The Pleasures of the Dance

Events and people sometime converge to create a dramatic or convivial time. Occasionally, a truly memorable time is the result of a gathering of friends of friends, old dear friends and some who we might not term friends at all. Such a gathering occurred on the Mendocino Coast in November. Events were planned and yet completely unexpected. They came from Eugene, Oregon, Southern California, Point Arena and Marin. Some were living through times that would test them more than the usual trials. We shared walks on the beach under a crystal clear sky. We caught up on the doings of kids, grand kids and rehashed times past. We talked about and enjoyed music and vented a bit about politics. We did a lot of things, but mostly we partied.We cooked and ate and enjoyed good wine and good beer and excellent companionship. We cooked and ate and drank and sparred about and found common ground on a myriad of things.What a dance we did. And the best dance we did was in the kitchen.I have cooked with several of the guests before and knew their moves. But some were completely new to me.
Guacamole,cambozola,piquant olives,cha cha cha:lox and capers,foxtrot;eggplant parmesan-ma ma mia;pork in some mysterious sauce-spicy and sweet-caramelized bits- tango;spice rubbed tri-tip pas de deux;some special gluten-free and specially enhanced brownies-tarantella;salad brought to lofty heights by focused preparation,minuet.