A Star In My Kitchen.(The Good Life; ENTERTAINING)(chefs cook for homes)

Byline: Tara Weingarten

When I moved into a swank mid-century Hollywood Hills pad last year, I wanted to throw a party befitting my excitement for my new dream home. That ruled out a wienies-and-beans shindig. Instead, I chose to blow my savings on a party catered by one of my favorite L.A. chefs: Giacomino Drago, co-owner of 11 Los Angeles restaurants--including Beverly Hills' iconic Il Pastaio and the new Via Alloro. So on a warm December evening, the quintessentially Italian chef took over my kitchen and wowed me and my 85 guests. Servers presented eight courses of small plates to my eager friends. Among them: fresh zucchini souffle with warm white truffle sauce, delicate tuna tartar, flavorful porcini risotto and creamy vanilla panna cotta. Yes, it was expensive--about $12,000 including party rentals and a full bar--but tasting the impeccably prepared food, hearing the laughter of my guests and seeing my gorgeous house glow with warmth from the fireplace and candlelight profoundly connected me to my new digs.

No matter how large or small the dinner party, catering by a celebrity chef will cost at least as much as a new compact car. Most certainly, fond memories of your fete will outlast your debt. Expect to pay about $300 per person--food only--for a six- or seven-course sit-down dinner with a dozen people. Servers and ...