VickiA2

I would be forever grateful if the cooks could post some of the other recipes. While everything was delicious, Judy's (moosnsqrl) chilled heirloom tomato soup and Tammy & Steven's patty pan squash with guincale seem like items I might actually be able to reproduce. I thought of you all this morning while I was at the farmer's market. I tasted some tiny, sweet tomatillos from Tantre Farms and could only imagine what the experts chefs would do with them.

Piping in to add that the prawn with arugula was outstanding. The sweet dressing was a wonderful counterpoint to the peppery arugula, and the shrimp were perfectly cooked. My beef tenderloin was sublime: well seasoned and so tender that it was gone before I knew it. The chocolate pave with hazelnuts (?) and caramel was a buttery, fudgy piece of heaven. And as a participant at the "rowdy" table I'd like to say in our defense that Lucas seemed to set sweintraub's inner adolescent free, and they were hilarous. Also, my laugh is embarrasingly loud. : As a first-timer I want to thank everyone for being so friendly. I can't decide if I'm more impressed by ronnie_suburban's charcuterie adventures, Tammy's organizaitonal skills, or her securing us all of that foie gras. Tonight will be blast.

What a nightmare! Tony, we're thinking of you and the crew. I was freaking out reading through this thread, until I burst out laughing at Jason's "Shawarma and Shrapnel" line. Brilliant and twisted, just like our Mr. Bourdain!

I can't believe how quickly the gathering is approaching! I'm happy to be a sous chef and dishwasher. Since I don't know anyone I'm too intimidated to cook, but I'd be happy to bake if we need anything of the dessert persuasion. And since I'm local please call on me for anything where help is needed - planning, driving, whatever.

Hi, I'm in Ann Arbor and would love to join the gathering. It sounds like a great weekend! Long-time lurker, first-time poster. Vicki

Dill; I love smoked salmon but can't handle gravlax. Also olives: love the oil, hate the veg.