About once a quarter, Diane and I, Marshall Choka and Deborah Calvert, along with Gary Attanasio and Donna Matthews get together for an evening feast.
It began a few years back when we learned that Deborah used to own her own restaurant and catering service and would bring these lovely dishes to our pot luck get togethers. That led to her and Gary joining forces to cook a beef Wellington meal, followed by these regular get togethers where one of us hosts the others for a special evening. This was our night to host and it coincided with Gary's 64th birthday!
Main Dish
Since we have adopted a plant-based lifestyle, David made one of our favorite dishes - Baked Balsamic Lentil Stew with Mushrooms and Rosemary Potatoes. Deborah brought a salad with romaine lettuce, brussels sprouts, cucumbers, radishes, basil, pumpkin seeds with olive oil and balsamic glaze for dressing. By the time these pictures were taken, the meal had been served, but you get the idea.
Starters
For appetizers, Gary and Donna brought some spanikopita and Deborah and Marshall came with some lemon zest Stilton cheese spread. All were so yummy!
Healthy Sweets
For dessert, David made an Apple Raspberry Crumble. Since it was Gary's birthday, we took a spoonful and put a big ol' candle in the middle for him to blow out.
After Dinner Entertainment
Marshall tries his hand (literally) at Diane's theremin. As a matter of fact, despite the fact that it was the end of the evening, nearly everyone took a turn making their own eerie sounds.
Happy Birthday!
We placed a giant candle into the dessert and sang as Gary blew it out. The big 64!
Experimental Music
Marshall's turn at the theremin. He chose a preset that kind of sounded like a motorcycle winding up.