Picture flame jugglers, contortionists, and tight rope walkers keeping guests on their toes. A tent on a Newport mansion’s sprawling oceanfront lawn on a warm August night.

Hosted by Jay Leno and Donald Osborne and sponsored by Louis Vuitton, the Audrain Automobile Museum Summer Gala is an annual fundraiser for the historic Newport museum. The event’s vintage circus theme provided the perfect backdrop for our chefs to test their creative chops and have fun with an inventive menu for the 500 museum supporters, VIP clients, and high end car enthusiasts in attendance. Guests sampled passed appetizers like “Sword Swallowers” (chilled watermelon, ricotta salata, fresh basil and basil syrup served on mini sword picks) and “Clown Noses” (crispy clam cakes dusted with Newport Sea Salt), and sipped on drinks from Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. Check out a snapshot of this memorable evening, and indulge in Russell Morin’s custom menu below.

The Menu

"Circus Fare" Passed Appetizers

“Corn Dogs” our upscale version with native lobster dipped in cornmeal batter, fried until golden brown and served with curried mango dip
“Sword Swallowers” chilled watermelon, ricotta salata, fresh basil and basil syrup, served on miniature sword picks
“Strong Man’s Moustache” crisp puff pastry palmiers with prosciutto and parmesan
“Clown Noses” crispy clam cakes dusted with Newport sea salt
“Lion Tamer” buttermilk fried chicken with maple mustard sauce, on a mini wild rice waffle
“Bearded Lady” BBQ beef brisket slider, baby arugula, cheddar cheese

"The Midway" Stationary Appetizers

Snow Cone “Shots” old fashioned paper cones filled with shaved ice, topped with guest’s choice of house infused syrups (sour bing cherry, lemonade or concord grape) and a shot of liquor of choice (vodka, rum, tequila)
“Peanuts!, Popcorn!, Get your Peanuts Here!!!” sweet + salty jumbo peanuts and hot + spicy jumbo cashews, toasted to order in black skillets. Gourmet kettle corn drizzled with truffle oil. The definitive Circus Treat!

"Ring Number One" 1st Course

Creamy burrata atop carrot mousseline with arugula, basil pistou, black sea salt, balsamic reduction and grilled ciabatta

“The Center Ring” Entrée

Petite filet with herb compound butter and butter basted whole lobster tail presented with duck fat fried potato wedges and grilled kale

“Ring Number Three...” Miniature Dessert Treats

Chocolate devil dogs with salted caramel filling
Cracker Jack cupcakes with peanut butter frosting + Cracker Jacks
Mini strawberry shortcake verrines
Mini chocolate shakes with mini donut
Hot cinnamon sugar dusted churros, drizzled with dulce de leche

The event’s vendors included:
Campo & Company Events (Francesca Campo - Event Planner)
Newport Tent
Exquisite Events Details & Décor
Peak Event Services
Jennifer Manville Photography
Studio Choo / Jill Rizzo Florals
La Forge Casino Food Truck – Late Night Snacks
Marianne Bennett Orchestra

A lively evening to remember The Audrain Automobile Museum Summer Gala