LIFE EDU

To sample lunch at The Pink House, I invited my foodie friends Jeff and Didi Davis to join me. Due to COVID-19, I called ahead and learned that outside seating was available. Outdoor is dining is limited two tables; however, so be aware of that when you go.

When our cheerful young waitress, Emma, handed us our menus, I was delighted to see a separate tea menu. Didi tried the crème brule oolong tea, while I had the Madagascar coconut white tea. Both were delicious!

For lunch, I ordered the broccoli and cheese quiche, which came with a green salad, a fruit salad and a small slice of banana bread served with real butter. The first thing I noticed was that the salad greens were so fresh it seemed they had been pulled from the garden that morning. The ranch dressing tasted like the original Hidden Valley ranch dressing – the kind that came in a packet and had to be mixed with buttermilk and mayonnaise (so worth the trouble). The fresh fruit salad was topped with the “famous Pink House dip,” a fluffy, sweet concoction.

My slice of quiche was somewhat small and barely warm, but, oh my, the flavor! In fact, it tasted a bit too good. After my second bacony bite, I realized I had been served the bacon and spinach quiche. I was going to simply enjoy the luscious marriage of salty bacon and eggy/cheesy filling, but my friend Jeff alerted Emma to the mistake. Embarrassed, Emma quickly returned with a large, piping hot slice of my originally chosen quiche. I’ve been on a vegetarian diet for about 18 months, but that savory bacon and spinach quiche was so heavenly, I happily indulged. The broccoli and cheese quiche was quite good warmed in the microwave later for my dinner.

In homage to his home state, Jeff ordered the California club sandwich. It had large chunks of flavorful chicken breast, bacon, swiss cheese and tasty avocado on what he described as “toasted artisan bread.” It was served with potato chips and a crunchy dill pickle. He said he would definitely order it again.

Didi ordered the southwestern cobb salad drizzled with a delicious creamy vinaigrette. She immediately commented on how fresh and crisp the greens were. It also included generous slices of avocado, marinated grilled chicken slices and bits of crunchy bacon.

For dessert, Didi ordered the seasonal special, pumpkin cheesecake, while I opted for coconut cream pie, and Jeff ordered the Butterscotch Layer Dessert. All of the desserts were fresh and yummy, but Didi’s pumpkin cheesecake was my favorite. It was New York-style cheesecake baked with a top layer of pumpkin pie filling. The melding of the two desserts was genius and perfect for the season!

We happily recommend The Pink House, and, don’t let the name fool you, it is not just a ladies’ tea room. Men are regulars at The Pink House, and the menu satisfies the tastes of both men and women.

Finally, if you order the broccoli and cheese quiche, I hope they accidentally send you a slice of the bacon and spinach quiche. Believe me, you won’t send it back!

LIFE’S VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING January 2020 Follow LIFE Senior Services on Facebook for video outreach, news, local events and area resources for seniors. Find the following content and more at www.facebook.com/LIFESeniorServices during January.

Join Sarah, LIFE Senior Services’ sunniest case manager, Fridays at 2 p.m. on LIFE’s Facebook page. Sarah enjoys connecting with LIFE followers and sharing tips and thoughts on senior living and family caregiving. She has two special programs planned for January 8 and 22, but will also be live on January 15 and 29.

Discuss healthy, happy and fun new year's resolutions as we enter 2021.

An important safety device is a personal emergency response system, sometimes called a medical alert button. Technology has come far in this area. Sarah will share some shopping tips, as well as some things to watch out for in the fine print.

If you have had trouble finding affordable senior housing, this presentation is for you! Sarah Tirrell, director of Vintage Housing, will talk about a full range of independent housing options and assistance for lower-income seniors.

Join LIFE’s Roxanne King for step-by-step instructions for making a decorative wine bottle. The only materials you will need are: • A wine bottle (any bottle with a similar shape will do), • Roll of any color (or multiple colors) of twine or hemp cord, the thicker the better. Yarn is not recommended. • Elmer’s or any quick-drying glue • Small twig from a tree • Craft flower of your choice, a little larger than a quarter or up to golf-ball-sized

Deborah Tommey, LIFE’s behavioral health consultant, will discuss Seasonal Patterned Depression and share tips on overcoming the winter doldrums.