The Garden Setting

The iron gateworks framed the setting for this dinner, surrounded by lovely gardens and a wide variety of flowers and shrubs. There is even a little waterfall. And to think they converted what was a landfill only 5 weeks ago.

The table set...

Room for all 14 of us, safely protected from either the setting sun or threatening rain. Naturally, since we were prepared, the rain never came.

Couldn't resist...

Another view from the table itself, looking towards the rock stairs which lead to the flower garden. New York's Tavern on the Green is considering a lawsuit.

Where's Sherry?

This pic shows the pretty side of our club, Ruth, TJ, Sue, Janet, Karen and our hostess, Beth. Sherry is rarely seen as she is the official photographer.

Welcome....

Here, Craig makes the toast, inviting us all to enjoy this evening of friendship and food.

An unusual group photo...

Unusual because one of us is always taking the picture. Young Brooke Miller insisted that her babysitter get this shot.

Following the Appetizers...

I must make mention of the bacon wrapped water chestnuts and prociutto wrapped melon here. No pictures, they were gone too fast. The gazpacho, pictured here was excellent, though not among Sherry & Dan's fav things.

Others enjoyed...

Rich, Sue, Mike and Beth didn't even wait for others to sit before diving into their gazpacho. Brian, (not in the picture), who obviously has never missed a meal, is probably seated out of camera.

And the table did fill...

Here TJ & Karen also enjoy! They brighten up the table too.

The usual between course breaks...

We always adjourn from the table to smoke or just sip wine... Note that Rich and Dan are seated in chairs while Craig is sitting on the deck. Craig is a very good host.

Some must work....

No break for Ruth and Brian... They must prepare the appetizer crabcakes which are next up. Ruth is thinking, I wonder if he ever made this sauce before?

Crabcakes with corn & red pepper sauce...

After all were served, Craig came out of the kitchen with five more on his plate! The majority prevailed however, and he was forced to pass them around the table for anyone who might like seconds.

The Entree...

TJ & Bill's Asparagus au Gratin, Janet & Rich's Club Coleslaw & Beth & Craig's Barbecued Shrimp were excellent compliments to each other.

All present...

Nobody waits when the entree is served. There is a big fight for the bread which screams to be dipped into the shrimp sauce...

More happy faces....

Here are Mike, Beth, Craig, Sherry and Ruth... Don't Sherry & Dan ever get into a picture together? Well at least we get to highlight who Sherry is.

A rare photo...

Dan's back... Sherry & Dan together... Get this autographed and keep it!

Preparing the dessert...

Here Beth, TJ & Sue put the finishing touches on our homemade strawberry ice cream. Who is that guy reaching for his own second portion?

Ben & Jerry, eat your hearts out...

A delectable presentation, and very low calorie... Thanks Sue and Mike... Also loved those little mint cookies.

Anyone don't like it....

Here Brian is seen asking if perhaps Bill, Joe, TJ or Karen want to avoid calories. No takers though.

Winding down...

This is what we do best. It takes much longer than the entire dinner... That's what friends are for...

Y'all come, Y'hear!!!

Karen & Joe remind us all of the upcoming Caribbean Nights at their house on June 19th. There will be more info to come on this.