Monday, November 2, 2015
Oh, and we discussed Bettyville on 10-7-15 too!
As I hit Publish, I realized that I did not add the section on the book. I was so focused on showing all the great food and drink that everyone brought that night. But we are a book club and we discussed Bettyville, by George Hodgman. The reviews were mixed although it seemed there were more thumbs up than down. The discussion was very powerful - the AIDS crises, the fear of discussing sexuality with family and knowing you are different in a small and decaying Midwestern town. We all seemed to like Betty and were generally impressed with her son's devotion to her as she aged. If I missed anything, please chime in. As with many of our books, the book grows on me more as I hear everyone's perspective.
Think Pink - October 7, 2015
Our Theme for our October meeting was THINK PINK. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we all were thinking pink! It was a potluck, with everything pink. Everyone brought things that were pink. Here is our menu and then we have many photos.
Pink roses and burgundy mums
Beverages - pink champagne, two bottles of rose and pink green tea.
Appetizers - salmon and shrimp
Soup - pink borscht with celery
Salad - with pink fruit and raspberry viniagrette
Pink tortellini
Brisket with cherry tomatoes
Cranberry bread
Apple torte with pink whipped cream
Carrot dessert
Cookies
Pink roses and burgundy mums
Beverages - pink champagne, two bottles of rose and pink green tea.
Appetizers - salmon and shrimp
Soup - pink borscht with celery
Salad - with pink fruit and raspberry viniagrette
Pink tortellini
Brisket with cherry tomatoes
Cranberry bread
Apple torte with pink whipped cream
Carrot dessert
Cookies
Thursday, September 17, 2015
PHO under the stars
September 9th, 2015
Welcome to our third blogpost. Our meeting was held under the stars at Lynne Kudzy's house for the book The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen. One reviewer described it as " A profound, startling, and beautifully crafted debut novel destined to become a classic and redefine the way we think about the Vietnam War and what it means to win and to lose."
Reviews were mixed but some felt that it would win awards and others loved the "words in the book." Others did not love it so much, and gave it a thumbs down. However, all agreed that it was unforgettable and thought provoking for sure.
The meal itself was outstanding. Lynne went to great lengths to replicate the Vietnamese experience from dining. Here are some photos from the night.
Welcome to our third blogpost. Our meeting was held under the stars at Lynne Kudzy's house for the book The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen. One reviewer described it as " A profound, startling, and beautifully crafted debut novel destined to become a classic and redefine the way we think about the Vietnam War and what it means to win and to lose."
Reviews were mixed but some felt that it would win awards and others loved the "words in the book." Others did not love it so much, and gave it a thumbs down. However, all agreed that it was unforgettable and thought provoking for sure.
The meal itself was outstanding. Lynne went to great lengths to replicate the Vietnamese experience from dining. Here are some photos from the night.
I continue to be inspired by this group of talented ladies and their varied opinions. Can't wait to see what next month has in store for us.
Monday, August 17, 2015
Meeting Al Fresco
On Wednesday, August 12, 2015, we had our monthly meeting at my house. There were 8 of us in attendance, plus one guest, my hubby David. At 6:30, Debbie, Mitra, David and I toasted the summer with wine and whiskey. At 7, we were joined by Pam, Lisa E, Marlyn and Lynne, and a bit later by Mary. Thank you to all the home grown vegetables and herbs, the spirits and the flowers.
I thought I had the menu all worked out - salmon, pesto pasta, green beans a la salsa and a salad, but my better half decided to join me in the kitchen and make one of his chili dishes - a ground beef and fresh vegetable one. I think all of us agreed that his dish was the standout so glad he decided to add that to the menu.
When the bugs overpowered the citronella, we went inside for our meeting and dessert (brownies and chocolate chip cookies). The book was The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House, by Kate Anderson Brower. Although we had someone who was two thumbs up and someone who was two thumbs down, the majority thought it was just ok. Many thought another book about the butler in the White House was more interesting. All agreed it was a light, summer read.
It was a fun time. A lot of laughs and good conversation. Here are a few photos. I know Lynne took a few also. Look forward to seeing all of you soon. Janet
I thought I had the menu all worked out - salmon, pesto pasta, green beans a la salsa and a salad, but my better half decided to join me in the kitchen and make one of his chili dishes - a ground beef and fresh vegetable one. I think all of us agreed that his dish was the standout so glad he decided to add that to the menu.
When the bugs overpowered the citronella, we went inside for our meeting and dessert (brownies and chocolate chip cookies). The book was The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House, by Kate Anderson Brower. Although we had someone who was two thumbs up and someone who was two thumbs down, the majority thought it was just ok. Many thought another book about the butler in the White House was more interesting. All agreed it was a light, summer read.
It was a fun time. A lot of laughs and good conversation. Here are a few photos. I know Lynne took a few also. Look forward to seeing all of you soon. Janet
Monday, July 27, 2015
First Blog Post!!!
This is the first post of our new blog for the book club. You all are going to be able to write posts, make comments, send photos, post recipes etc. onto this blog. I'm very excited to get this started!
July 1st, 2015 Mitra's house
Book: Boston Girl Author Anita Diamant
Here is a review of the book - LINK
Our reviews on the book were mixed. Most felt that it was a "thin" story with very little depth. Others felt that it felt more like "YA" than adult fiction. Some liked it because it was a good summer read.
Some others felt that this story was done before.
Our meal however was not done before. It was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented.
Here are some photos from the meal.
Last weekend I spent some time with Anita Diament who is a good friend of my ex-college roommate. I didn't find her easily accessible and she was not at all interested that I was from Stamford, Ct and she was going to do a talk at the Ferguson Library in September. I did find out however that her book Boston Girl was really supposed to be about the women who stayed at the Rockport Lodge and how they were liberated for their time. It was supposed to be a very different book that was re-written by the advice of her editor!! I don't think I'm interested in hearing her speak but I might change my mind.
July 1st, 2015 Mitra's house
Book: Boston Girl Author Anita Diamant
Here is a review of the book - LINK
Our reviews on the book were mixed. Most felt that it was a "thin" story with very little depth. Others felt that it felt more like "YA" than adult fiction. Some liked it because it was a good summer read.
Some others felt that this story was done before.
Our meal however was not done before. It was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented.
Here are some photos from the meal.
Last weekend I spent some time with Anita Diament who is a good friend of my ex-college roommate. I didn't find her easily accessible and she was not at all interested that I was from Stamford, Ct and she was going to do a talk at the Ferguson Library in September. I did find out however that her book Boston Girl was really supposed to be about the women who stayed at the Rockport Lodge and how they were liberated for their time. It was supposed to be a very different book that was re-written by the advice of her editor!! I don't think I'm interested in hearing her speak but I might change my mind.
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