COOKING WITH ZAC

Designer Zac Posen is the host with the most (famous friends). FOODIE BIO EMBRACE A CASUAL SETTING DREAM DINNER GUEST COOK LIKE EVERY DAY IS HANUKKAH PARTY PLAYLIST

Nothing says “fancy party” like immersing a crustacean in boiling water. This snappy tome guarantees you’ll impress guests. MUSTMAKE: Lobster lasagna.

“I grew up in New York with parents who were adventurous eaters, so food has always been an essential part of my life. Now cooking is my fashion detox, and I love it because it’s incredibly giving and generous. I’m still using my hands to create and invent— and I love being able to share what I’ve cooked. I think that’s one of the most natural human experiences in the world.” NO- FAIL MEAL “My partner, [stylist] Christopher Niquet, is vegetarian, so that’s what I cook mostly on a daily basis, which has been fun. But for a dinner party? Roasts are always a winner.” “We’ve moved to an apartment, and we have a large island where we cook. For guests, I can set it up like a buffet. Then we can have more of a soiree setting in the living room.” Move over, Grandma’s famous brownies: This is a book full of unexpected takes on sweet, mouth-watering staples. MUST-MAKE: Chocolate-chip hush puppies. “Anthony Bourdain. I don’t know him, but, believe it or not, non-fashion people often make for more fun dinner guests.”

“Fashion is about risk taking. But when I cook, I think it’s better to make a little more because we always have people coming through. Christopher is French, so he doesn’t understand leftovers. I grew up Jewish: It’s important. You never know who is going to show up!”

“I don’t usually play music during dinner because it’s too distracting. I do put on music during cocktail hour—anything from Chan Marshall to Stevie Nicks, and there’s lots of Patti Smith in our house. Patti is amazing. Surprisingly, she wears our gowns—in black, of course. She’s a badass.”