Gourmet

I went to a party last night.  The theme, not surprisingly, was food.   A group of my friends recently decided that we would get together periodically and have dinner.   The host will make a main dish and the guests will be assigned side dishes to bring.   The rule is that the main dish has to be something you’ve never made before.   Last night was the first night and the theme was Indian.

The idea of experimental dinner parties is certainly not new.  My late Mother-in-Law used to be part of what she called a “Gourmet Group”.  This was a group of friends that did exactly the same thing.   They would all get together and experiment with new recipes.   Sometime there was great success, other times, not so much.   It’s difficult to have friends over and then cook something that you’ve never made before.   Sometimes recipes can sound really good and then turn out less so.  Sometimes processes that you’ve never done before require a little bit of practice to get just right.   I love the fact that people are willing to try.

You’ve certainly gathered from reading my blog how much I love food.  I’m always happy to try anything.   I’m excited to have my turn as host and I’m wondering what I’ll make.   There will likely be at least 8 of these things before I get my turn.   The group is not that big, but I suspect that the first time it’s at my house, my wife make something that she’s interested in.   However, when my turn comes, I’m going to go all out.   I joked last night that I would make haggis.  I’m not sure if actually will, but it’s definitely a possibility.  I can promise that it will be something elaborate.   It will be something that takes at least 5 hours to make.

Last night the Indian food was wonderful.  My part in the experiment was bringing a wine that I had never had before.  It turned out to be great as well.   I ate a ton of Lamb Curry.   I drank a Riesling from the Alsace region of France.   Indian food, French wine, and good friends, what could be better?