2 Weeks Overdue

Just to back track from this past weekend, as well as the weekend before (dang! I have totally procrastinated.).

Last Friday, September 13 I catered an anniversary party with a few stationary items and some passed hors d'oeuvres ( honestly can't believe I just spelled hors d'oeuvres correctly on the first try...I think).  Anywho, my new favorite menu item that was featured at this event was The Raw Bar.  Super simple and the most appreciated item of the evening.

This is not a photo of MY actual Raw Bar as stated before I suck at taking pictures of my work. I am actively working on this. Courtesy of:Jeffery's Grocery

Contained on the Raw Bar were: fresh Blue Point Oysters w/ Mignonette Sauce , Classic Shrimp Cocktail, Citrus Seafood Ceviche (calamari, red snapper, shrimp)  and Chilled Mussels w/ Spicy Salsa.  In the future I would definitely add clams and maybe a little chilled crab salad of sorts.


Meanwhile the following evening I had the pleasure of preparing a birthday BBQ buffet.  I served my popular smoked brisket, mayo-less cole slaw, citrus and herb quinoa salad (I am so playing out the quinoa thing, looking for a good replacement), and jalapeño cornbread.  This event was a reheat, layout food for service, and leave kind of an event, all with the host & hostess being more than gracious and appreciative.  Just what the chef ordered! BUT it wasn't just the couple (and their could-be-a-baby-model-baby), or the food, or the $95 parking ticket I received that I am going to remember.  It's the secret rooftop entertaining area that steals the show here.  I adore a secret spot in New York (Manhattan) that is of outdoor space.  Perfect night for an adult b'day bash.


Moving on to this past week/weekend.

Briefly, 1) I love a one year old that eats fish. 2)I love an Italian mother who lets me know that it's ok not to use salt, but to instead flavor the food with herbs, olive oil, and parmesan cheese...true simplicity.

Saturday, September 21st I had the pleasure of cooking for a group a friends gathering to celebrate a birthday.  This penthouse level apartment in Tribeca had me kicking myself for not paying enough attention in school, damn it was NICE!

The party was for 17, I prepared another one of my favorite menus that is spot on the in "family style service" department.  The menu started with a stationary Mediterranean Platter (typical dips:hummus, babaganoush, cucumber yogurt sauce), signature mini falafel, marinated cucumber slices, marinated olives and artichoke hearts, pita.  For the dinner there was: Seafood Salad (shrimp, braised octopus (a blog entry in itself), calamari), Roasted Beef Filet, Tomato and Arugula Salad w/ Pine Nuts and Parmesan Cheese, Spaghetti w/ Basil and Mint Pesto.  All a yummy yummy treat.

Borrowed from :Seven Uncles Come to Dinner, just liked the picture.

The lesson learned for this birthday par-tay was to ask how well equipped the kitchen is.  For as you may assume people with money may have a fully stocked kitchen...they don't!  NEVER ASSUME ANYTHING!  I banged this birthday bash out with one small stock pot, 2 10 inch saute pans, and a pyrex dish.  UGH!  Live and learn I guess.

All in all I've had a great two weeks with many more fascinating events to come.

October 6: Truffle dinner and working with the husband.