A Birthday Dinner

My friends – the usual suspects, and I, had a gathering two nights ago at Ernest’s home. We usually meet when there is a birthday boy, or girl in the group. Sometimes, we celebrate at a restaurant. But when Ernest is not too busy, we will celebrate at his house. Ernest is a good cook and he loves entertaining, so it works out well for us.

It is a more casual and relaxed atmosphere at home. We can be a bit loud, without fear of getting thrown out of the restaurant. We can also stay a bit longer after the meal, without the restaurant staff hovering about hinting, sometimes not too subtly, that we have eaten what we paid for and it is time to buzz off. For those who are free, they could go to Ernest’s home a bit earlier too.

As usual, Ernest prepared a very nice meal.

Cold cuts – Parma ham and duck terrine

Cheese platter with crackers, preserved fruits and mixed nuts

Spaghetti

Fried button mushrooms and spinach

Roast chicken with roots vegetables

Stewed pork

A nice bottle of wine - Amisfield pinot noir

Fruits - pineapples

Guava and melons

And of course, a birthday cake

I had a lovely evening. The food was very good, the company too. We all had our fill of food and laughter. One of the simple pleasures in life – sitting down to a nice home-cook meal with old friends. A day well spent!

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ~ >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>