Parisian Bistro Birthday Party

The invitation said "Champagne & Onion Rings, Oysters & Absinthe".  This party was off to a good start!  And though one needs little more for sustenance, we took the Parisian bistro theme and ran with it.  Getting the French jazz band Avalon to perform set the perfect tone for this backyard fete.  While they charmingly sang and played, guest enjoyed plenty of champagne cocktails, sazeracs and mini croque monsieurs.  For dinner, we kept it totally simple and classic--e.g. steak au poivre and frisee with lardons & egg--with more ever-present champagne (and onion rings, of course!).  Bistro lights over small cafe tables made the whole night feel cozy and Amy's use of garden roses throughout the party was stunning and chic.  I'm longing for a trip to Paris and this party with a glimmer of my associations: Hemingway's obsession oysters, my favorite restaurant's profiteroles and a semester abroad filled with boozy love and fun.  Bon Anniversaire Ryan!!  xx

The Menu

sips

French 75

gin, champagne, lemon

lavender champagne cocktail

lavender, champagne, bitters, sugar, lemon

kir royale

cassis, champagne, twist

sazerac

rye, absinthe, sugar, peychaud's bitters, twist

absinthe

burnt sugar, water

snacks

raw bar with oysters on the half shell & mignonette 

mini croque monsieurs

duck confit, pickled cherry & ricotta on endive

french cheese boards, grilled toasts & accoutrement

to share

steak au poivre

onion rings with remoulade

potato & fennel gratin

haricot verts with cherry tomatoes & thyme

frisse salad with lardons & egg

sweet

profiteroles with espresso chocolate sauce

photos by Hana Ardelean