Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?


We are delighted to have the renowned Namibian artist, now Monaco based Stefanie Van Zyl as our first contributor to this series.

Stefanie was asked to imagine throwing a dinner party. The venue could be anywhere in the world and the invited guests could be contemporary or historical.

The  Dinner Party.


??? WHERE

in the world…
Stefanie chose to entertain her guests in the incredibly elegant Ducasse Louis XV Restaurant in the Hotel de Paris, Monte Carlo. The hotel is situated next to the famous Casino, both incredible Belle Epoque buildings designed by Charles Garnier. Stepping into the restaurant is like entering another world, the lavish use of gold and mirrors reflect the light of the chandeliers onto the glass and tableware. The atmosphere is hushed, the service discreet.


 

??? WHO

… would eat in a place like this?

Well, the first chosen guest reflects all of the elegance of the Ducasse Restaurant and so much more. Stefanie chose her role model Princesse Grace de Monaco. The beauty, morals and personality have impressed Stefanie throughout her life and having had the opportunity to create a painting of the Princesse  (now part of HSH Prince Albert's collection) , she seems the ideal choice.

Seated next to her Serene Highness would be the painter of perhaps the most famous of ladies. Leonardo da Vinci's work has influenced Stefanie's own  and she greatly admires his depiction of women.

Another considered beauty, Katherine Swynford would be the other dining companion of the great painter. Seated next to Katherine is her lover and then husband John of Gaunt. This famously romantic historical couple, whose love is charted in Stefanie's favourite book 'Katherine' by Anya Seaton would add a completely different dimension to the dinner.

Two musicians would complete the party. Would they be asked to entertain with an impromptu duet? For Stefanie it would be wonderful to think so. The combination of Louis Armstrong and Barbra Streisand would be a sound many would love to hear.

??? WHAT

posh nosh, pub grub?
…definitely the former on this occasion. Stefanie, rather than imposing a menu, imagines it would be amusing to watch how the mix of medieval, renaissance and modern guests would interpret the world famous choices here.

???CONVERSATION PIECES

Who said what to who... and the consequence was….

Given the mix from Olde English to twenty first century American, the range of table talk would be amazing.
Will da Vinci leave with Princesse Grace's telephone number, so he can call and arrange a sitting?
Will Katherine leave with an engagement ring on her finger?
Will Louis and Barbra be checking their diaries to play together in Madison Square Garden?
Will Stefanie's dinner party be so successful, that she plans another?