Dinner Party #4: December 10, 2005

John and I got up to it again, this time it was our post-Holidazzle, pre-exams dinner party. A great night overall. Sam prepared some mulled wine as the introductory drink as people arrived, which went over really well (except for the full cup that John spilled on the carpet, but somehow it managed to clean up pretty well...and my iPod seems to have survived a minor dousing).

The menu was French Onion soup, duck breast (orange/port/tarragon sauce), candy-cane creme brulee.

13 people in total. Adding to the novelty of the evening was the fact that a lot of people's significant others were in town for Holidazzle on Friday night, so we got to meet Cathy's fiancee Calvin (who, incidentally, is completing his MBA/Law joint degree at U of T, in addition to finishing chef school, so he appreciated my quality cookware and our fine german knives). We also met Sara's boyfriend, who was a lot of fun. Steve (one of "the Dartmouth guys") also brought his sister Betsy, who was a pleasant addition to the group--as was my classmate Andrew.

The evening was also productive in that John and I finally got around to getting a couch, in anticipation of a fairly large crowd. The first Ikea in Massachussettes just opened, so we took the opportunity to get ourselves an inexpensive couch which looks like it's from the same colour palette as my poang chair, which works out well. It's also good for unintentional afternoon napping.


Glenn slices the duck breast, while (nearly) professional sous-chef Calvin helps plate the succulent flesh.

Calvin, Betsy, Cathy and Sam enjoy some conversation between courses.

Above: With the oven and stovetop full, John is sure the duckbreasts are about ready.



Left: Kate, Liz, Steve, Sara and Shane enjoying the main course.