Beans and Shrooms

I think we have recovered from our festive weekend.  Sunday night it took only minutes before sleep over came us.  That included Shane.  We’re not sure what he got up to while we were away, but what ever it was wore him out. 

The morning workout was a pleasure.  22 minutes of Elliptical training, 40 minutes of chest and biceps, and a 4 mile run, just missing the rain.  It was warm and muggy again this morning. 

As I ran up to the golf course at Valley View a bug flew in my mouth and down my throat.  Just at that moment, we were passing a guy running with a black lab.  As soon as I thought the coast was clear, I began making disgusting sounds of hawking and gagging and trying to get that thing out of my throat.  Gross! It was stuck and didn’t move until we made it home and I could flush it down with water.   It did make me run faster.   See?  If you try hard enough you can always find the positive in a negative situation.   My sister’s comment was without sympathy as she said “I’m pretty sure that the bug wouldn’t count as meat protein so you’re safe there.” 

What’s on the table tonight?  A dish you can read about on Thursday but the vegetable offered here is super delicious, easy to make and healthy. 

Green Beans and Mushrooms, Serves 4

• 2 cups water – salted
• 12 oz green beans, washed and trimmed
• 2 TBS olive oil
• 10 oz mushrooms, cleaned and sliced just in half
• 1 shallot, chopped fine
• 1 TBS snipped chives
• salt and pepper

Bring water to a boil and add beans.  Cook 3 minutes.  Drain and dry.

Heat the oil in a saute pan. Add the mushrooms and saute for about 2 minutes over medium high.  Add the shallot and the beans. Let cook about another 2 minutes.  Top with chives, salt and pepper.

Ted picked up another DVD for tonight.  If it’s worthy of a review, I will offer thoughts and musings within a day or so.  In the meantime, have a great night!

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A Big Party Celebrating 60 Wonderful Years

It was a 60th Birthday celebration in New Jersey.  The Ayoub Family celebrate Eddie’s 60th, at least that what Eddie claimed.  By the way he was “cuttin’ the rug”, it was as if he were celebrating his 21st!

The trip from Upstate New York to New Jersey was made by Ted and myself, Richard, Dave, and Teddy.  We began the evening with a private toast at the home of Debbie and Eddie:

Then is was off to the party. 

A beautiful banquet room decorated with balloons identifying the birthday “boy”.  An ice sculpture, fish bowl center pieces, each with a live fish.  The head table centerpiece was a near replica of Eddie’s fishing boat “Together II”.   The cake had pictures of Eddie throughout the years and Debbie let out a little squeal when she saw there was even a photo of his old truck (which apparently usually smells like fish). 

 

 

The food was beyond our wildest imagination. There was something for everyone and it began with a raw bar of  fresh fruit, smoked salmon, clams, oysters, shrimp, fresh seafood salad, sushi, grilled vegetables.  The waiters walked around with trays of vegetable rolls, pizza squares, and swordfish skewers.

 

Following the appetizer table, dinner was put forth and that was and endless array of pastas, chicken, beef, lamb, fish, vegetables, salads…

Swordfish skewer

 

All through this eating and enjoying wines, beer, mixed beverages, Eddie was whoopin’ it up…

Dancing ON a chair instead of WITH IT in this one.

 

 

We get to eat the glorious cake

 

The dessert table was another spectacular presentation of everything from fruits, tiramisu, cheesecake, pastries to finally the birthday cake.   A chocolate cake with light cream filling covered in buttercream and decorated in fondant.

What a wonderful party.  The restaurant, Villa Amalfi was the perfect setting for this event.  The wait staff was attentive and so professional.  Everything fell into place with such timing and ease, the hosts were simply left to enjoy the evening. 

Happy birthday, Eddie and best wishes for a wonderful, healthy, happy year!

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