The Dinner Party

Welcome to "The Happy Critic" Column I created for folks who love extraordinary experiences. I use uplifting words to draw attention to remarkable people and their stories about preparing, serving, eating, and savoring food. I share only the best!

This story is about me and my favorite life adventure, "The Dinner Party." It came about unexpectedly because of a sad breakup with my husband. Not one to spend much time alone and an avid cook since childhood, I invited my girlfriends Sherry, Diane, Katie, and Olga for Tuesday night Dinner Parties thirty-two years ago! After a year of girls and girl talk, I encouraged everyone to invite handsome, engaging men; the rest is history.

Ever since, "The Dinner Party" has been a monthly social affair with food, wine, and the creme de la creme of handpicked guests. All of my guests have a unique flair about them. I arrange the seating perfectly to match folks I think should meet each other, write the seasonal menus, and prepare and serve the best food I know. Guests have fallen in love at my table! I am known as The Connector, Curator & Cook.

My dinner table seats fourteen guests. It is very special to me as Heads of State and prominent people in business, including my father, have sat at this table. The table was a surprise gift from the General Manager of The Plaza Club while I was the Membership Director. It was built in 1972, and I can feel the history. I search estate sales for old antique place settings so there is an old-fashioned, elegant feel.

Last night's dinner party was extra special, with Bobby Bacon being my guest of honor. Since his precious lover, Natalia Sun, passed recently, we wanted to surround him with support, encouragement, and friendship. He brought with him some delicious selections of Champagne. Some I had never tasted before! It was a beautiful evening, and all had a grand time.

I always ask everyone to come hungry because I usually prepare 6-7 courses. The Menu last night included: Stuffed & roasted jalapenos, Avacado Soup, Watermelon Salad, Salmon Carpaccio, Scotch Eggs, Angel Hair Pasta with Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, Whipped Cream with strawberries, mint, and short- bread cookies served with a side shot of Lemoncello. I get so much joy when the delicious food on my plates is licked clean. Food is my art most of the time.

Some recipes I love to share! I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy cooking and serving them. A bit of advice: Shop at Central Market! They sell the best products in San Antonio. The quality of the ingredients is crucial to the outcome of an outstanding plate of divine food! It is also critical to make homemade broths...chicken, vegetable, beef, and seafood. And believe me, there is nothing more heavenly than homemade Whipped Cream!

CHILLED AVACADO SOUP

3 Giant Avocados, just ripe! Cut in half, DeSeeded, and Scooped into the Blender

Homemade

Chicken Broth (contact me for the Recipe)

1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream

1 Cup Buttermilk

Cilantro lime juice

Maggi Liquid Seasoning

Cayenne pepper Dashes

Minced Garlic Cloves

Salt to Taste

Mix Everything in a Food Processor Until Velvet in Texture.

Pour Into Pretty Bowls.

Garnish Each Serving with a Half Slice of Thick Cut Bacon with Jalapeno

1 Firm Green Grape- cut in half

1 Cherry Tomato- cut in half

Tsp Minced Chives

Salt and Cracked Pepper to Taste

WATERMELON SALAD

1 Small Watermelon

Chopped into Chunks

1 Cucumber Peeled, Cut in Half, Deseeded, and Sliced

1 Small Red Onion Sliced Very Thin

Fresh Basil Leaves from Your Garden Pots

1 Cup Roasted Pistachios with Butter, Salt, and Brown Sugar

Add All Ingredients to a Large Bowl. Squeeze Honey on the Salad

Good Olive Oil Shaken-on Salad

Toss and Top with Basil Leaves

Refrigerate Until Ready to Serve

For Garnish: Add a few dollops of Vermont Honey Goat Cheese from a 4 ounce package

"The Dinner Party" has enhanced and strengthened my life beyond measure. Except for the dishes, these Fantastic Evenings have given me incredible memories, rewarding relationships, powerful cooking experiences, and the opportunity to share what is important! People, Food & Art, are my Passions.

For more information or recipes, call me!

Karen Evans! RE Newsline \ 210-526-1420 \ karen@renewsline.com