...the people, I mean. We went to dinner on Sunday, at the lovely home of a couple with whom we have recently become acquainted at our health club. I had met the guy, but not his wife. Every time he mentions her, he prefaces the remarks with the statement that she is a gourmet cook. I am intimidated by people who are described as gourmet cooks - since I could never hope to live up to that title myself. I do well to get something edible on the table, and we don't entertain much at all.
Dinner was excellent. The first course was fettucine with a red sauce and meatballs. The main course was chicken marsala, with spinach souffle and baked acorn squash. It was all perfectly done, and dessert was a masterpiece. A cake topped with a whipped cream cheese concoction, sliced kiwi and ice cream. Now tell me; what ever can I cook and serve to them that equals that??!! My only specialty is pork tenderloin, served with fresh steamed asparagus cooked with mint, stuffed acorn squash and some good bread. Since she served acorn squash, I'll have to come up with another vegetable or potato. Oh, well. Maybe they'll enjoy the sparkling conversation.....lol. We sure did.
There were two other couples there. One of the women was born in Italy, but has lived in the USA for many years. The area in Italy that her family came from is the same area from which mr. kenju's family originated. One of the women was born in Puerto Rico. The careers of the men were all varied, as were the women's. One of the men used to be a licensed building contractor, and he now does small remodeling jobs and repairs for friends and family. He is currently working on a project for a neighbor of his; a stroke victim, who we have met and had lunch with on several occasions. None of us stopped talking for a minute and we were together for 4 and 1/2 hours. I had only met the host before, one other couple had not met us or the other couple and yet - we all meshed as if we had been friends for eons. It was a wonderful get-together, and I hope we can someday give them an evening that was as enjoyable as theirs! What a small world it is!
There were two other couples there. One of the women was born in Italy, but has lived in the USA for many years. The area in Italy that her family came from is the same area from which mr. kenju's family originated. One of the women was born in Puerto Rico. The careers of the men were all varied, as were the women's. One of the men used to be a licensed building contractor, and he now does small remodeling jobs and repairs for friends and family. He is currently working on a project for a neighbor of his; a stroke victim, who we have met and had lunch with on several occasions. None of us stopped talking for a minute and we were together for 4 and 1/2 hours. I had only met the host before, one other couple had not met us or the other couple and yet - we all meshed as if we had been friends for eons. It was a wonderful get-together, and I hope we can someday give them an evening that was as enjoyable as theirs! What a small world it is!
17 comments:
Food and people go wonderfully together don't they. New faces and a glass of wine must have been in God's plan. A good bread maker is extremely valuable.
What if you grilled salmon (garnish with parsley & lemon), had au gratin potatoes and white & green asparagus? :)
What a delightful evening!!!! Sounds like you had a lot of fun!
My ex still calls me a gourmet cook because one of my recipes that I created won a cooking contest -- I won't burst his bubble but I think I lost that title because I don't cook much anymore. Cooking for one is a crashing bore and I've never learned how. I'm still eating fettucine and meatballs that I made last week.
How terrific, Judy! It sounds like such a great evening. And Chicken Marsala is one of my very favorite things to eat--LOVED the Spinich soufle and the Deeee-licious sounding Veggie, to. How really wondderful to meet new people and have it be so incredibly comfortable...!
I know you will prepare a dinner and have an evening that will delight them, as well. Can't wait to hear about it.
Sounds a wonderful evening! Great to have friends from across the world.
Now I'm going to have to Google acorn squash - I know butternut, but not acorn!
Sounds like a rare evening and a whole new social whirl.
Don't worry about your meal- I'd be climbing the walls. They wouldn't want you to outdo the gourmet chef just a nice appetising meal will please everybody. I might nip over myself:)
It is wonderful when a social evening works out perfectly. If you enjoyed the companionship you can returned he favor and it DOES NOT have to be gourmet. Just good seasonal food prepared well. Spring is coming...how about a lamb curry or lamb roast with mint? The woman will not be critical. I sometimes cook gourmet and I sometimes cook normal and I am never critical of someones meal when they put out the effort.
Shephard, that's a great menu suggestion - but - mr. kenju doesn't eat fish of any kind, so that's out.
If the company is good, the meal is secondary. Dazzle them with your brilliance.
I do hope that woman has no male children. Can you imagine the life her daughter-in-law would face?
Go with what you know. A pork tenderloin sounds good. Maybe some mashed sweet potatoes browned under the broiler to replace the squash? If you prepare a meal you are comfortable about you will be more ready to enjoy the company and conversation.
Sounds delicious. I say you could service the squash anyway! Or it might be fun to look for new side dish recipes.
I am so jealous. It is so hard to meet nice couples around here. The Evil Twin and I love having company - I'm no gourmet cook, but I think I do a reasonable job, so I love to make extra and have friends, the kids' friends, etc. over. It makes the dinner table much more fun.
Sounds wonderful, glad you had such a nice time. I love it when there is a get together where everyone blends and the conversation never has a lull in it!
This post has made me wonder... how long until DINNER? ~ jb///
It's called catering:) Or, if you're a member of Sam's Club you can go there and buy every course already prepared and you just have to heat and provide the dishes and honesty say you cooked it all yourself. (However I did love the sound of your menu and doubt anyone could or would object.)
:) :) :) :) :)
Asparagus and mint? I can't wait to try that combination!
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