The Jazz in the Garden Dinner Party

Last month, Rick and I and seven other friends from our St. Michael's and All Angels Church community held a Gala Dinner to help raise funds for our Rector Search.  It was lots of fun to plan, and were were grateful for the mild weather and everyone's collaboration on menu and decor.  The day of the party, there was a flury of activity...ingredients, matching french tablecloths, silver sets, and musicians appeared as if by magic!  It was pretty amazing to see it all come together.  I brought out the pink flamingos from the basement, since you can't have a party without the aviarian flock. Unfortunately, I discovered that three of my birds had met with 'foul' play and were missing.  Upon reflection, I remembered a certain college aged son talking about how great my missing trio had looked, lit up with twinkle lights on the slopes of Anothony Lakes.

The Menu

Classic Northwest Cuisine

First Course: Bruchetta with Heirloom Tomatoes, olive oil, fresh chopped garlic and basil

Second Course: Fresh Gazpacho with avacado, Cuumber and shrimp
Third Course: Argula and Romaine Salad with Oregonola Cheese and Blackberries, Walnut-Citress Dressing 
Fourth Course: Grilled Wild Salmon with Nutted Wild Rice, almonds, and golden raisins, plus fresh Green Beans
Fifth Course: Vermont Ploughgate Creamery "Hartwell" Cow's Milk Brie, Denmark Danish Blue an French Goat Cheese Bourcheron, with fresh sliced apples
Sixth Course: Gingered Peach Shortcake with Blackberries and Vanilla Ice Cream

Chris graciously took over the rice preparation, which ended up being a modified version of a Silver Palate favorite. 

Pete was Grillmaster extraodinare mixing a wild array of sauces for the grilled salmon

Before dinner, guests mingled while Saxophonist Patrick Sargent, and his talented friends, Grant, on Keyboard, and Charlie on guitar, played classic jazz.  Patrick, by the way, played at the Monterey Jazz Festival this month, on his way to NYU, definitely a young man to watch!

What a great community to be a part of.

Chris hard at work plating the salad course 

Barb, Jim, and Rick, hustle to get food out while it's hot.  The covered pool table really came in handy!

Steve the 'Big Cheese'....

and his lovely wife, Trudy.

 

Barb was horrified when Rick wanted to use a mere airpot to serve coffee and tea!  Who could blame her, when she had these lovely heirlooms to share.

Jim always comes through with the most fabulous desserts.  Tonight was no exception, with this lovely fresh Ginger Peach and Berry Shortcake.  All in all, it was a memorable night for a worthy cause.