Northeast Craftworks

I was lucky enough to get an invitation to the Underground restaurant of Chef Deanna D’angelo Karpe last night in Woodstock. The annual Girls Only event was one that I had not attended before, and the timing could not have been better. With the hectic holidays behind us and so many of us being caught up in the whirl, we had not had a chance in some time to commune with each other and I, for one, was really in need of some quality girls time. It was an interesting blend of women that all seemed so well put together in a group. An interior designer…a chef, a nurse, a jeweler, a massage therapist, a videographer, a printer, a photographer/owner of a dog shop, all inspired and creative and expressive and passionate women.

Deanna at work by Sikena Barley

I arrived at the private home that serves as Deanna’s private kitchen and lounge at 7:30 on a cold and frigid Saturday evening. The house was aglow with candle light everywhere, low lighting in the kitchen, a crackling fire in the immense floor to ceiling stone fireplace, and the sounds of soft classical music drifted on top of the conversation. The first thing I was struck with upon entering the door was the divine aroma of Deanna’s cooking. Garlic, tomato, cinnamon, thyme, tarragon, basil, fruit, meat…everything all at once but combining in one luscious scent. If I could have bottled it, I would’ve been rich.

Deanna was in a whirl of culinary inspiration, barely stopping long enough to give me a welcome hug and kiss.  An Italian vision in a frilly black and white polka dotted apron with black tights and boots, she was floating from stove to island, from pan to bowl…a pinch of this, a splash of that, a sip of her wine, a laugh at a remark. Like a mad scientist in her lab, she has bowls of glass and china filled with nuts and berries and vegetables…dishes and platters of vintage china patterns covered in stuffed artichokes, fresh mozzerella, goat cheese with cranberries, salads and olives… crystal glasses filled with every herb imaginable.

Deanna working her magic

As each cold and excited woman entered the door and shook off the cold, there were hugs and introductions and comments of how amazing it smelled and how hungry they were and what kind of wine they brought to share.  As we helped ourselves to the wine and began picking at the vast array of dishes covering the island and every surface available, we began to share stories of our holiday experiences, what was new since last we spoke, of who we were and what we did to those we had not yet met.

The gourmet spread

For the next four hours we stuffed ourselves with the heavenly dishes Deanna kept bringing out at constant pace.  Stuffed artichokes that I could eat every day, home made manicotti with fresh basil and marinara, pastry puffs served with quail and red grapes in a sauce that I can only explain as exquisite.  Then there was the cannelloni beans and spinach in a spicy sauce that was OMG… puffed pastry filled with brie, roasted figs and walnuts and covered in a berry sauce that silenced us all to the point of moaning with our eyes closed…it was a sexual food experience for sure.

We meandered throughout the house from room to room enjoying our wine and conversation and food as we went. At times it was quiet, with small groups of girls or couples involved in their own conversation near the fire or out in the cold on the porch, and then periodically all of us gathering around the island as Deanna cooked laughing and drinking and  joking with robust laughter. We were even treated to several songs of the supremely gifted resident pianist who played on his baby grand from an adjoining room while we chatted.

Italian delights (photo by Sikena Barley)

I can’t think of much more that I like better than the company of wonderful and creative people, eating inspired and eclectic food and wine, surrounded by candles and music and great conversation.

A crackling fire

I am so honored and lucky to have been included in this experience. I can not wait for the chance to do it again.