At Vestals 5.6.2016

We gathered at J and E's catering hub for the royal treatment, and it did not disappoint.  We enjoyed a many course meal surrounded by the peaceful ambience of candles and a beautifully set table.

Because I am writing this 4 months after it happened, the details are a little fuzzy.  I mostly remember some very good wine, excellent food, top notch service, and the warm feeling I experience when I think of time spent surrounded by friends who love and care for each other so deeply.

Life (like wine) is best experienced in the company of true friends.

Is It Chile In Here? 2.27.2016

The theme: Chile.  The food: better than typical Chilean food, thanks to Paul and Jackie.  The wine: running the gamut from bold Cab Savs to Carmenere blends.  The table conversation: Quotable.
The laughter: Unstoppable.

All Hands On Deck 11.2.2015

The deck was finally finished so Cody and Becky did the best possible thing to christen it.  They hosted a wine dinner outdoors.  It was dark.  It was winter.  It wasn't too cold, though.  In fact, I know the guys weren't feeling any chill around the fire pit, especially thanks to the hard liquor.

Thanks for helping us break in the new deck everyone!

Sushi Sake 4.6.2015

Jed and Greta graciously treated our group to a private table at Sushi Sake for an evening of great food and wine.  We were relieved to find the table had an underground opening for legs and that we would not be spending the next 3 hours on knees or criss cross applesauce.

Paul and Jackie came in costume (of course…overachievers!)

A beautiful evening was enjoyed by all.

Argentine Wine (&Tango) 2.27.2015

We risked our lives driving in snow and ice to arrive at Jordan and Emily's to partake in amazing wine, food, and fellowship.  We were all prepared to spend the night if necessary.

The Argentinian food Jordan prepared was delicious- and his empanadas were almost as good as the ones Becky made. (see first wine dinner 10.1.2011)

The evening was going "swimmingly" well when suddenly a bit of unexpected craziness stepped into our lives.

It was later determined that the "craziness" was actually a tango instructor and her dance partner cleverly employed by Jordan to give the group tango lessons.

I probably need to let that sink in a bit.  Those of you who were tipsy that night- it was NOT a dream.  We actually did tango lessons in the living room, and I have quite a lot of photographic evidence to prove it.

It just goes to show one never knows what to expect at these wine dinners we share…

Lakewood Country Club Dinner 12.7.14

The Howells let us crash the country club for a one of a kind evening full of amazing food and delightful surprises.

Look what a respectable group we are when we clean up:

We managed to hold that pose for a few seconds before going crazy touching Greta's super soft vest.  What can I say?  Maybe we aren't so respectable after all:

We had the dining room to ourselves and our own personal menu created by famous chef William Koval who was stolen away from The French Room recently.  The food was over the top amazing.

After dinner, we even got a tour of the kitchen.  

The wine that night was lovely, and we all took home a bottle of our favorite:

Thank you, Paul and Jackie, for a memorable evening!  My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Rancho Loma Weekend 10.24.14

I still can't believe the 8 of us whisked ourselves away to the middle of nowhere for an amazing weekend of wine and food.  I really can't sum this up…there was too much, it was too perfect.

Good thing I created photo books for everyone, so we can all have the memories within arm's reach on our coffee tables.

I can't recreate the photo book here, won't even try.  But I will put a few pictures that make me smile.