I kid, I kid.
We had the dinner party Thursday, before I found out if I would make it to Challenge #3. I was slightly devastated to find I did not advance because I was having a fun time tackling the challenges, giving them my all.
But, I picked myself up and realized it wasn't worth it to be upset. Because I have to give myself credit for doing what I love. I put out one hell of a dinner not even knowing if I advanced yet because I wanted to, not because I had to. That's what being a food lover is about, and in the end, that's all that I am. A lover of food that likes to write about it on this blog for others to share in that love.
The chef.
The table setting.
The place settings.
The centerpiece.
The menu. Click to enlarge.
The Amuse Bouche.
The soup.
The salad.
The entree.
The dessert.(All of the individual dishes and their recipes will be featured in the coming week so stay tuned!)
The aftermath.
And these were my wonderful guests. People that took a last minute invitation to show up at our house and eat a mystery meal with no questions asked. I really lucked out with a crowd that came into this dinner with such open minds and let me serve them anything my heart desired.Thank you to Dennis, Riki, Julie, Jeff, and Melissa for being such great guests. They brought me wine, flowers, and chocolates, and gave me a round of applause at the end of the evening.
Also, thank you to Johnny for giving me unrestricted access to his credit card to fund this dinner, as well as loving support throughout the two days it took to pull this off. Thank you to Di for lending me her tables, tablecloth, dishes, bowls, wine glasses, and Yang support. Thank you to Goran for brainstorming the menu with me, saving my lumpy polenta, and carving the duck. Thank you to my brother for emailing furiously back and forth with me about the menu and lending his expertise with the wine pairings. Last, thank you to my parents who campaigned proudly on my behalf. I'm sorry I couldn't have made it further, but all of your support meant the world to me.
Oh what a GREAT meal! I'm so sad you didn't make it to round three but what a success this was!
ReplyDeleteI didn't make it either! Oh well. This looks like a fabulous would-be entry.
ReplyDeleteI am still real proud of you
ReplyDeleteLove, Mommy
I think this dinner looks grand and I admire your "stick -to -itveness and all by doing it ahead of time - because thats what bloggers do!
ReplyDeleteWith this meal, you should've definitely made it to the next round. But I'm glad you're not going to let this get you down--just keep cooking like you do and you'll be successful :-)
ReplyDeleteWow. Absolutely gorgeous meal. That pumpkin pie has been droolin! I was to apologize in advance for not being up to date on your whole voting thing...starting a new job, etc. has kept me farther away from the blog world that I like!
ReplyDeleteThis would have been an AWESOME dinner party for Round 3! Rest assured, you had my votes in the previous rounds and you WOULD have had my vote for this one. I so admire you and the other PFB contestants...I should have participated myself but I chickened out. Hopefully they will have the contest again next year and you and I can kick some serious foodie a$$!
ReplyDeleteGreat job on that meal Christina!!!
ReplyDeleteIt stinks that you didn't get to make it to the next round, my sister was pretty bummed about that too!
Very impressive menu!!
Christina - everything looks amazing! I was so sad when I found out you didn't make it to the next round - hugs!!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have been there. Next time. I would totally do all the cleaning up, too.
ReplyDeleteOh Christina. This is a SUPER party. This is also the first post I'm reading for the pfb challenge, because yours was definitely the one I was most anticipating.
So awesome of the guests- Dennis, Riki, Julie, Jeff, and Melissa- and of course, Johnny. But most of all, you. For doing a freaking stellar job, for being the best foodie I know, for being the coolest PERSOn I know, and for handling disappointment with such grace.
Love you, Christina!
Thank you all for your votes and your comments! You're so sweet - it definitely helps my wounds heal faster!
ReplyDeleteWow Christina--this dinner party left me breathless! I was so bummed to learn you didn't move on. I wish I could have voted for you many many many times. Those tamales--I'm still thinking about them!
ReplyDeleteWow, Christina! That all looks so fantastic and impressive. I hate it that you didn't make it to round three! I tried to get more votes for you! :( Don't eel down though because your meal looks phenomenal and you did a damn good job! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sad you didn't make it to the next round because everything looks incredible. I wish I could have been there!
ReplyDeleteYou had my vote!
Bah! I was away so didn't vote...but I would have if I had been at a computer! This all looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteOH NOW I GET IT! So Sorry! It all came together here. oops!
ReplyDeleteAnd you really need to thank someone for that amazing kitchen. Your aftermath looks tame for those of us that don't have the beauty of THAT....wow...That is one stunning kitchen.