The great thing about taking inspiration from someone other than yourself is discovering new likes. This weekend I threw a birthday dinner for my friend Jen incorporating her favorites: Spanish tapas (I think bland), sangria (my tequila, the worst hangover I've ever had, can't even smell it!) and lilacs (I hate purple). BUT, to my surprise, I ended up loving them all (mostly). Incorporating farmer's market vegetables into the menu added the freshness I usually miss at Spanish restaurants and lilacs proved beautiful and fragrant, the new exception to my zero purple policy (the jury is still out on sangria). Amy made the birthday girl a lilac corsage and fastened flowers to the place cards. Simple, pretty, perfectly steamlined. And because the evening was ladies only, small plates were perfect as girls are better at sharing. So thanks to Jen for reintroducing me to the delicious flavors of romesco, saffron, chorizo, and my new favorite, tortilla espanola!
The Menu
sangria
spanish corn nuts
calamari fritto, aioli
sardines, fennel, capers, lemon zest, saltines
asparagus, jamon serrano
wilted spinach, pine nuts, golden raisins
jaume serra Cristalino cava
dry, toasty, crisp, citrus, minerality
saffron rice, english peas, garlic, paprika shrimp
grilled baby artichokes, mint
tortilla espagnol
fingerling potatoes, chorizo, romesco
luzon jumilla spain 2009
plum, spice, herbs, smoke, peppercorns, licorice
tangelo sorbet
membrillo, iberico sheep, cow, goat, spain
blood orange, navel, little gems, cano de onja sheep, spain
bacon, date, manchego sheep, spain
tres picos garnacha 2008
floral, blackberries, leather, vanilla, peppery
chocolate cake
honey lavender and salted caramel ice creams
volver tempranillo 2009
red currants, black cherries, oak, tobacco, spice
2 comments:
I just discovered your blog and am loving pouring through all your posts and finding inspiration for my own dinner parties! It would be so helpful and wonderful if you would actually post the recipies for the various dishes on each menu going forward :)
Lilacs in Mason jars festooning your table makes me think of spring, that season that has not quite sprung here yet. You had me at sardines.
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