The Blogpatch

Deepti, Jon and I threw a summer dinner party in early August. Jon orchestrated an amazing menu; we had a special secret theme. We drank many lovely bottles of riesling, chianti and prosecco, and somehow, a bottle of tequila. And I still have the group voicemail, left at 2am, as a record of the evening.

Pre-party prep dinner. Why is Deepti laughing? Because of Jon’s duck feet.

I love my mustard yellow table, especially with its grey chairs. Deepti brought dahlias, and the evening sun is casting wine glass shadows on the wall.

I’m practicing wedding photography here. Below is a shot from the garden looking in at pre-party cocktail hour:

Note that I moved Harper’s feeding dishes outside for the party. Inevitably someone (usually Frank) kicks the entire thing across the kitchen, and not once but several times throughout the party.

Note Deepti’s unconventional place card protocol.

Jon & Frank.

Action shots. Jon plating the salad. Said salad being eaten.

Frank holding court at the head of the table. Jon after three bottles of wine.

Enjoying an after dinner glass. And something funny.

Deepti hugging Jon. Deepti & Graham. Much love.

Best shot of the night. The dancing has started. Haven’t had a dinner party without dancing yet.

Crazy SF marathoners the very next morning. Too damn early. And an afternoon bloody mary recovery at the Ramp the next afternoon. Note Jon’s excellent headband.

Here’s our menu:

* Halibut and scallop ceviche on flash-fried wonton crisps with avocado

* Rocket green salad, shaved parmigiana, lemon vinaigrette

* Veal and pork and ricotta meatballs (with pistachios!) with heirloom tomato sauce and fresh basil; pea & boston lettuce tarragon puree

* Grilled fresh figs with goat cheese and balsamic-port reduction sauce. Here are the figs; they look ugly but tasted so good!