I live in the greatest neighborhood in the world. Our neighbors are all close friends and the parties are almost continuous. Especially when the weather turns nice and we are all roused from our hibernation of the winter.

This past week was a divine dinner held at the home of our friends Dave and Sue.  Dave, a pastry chef, and his charming wife Sue had conjured up the perfect warm weather meal, a deconstructed salade nicoise. This was the ideal foil for the sweltering late spring we have been experiencing.

I had visited their home before, but never in the daylight. I was thrilled to stroll through the backyard garden with a pre-dinner cocktail.

A Lush City Escape

I Especially Loved The Tangle of Wildflowers

One Perfectly Dewy White Iris

As Eric and I took in all the deliciousness of the garden, we chatted with friends Teague and Valerie & Jay, who had just landed from a Vancouver, B.C.  That is a testament to the wonderful parties in our neighborhood – even a 3 hour delay couldn’t prevent Jay from being there.

But dinner was calling and I didn’t want to miss a thing!

A Most Colorful Fork Supper for 12

The bounty of the buffet was astounding.  Tons of perfectly grilled vegetables including shallots, yellow & red peppers, artichoke hearts and the best green beans I have ever eaten. Anywhere. Dave – I need that recipe!  The tuna was just-right pink in the middle and the potato salad was scrumptious. Set off with a great collection of wines. Add sparkling conversation and you have a first rate dinner party!

Sweet Hilton Raises A Glass

Everyone Gathers...In The Kitchen Of Course!

Hilton and Sue Smile For The Camera

No One Could Ask For More

Bing and I Share A Giggle

Valerie and Hilton Take It All In

Our Dynamic Host & Hostess, Dave and Sue

Dessert was vanilla ice cream covered with coffee and Kahlua, with chocolate coconut cookies nestled on the side. Scrumptious! So yummy, in fact, I didn’t get a shot. Oops!

Antique Bowls Lined Up For Dessert

Rick and Bing Look On As Dave & Sue Assemble The Last Course

Another stellar night in our little corner of the world.  Many thanks to Dave and Sue for their incredible hospitality. We had an amazing time!

xoxo, Patti

New Feature!  Blogging Music!

Today, blogging to “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga