Saying goodbye to Summer shifted us into a flurry of energy and events. We are thankful and our tough man attorney says gogogo!!
A rally cry was sent up on the wings of a sparrow and all of you answered. We are filled up with love and security knowing you are with us in the stand to just exist in our sweetheart of a space and offer you an escape from the chaos and noise outside. Full bellies, full glasses, full souls!
So, the first of the happy moments was the celebration of Martin and Andrew, an Anniversary Fete that drew friends from around the globe, an evening that rolled out in laughter and toasts, anecdotes and memories. Showcasing love on the platform it deserves. A testament of strength, a gentle reminder of what is important.
The following weekend gave us the blanket of community. Chip and his tiny mighty team in the kitchen were enticed by the lovely Bettina to wrap their culinary skills around an off premise event to honor Duane Park. She was indeed persuasive!
And with the plating assistance of the catering team, they managed to feed 185 guests! I am still scratching my head. But, man, they did me proud. Magnificent. Who knew?
Preserving a precious piece of history. Lending a hand to a patch of green. Remembering that neighborhood is just that…our neighbors.
Cornmeal Carolina Shrimp
Panisses
Tomatoes, tomatoes, and more tomatoes
Wheatberry Salad
Spruce Ridge Farm Heirloom Beans as a Salad
Roasted Beets
Chicken with piperade
Gougeres
Pate de Campagne
House made pickles
Dessert from Duane Street Patisserie
Serious feasting. Funds generated to continue the care of local beauty. A day well spent.
On the September menu at the restaurant Chip featured the oh so precious field peas from North Carolina, fedexed up to us by our Art darlings, Rob and Dan, who then came up to join us for the week of Art shing digs happening the last week of September, all over the city. So much to view. A different feast, more for the eyes, but for the soul as well.
And then there was the release of our tiny film, by Owen Muratore. Music gifted to us by a man too grand to be in our humble lives, Mr. Wynton Marsalis…we remain speechless.
Sea scallop with a mini brioche BLT, lettuce puree, a treat for the tongue.
Chenin Blanc, Savennieres
Golden Tile fish from Montauk, the fish whose flavor is so sweet and texture so supple and sexy, it stops conversations!
Albillo, maybe. Godello, too.
Taking a break from Duck and soon welcoming Quail. And fresh Squab! From our farmer in Tivoli. Exciting.
That means earthy and warm Red Wines to pour, less racy, more saunter. Regnier? Pommery? Ribera del Duero? Gallioppo? Oh, okay…all of them!
Citrus Almond Cake with Creme Diplomat and Apricots. An homage to Lindsey Shere, the pastry chef from the beginning days of Chez Panisses. Delicate, deep flavors. Light enough for the end of your meal, still satisfying the sweet tooth.
Tokay? Of course.
And Chip will lean into a Creme Brulee every so often, and it is the best version. So much so that 3 local young ladies asked him to teach them how to make it. Kitchen never turns down an opportunity like that…and they showed up with flowers, how cute and thoughtful is that?
And again, reminded of being a part of a city, a community, a neighborhood. One that cares, supports, lifts up. It is why we do it how we do. It is fulfilling to bring to you a time to unwind, a moment to cherish, another stitch in our quilt of time.
Chip and I often pinch ourselves, the complete wonder and disbelief that we have this opportunity to set a place at the table for you. The privilege of connecting in a small way to the routines and adventures of your lives. Inviting us to hum along.
I almost forgot the most important crazy part of the September conversation!
The city tour of my cherished reservation book in a yellow cab on Labor Day Weekend!!
Left the restaurant, 1:15 AM. Get home, have a glass of wind down wine, snuggle down to sleep for our no open curtains Sunday, and then! Wake up with a start around 11:00 AM, look over at the shelf where the “book” sits, and oh my goodness, NO BOOK!
P.S…Labor Day Weekend. Taxi Commission not open and I paid cash anyway, so how to remedy?
I started to make up the story of the grand whirlwind city adventure my irreplaceable and singular friend was perhaps having.
It was a beautiful weekend. Were the windows down and the pages were ruffled by the breeze? Did interesting people sit alongside once picked up at JFK, arriving from exotic lands to play in our fair city?
Was it a multi-borough adventure, catching a glimpse of Coney Island on one drive and then perhaps Arthur Avenue in the Bronx??
Wow. Stressed is not even a big enough word to apply to me for 48 plus hours.
But! The New York Taxi Commission, on Tuesday morning, using GPS from where I was picked up and where I was dropped, found the driver, he calls me, “hey,” he said, “are you the lady with the book?”
Oh, indeed, sir. In NYC I am the lady with the book.
Safe and sound it comes home to sit, on its appointed throne, in the front of the bar. Exhale.
Still in our Straw House chapter of Big Bad Wolf…will keep you abreast as the story unfolds, with you by our sides, we cannot have but a happy ending!
Reach out to those you love with compassion, interest and joy. Take good care of yourself and enjoy the journey.
Until next time,
–Chip and Tina
and the unrivaled team at Eulalie!
