Anatomy of a Dinner Party: a day in the life of a hospitalityaholic
 

Teresa

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How We Met Two Friends

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

Remember our gratitude dinner from Monday? We had invited our two new friends, Teresa and Nick. People ask how I meet all these people. Here is one tale of meeting new friends.

Eric and I had decided to treat ourselves to a nice dinner out two weeks ago and made a reservation at Shaun’s through Open Table. You know about Open Table, right? The more reservations you make, the better chance you have to earn dining gift certificates. This is an especially great idea for all you executive assistants who make a lot of reservations for the office. The more they dine out, the more you earn. Win-win!

Anyhoo, our reservation is made and we arrive at Shaun’s about 5 minutes early. It is packed – everyone is trying to use their Scoutmob coupon before it expires the next day (I have to admit that two of those people were us). You would think the restaurant would take this into account when allowing folks to book a table. But alack and alas, I don’t think it crossed their minds. We waited. And waited. And waited. 45 minutes go by. We are about to walk out and order a pizza when we are told that our table is ready. Ok, we’ll stay.

We are seated next to a nice couple and through the shared experience of being made to wait, we get to talking. She previously worked at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, where I just visited and he is a nice chap from England. Just add wine – instant friends.

And food. You need to share your food. Here’s what we ordered.

Pork belly buns - Scrumptious

Crabcake with slaw. Good but tiny...

Chicken Liver heaped on toast. This was huge. So I guess it all balances out.

Flatbread with greens. I don't think I touched this. I was too busy gabbing.

Swell new friend, Teresa, and me.

Eric and our new friend, Nick.

And that’s how it happens. It’s a small world and we are all in it together. Make a new friend today.

oxox, Patti

Today blogging to Joe Cocker – A Little Help From My Friends

Dining With Gratitude

Monday, September 20th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

Happy Monday to you all. I hope you had a fabulous weekend. On Saturday night we gave a dinner to thank some very special folks for being so good to us. Joining us were Spencer, Allison, LaToyin and Neil of Black Tie Barbecue, Laura Scholz, her husband, Tim and our new friends Teresa & Nicholas.

Menu

Grilled Shrimp w/cocktail sauce

Chips w/cheese dip

Grilled Ribeyes wrapped in bacon

Twice-baked stuffed Potatoes

Salad w/raisins, almonds and red onion

Garlic Bread

Pound Cake soaked in Lemoncello

Apple Pie

Sesame and Chocolate Cookies

Vanilla Ice Cream

Malbec, Chardonnay, Cava

Pellegrino

But first, you have to start with a pretty table. I dressed the table in all metalics to give it sparkle. Gold runners, candlesticks and napkins rings paired with silver chargers.

Before guests arrive. I ended up moving the candelabra because it was in the way of the a/c and blowing madly everywhere.

Candles lit and ready for guests

You’re Invited! Come On In.