I’ve been helping our neighbors, JB and Murie (sp?), with their computer for the past few months. They’ve been extremely thankful… in bottled form so far (JB is sommeleir at Orange Hill). But they had insisted that they would cook us a French meal to thank us for our help. Melanie and I, along with Adam and Krista, were treated to this meal last night. And, let me tell you, these neighbors know hospitality.
Murie told us when we sat down for champagne that she wanted to have a French “toosh”. JB was quick to correct her pronounciation and told her “it’s touch…” “che… che” he made the sound that should be there in place of the “shhhh”. We all had a big laugh and it became the word for the night. On the topic of words, JB mentioned that it is strange for them to hear American couples call each other “honey”… he says… “that’s what I put on my toast… why would I call someone that?”. It’s fun to see the other perspective sometimes.
Two bottles of champagne, and a plate full of caviar-laden toastettes later… it was time to move into the dining room. So much good bread and, of course, French wine was available. For starters, we had a tomato salad with anchovies and olives. This was followed by the main course of roasted leg of lamb with potatoes au gratin (Murie’s special recipe… uses cream instead of milk). After stuffing our faces with this wonderful food and glasses upon glasses of wine, it was time for the cheese course. Three types of cheeses for us to choose from adorned a platter. My favorite was a sweet cheese that had walnuts in it.
More wine… and it’s time for dessert! Melanie and Krista made a white chocolate raspberry cheesecake that was so good, it was sure to make my pants button pop from eating it on top of all the other food. Murie insisted on an apertif… her specialty White Russian. Who am I to decline this? No one, that’s who.
Our heads hit our pillow at about midnight… and we were asleep within 17 seconds. The next morning… I was still full. I could not even think of eating breakfast (this is a big deal as I never skip breakfast). I forced myself to eat a Clif bar at 10AM and that was even difficult.
Good times, good times!
