CHRISTMAS 2016

Roast Beast - Caroline outdid herself once again, so much so that we had no room to Eat Dinner after the appetizers were served and hastily devoured (in a gentle person fashion of course). The Roast Beast was done to perfection accompanied by a gathering of La Potato Y Carrots.

Seafood Assortment Appetizer - This was Shrimp and Lobster Claws served with a Dill/Mustard/Vinegar based Sauce and was aimed towards Cristina's pre-Dinner Fulfillment synapses, not that the rest of us did not indulge.

Matzoh Ball Soup - This was Delicious but truth be told I had it as a leftover and added perhaps too much Dill Weed accompanied by a Dash of Pepper after checking the reheated temperature so cannot truly report on its savoriness. Most Fine Indeed after the fact and Caroline doesn't mess around.

Let us not forget for Dessert there was home made Italian layer Cookies and Greek Sugar Cookies.

Cranberry Bread - This fell under the "Too Much" Food and not served as we were all Bloated from the gist of Appetizers (and Champagne) pre-Dinner but Cristina was enjoying a Slice here & there for Breakfast the next morning and room for a Slice was certainly made in my appetite, I felt this would be perfectly complimented with a Schmear (Sandwich style) of Cream Cheese.

Guess What ? I was Right.

12/24/16 Christmas Eve - Sea Breeze Fish Market was out of Salmon Pinwheels just a day prior to Christmas Eve Dinner and quite the crowd of shoppers were lined up outside mongering for their Seafood so Cristina told me on the phone "Don't worry about it, we can go to Silver Star instead" and that is exactly what we did, and We Loved it. 

No Mess, No Clean Up.

Yes there is a sense of achievement in Cooking for persons but for once I exited fulfilled, happy, in the spirit of the holiday and not even one drop of dishwashing liquid used. 

(Well afterwards at home but only for minor things).

Above is my Dinner of Chicken with Black Bean Sauce, Egg Roll and Pork Fried Rice.

Cristina enjoyed a new Dish to herself and even surprised the Chef by ordering Shrimp with Peppers & Onions which it seems is an rarely ordered plate due to the slight confusion that ensued but in Silver Star fashion was placated in under 10 seconds.

LAURA'S CHRISTMAS PARTY 2015 - Brooklyn, New York

That time of year rolled around again and Laura & Stanley threw their annual Christmas Bash and as always there was plenty of Food, Drink and conversation to go round.

Above is pictured Laura's Christmas village (note the brewery in the foreground left).

As I am no stranger to a Laura party the festivities always begin with an array of Appetizers after everyone greets each other, hugs, kisses and handshakes are exchanged and we seat ourselves at the Dining room table.

My camera could not capture the full breadth and scope of what was on offer without a fisheye lens but I tried.

On offer here are some Pitted Olives, Sweet Peppers, Dill Gherkins, Mixed Nuts, Bocconcini with Sweet Peppers, Tostitos Scoops with Salsa, something called Pretzels, Skewered Shrimp and Pineapple wrapped in Bacon and Cream Cheese with Peppers and Ranch Roll-Ups.

I took the last to be some kind of Fresh Mozzarella from the looks of them and I was very pleasantly surprised.

Caroline made some Keftedes (Greek Meatballs) from scratch and they were out of this world and hard to not continue eating. These are similar to an Italian Meatball but contain more Bread and different Spices.

Basic and Effective is the Bocconcini and Sweet Peppers Drizzled in a little Oil and seasoned with I am assuming Parsley.

The centerpiece of the whole shebang might just have to be handed over to the Filet Mignon.

This was done to Juicy perfection and I am surprised I only had four pieces, however Laura sent me home with a doggie bag and since I don't have a dog,... Well,...

Caroline brought over a Gingerbread house and for the first time out made homeade Baklava.

These came out Beautifully and we shall now expect them several times a year.

(L to R) - some guy, Stanley, Caroline, Bobby & Laura.

The thing I like about this photo aside from everyone in it is the priceless look on Stanley's face.

(L to R) - Thomas, Stanley, Caroline, Bobby & Laura.

Thank you to Kat for offering me a Polly-O String Cheese.

I added the stick and it previously being "non-stick" was now String Cheese on a stick.

With my two favorite teenage girls Emily & Kat. 

Kat also happens to be my Drum instructor.

(L to R) - Emily, some guy, Kathopper.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE.