Dinner with Darren and the Scots

Dinner tonight was a trip. We had three meat eaters, one vegetarian, and one vegan. The meat eaters were not willing to go veg, so I cooked both ways!

I found the most amazing produce at the farmers' market, so the menu features some of those exciting finds.

Sourdough Crostini with Muhamara (vegan)
Figs wrapped in Prosciutto


Vegan tartlets of Roasted Beet and Rye Groats in a Merlot Reduction Sauce served with Salad of Wild Arugula and Jujubees

Prime Rib au Jus, Fingerling Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts
or
Pappardelle Noodles with Oyster and Lobster Mushrooms, Foraged Red Spinach, and Sea Beans in a Saffron Cashew Cream (vegan)

Vegan Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

Late Summer Dinner Party

Papaya and Avocado salad with Baby Spinach, Pickled Onions, and Spiced Pumpkin Seeds in Lime Dressing


Masa Cakes with Refried Beans, Chorizo and Potatoes, Cotija Cheese, Casa Crema, and Cilantro


Salmon Sashimi with Cilantro Pesto and Brunoise of Salsa Fresca


Mole Poblano with Green Rice and Refried Beans (no photo)

Homemade Mexican Chocolate Ice Cream with Cinnamon Cookies (no photo)

Saturday Night's Menu - Darren's Birthday

Oysters Mignonette
Pierre Morlet Grande Reserve Premier Cru Champagne

Apricot and Casera Tamales, Mache, Apricot Cumin Dressing
2005 Lewis Cellars Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Roast Turkey or Beet on Sweet Potato with Blackberry Sauce
Adrian Fog Two Sisters Vineyard 2005
Kosta Browne Russian River Valley 2005

Roast Leg of Lamb in Sauce Marchant du Vin,
Buckwheat Polenta, Wild Spring Vegetables (Morrell Mushrooms, Fiddlehead Ferns, Fava Beans)
or
Farfallone, Mushroom Sauce, Wild Spring Vegetables
2001 Larkmead Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 Torbreck 'The Struie', the Barossa, Australia


Classic Creme Brulee, Assorted Shortbread Cookies
2000 Royal Tokaji - 5 Puttonyos

******UPDATE*********
Darren posted photos and a lovely write-up of the evening!

Ryan's 33rd Birthday Dinner

My dear Funkyplaid beat me to posting about our most recent dinner party. He did a great job, so I'll just link to it here.