Springtime in Georgia!

Sherry & Dan, with some help from TJ, can't resist sharing the beautiful flowers which already surround us here in the south. You will see centerpieces throughout.

A new member category!

As hostess, Sherry explains club etiquette to our newest permanent substitute members, Janet & Rich. Rich's folded arms indicate acceptance?

First things first again!

Dan elequently proposed the opening toast, and the April Fools party begins. Who us? Is that why Karen, Joe, Beth and Craig refused to attend?

Warming up!

Janet tells TJ, Dan and Sue that she could get into this. (She is off camera). And we do welcome her. Our eighth pretty face.

Appetizers...

Sandy & Charlie's Asparagus & Mushroom Tostados, covered in melted Feta cheese was a delicious opening gambit.

and Hors Douvres...

Coupled with Sue & Mike's delicious Olive Crostini, and our traditional Kir Royale, plus Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir. As Brian noted, I guess I'll have to drink more of the champagne.

Not sure I'm getting this!

Rich's arms are no longer folded but hands in pockets still indicate some reservations.

"And now, the time is near..."

We approach 7 PM, generally the time when the seated portion of our evenings begin.

The table is set...

Though only for 12 tonight...

The headcount cutbacks have no impact...

Note the number of utensils at each setting, and also the glasses, (3), essential for our different wines.

Final questions answered?

Rich asks, "You mean the women actually eat with the men? When I was growing up...." Ruth & Mike explain this break with older traditions.

But there are accomodations....

You will note that the men are all sitting on the opposite side of the table from the women. It is "March Madness" time, and the TV monitor has been set up behind the ladies chairs. Good job Dan.

Spinach Salad with Citrus Dressing...

Janet & Rich prepared this delicious salad. Really, you must try it. Following the applause, Rich agrees that he could get into this club thing too.

Sherry & Janet breathe a sigh of relief...

"I am so happy that Rich is comfortable with this now." Janet tells Sherry.

She Crab Soup...

The hardest part was identifying the she crabs from the he crabs. We think that was Brian's job, but the credit for this delicious creation belongs exclusively to Ruth.

Our chef Dan prepares the centerpiece...

This man is good. He is in the hospitality industry and he should be! Beginning his carer in a Wafflehouse in West Virginia, he has honed his culinary skills to a very high level.

The Entree... Bourbon Peppered Beef in a Blanket

The question persists; was it Jack Daniels or Makers? Who cares. It was absolutely awesome. Coupled with the haricot verts and scalloped potatoes, the Cabernet Sauvignon was happy to be married with this course.

Gourmands at play...

Rich exclaims to Sherry, "So these are haricot verts."

We knew that....

Echo, Dan, Sue, TJ and Sandy.

Finally, dessert. Amaretto peaches...

TJ loves her sweets, and this presentation, demonstrates her skill in this genre. Bill hand picked the peaches, and aged them with a secret technique. As we say in the south, this dessert was the "coop da grass". By the way, we recommend Georgia peaches.

Wrapping it up...

TJ and Sandy begin this process as the men look on. Sherry, free spirit that she is says, "Oh don't worry, we can throw the dirty dishes out and get new." You gotta love this girl. Dan & Sherry, thank you for an absolutely wonderful evening. Bon appetite!