Issue date: November 26, 2000

Interview

Entertaining in high-society style

NEW YORK socialite Nan Kempner's lifestyle is certainly lavish -- jet-setting to couture shows, dinners with countless counts -- but there's also an open, down-to-earth side to the doyenne of American high society. In her new cookbook, R.S.V.P.: Menus for Entertaining From People Who Really Know How (Clarkson Potter, $40), Kempner shows how the upper crust throws a party. (Hint: Get somebody else to shop and cook.) USA WEEKEND Magazine spoke with her recently:

What's the best meal to serve if you're on a budget?
Spaghetti. Spaghetti with fresh tomatoes, spaghetti with butter. If you can read, you can make a great spaghetti dish.

What does the average dinner party you throw cost?
I have no idea of the cost.

What defines good taste?
Good taste is all in the eye of the beholder. Once you have it, you have it.

What's the best dinner you ever tasted?
I can't name one. It might have been a hamburger with dear friends. Often, the best meals are the most basic food.

What's your favorite junk food?
Hot dogs, off the street. I like all food that's not good for you.

And do you hang out at a Starbucks on Park Avenue?
I don't understand Starbucks. If I want coffee, I usually just make a cup of instant at home.

Instant! What will you go out for?
I'm crazy about doughnuts. I love Dunkin' Donuts.