Roast

If you're making this entire menu, you'll want to brown the quail and figs before starting the eggs; then you can simply pop them in the oven when serving the first course.

Inspired by Mostly Martha The Martha in this 2001 German film is a perfectionistic chef in Hamburg whose sister's death leaves her in charge of her young niece. At work, she is further shaken by the arrival of an irrepressibly charming Italian male chef.

In this version of gremolata, garlic is omitted and rosemary and orange peel are added to the traditional mix of minced parsley and lemon peel.

Plum wine is transformed into a sweet but tangy glaze for the duck. At the restaurant, house-made gnocchi is used in this delicious dish. Purchased butternut squash or mushroom ravioli is our easy alternative, and you can save another step by asking the butcher to cut up the ducks for you.

The truffled fries are an inspired, luxurious accompaniment.

Willow Cheng of Santa Monica, California, writes: "I just got a big promotion and my husband wanted to take me out to dinner to celebrate. We had both heard great things about A.O.C., so we decided to check it out. The food didn't disappoint — especially the outstanding curried cauliflower."

Charles Alfonso of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, writes: "One of my favorite local restaurants is Dish Osteria and Bar, a place I discovered a few months ago. The food is so good that I go back nearly every weekend. The best dish I've had so far is the duck with polenta and lingonberry sauce." The restaurant serves the duck with a side of rapini sautéed in garlic and olive oil.

This is equally delicious hot or cold.

Leigh Santini of Portland, Oregon, writes: "A group of coworkers and I had a fantastic dinner at the nearby Farm Café a couple of weeks ago. While we were waiting for our table, we had drinks and an order of the roasted hazelnuts on the deck. I know I tasted rosemary in the glaze but couldn't place the rest of the flavors. Can you help?" The restaurant uses locally grown Oregon hazelnuts for this recipe. If the nuts have been stored in the freezer, bring them to room temperature before roasting so the coating maintains a smooth consistency.

This recipe sponsored by Black Swan Vineyards

Makes 6 servings.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Whole roasted salmon always makes an impressive main course. Be sure to have the salmon cleaned when buying it. Begin preparing the fish the day before the party. Serve Champagne to keep things festive.