
Who knew a casual dinner party required the surgical precision of a Michelin-starred chef with a daily uni-and-Iberico-spa ritual? Meanwhile, Iâm over here struggling to toast bread without setting off alarms.
Forget casual hosting, throw parties like James Murphyâs friend Nick: Michelin star, notebook full of mise en place, and a cocktail pitcher because nobody has time for shaken martinis at home.
Source: Eater | Published: 9/25/2025 | Author: Hilary Pollack