tuesday night's soiree

This past Tuesday night a dozen or so ladies came over to my home for a pleasant night out in the garden. What a lovely evening full of fun for all! I slow-cooked a pork shoulder and marinated a steak during the day while chopping loads of veggies for homemade salsa and toppings for the tacos that would be coming later. The shoulder was pulled apart and placed back in it's juices which were well spiced and fortified with some dry vermouth. I arranged fresh flowers, lit all the lanterns outback, set out black grapes, boursin cheese & a liver pate' and fired up the grill while waiting for the girls to arrive. I made a welcome cocktail for each guest served in a crystal teacup and named it The Painted Lady (see recipe below). Many bottles of wine were consumed and the soiree turned quite merry and even bawdy. The last of the lasses finished the night with a strong pot of English Breakfast tea spiked with Pimms. The food was delicious and enjoyed by all and I even have had leftovers for days. I have had so many texts of thanks from my good friends and just as many requests for another party soon. I hope we can have another before the season turns to cold!

The Painted Lady Cocktail

one ice cube

a crushed wedge of orange topped with

equal splash of ginger brandy and pomegranate soda

finish by topping off with Lillet Blanc

winter dinner soiree

What better way to spend a January evening than with best friends on the eve of a snowstorm enjoying fine wine and a pot-luck meal. Last night Tracy hosted us at her recently redecorated home thanks in large part to the closing of our boutique, grasshopper. She has quite the gallery installed in her dining room! And it is completed with a winter indoor jungle now that her terrace is closed for the season. We started our meal by enjoying Tracy's totally addictive white wine & cheddar fondue while toasting, catching up and waiting for the roasting stuffed chicken to finish in the oven. Once the bird was carved and plated our meal of endive & blue cheese salad, homemade stuffing and wild rice with mushrooms was ready to eat. Fresh cannoli from Termini Bros. completed this lovely get together.

part of the elite

Last night I attended a fashion show and gallery opening at Area 919 in Northern Liberties. This event was promoted by yelp.com as a new campaign that invites their "Yelp Elite" out to area events for VIP deals, networking and partying. You can become a part of the elite by signing up as a reviewer on yelp.com and reviewing your brains out. I was invited because Grasshopper was taking part in the fashion show. Area 919 was a great space with all kinds of vintage and imported furniture, artwork, and housewares. There was locally donated wine and cupcakes and even local salons being represented with free mini massages. The crowd was a great mix of the interesting, hip, and fashionably dressed.