September 19
Renee
Thoughts on the Picnic
Yes! The day was a hot one, that’s for sure, but it did not deter us from doing what we do best--savoring delicious food, sipping cold champagne, and the added Peach Italian Soda was just the perfect twist to lighten the cocktail! And, of course, socializing, sharing ideas about food, life, families and everything in between. I think we can all agree that the River serves as the perfect backdrop, while the riverbank acts as a stage for us to “set up” our delicacies, blankets and chairs. Where is Renoir for goodness sake? Some old faces were missing and some new faces emerged--all enjoying a lazy Sunday none the less.
I must say that the food was TO DIE FOR! I for one ended up eating a few more bites of Lesu’s frittata when I arrived home. I had to pry myself away from the dish, it was that wonderful. It had that “potato chip” thing going on. You couldn’t just stop at one bite. The “Donna Cake”, as Lesu refers, was sooo good--very light and cakey--if cakey is a word then that’s it. Chocolate and vanilla pound cake swirled together. Perfect with a good cup of Joe! (I nnow, I had some the next morning with coffee). I’m very bad--but hey, sometimes you’re left no choice! Ahhh, the shrimp salad--there are NO words, you just have to HAVE some to taste for yourself...and if you come to a gathering you just might! Kathy, the hostess who is the fortunate foodie to live in this charming town, put out sliced juicy red garden tomatoes topped with just a hint of salt and a sprig of basil atop each tomato slice. Heavenly, especially on a hot summer day! And of course, sweet white Jersey corn served au natural--for it needed nothing to enhance the fresh corn flavor, and was a great way to say goodbye to summer fare. And there were other wonderful dishes, pies and cakes from Kathy’s neighbors who joined us on the river.
One of the moments that was very touching was when Rik, who almost went to Italy with us, serenaded Donna and Jim with a beautiful love song n Italian, to remember their wedding one year ago in Italy! Thank you, Rick--for I think we all enjoyed that spontaneous burst of song! Bon Appetit!
September 14
Lesu
I must say, this year's picnic was a bit unusual from times past. First, Min and Dana were not able to to join us. The others also felt far more festive. Sunday's just felt...lazy. The balmy heat, the trickle of perspiration down your spine, quiet conversation...all on the banks of a calm water with sailboats gently bobbing, under Bogna's front tree. We brought more chairs, instead of lounging on blankets and there appeared a stand for the champagne to chill, a nice sophisticated touch. I remarked how it felt as if we were somewhere in the South, with our own version of mint juleps: champagne & peach italian soda! Andrea immediately likened this to, "We should be in a Tennesee Williams' play."
Well, thank goodness, Blanche DuBois didn't show up with drama because we had a lovely, lazy Sunday afternoon. In addition to timeless fantasies about moving to Riverton (so easy to do), there was good company, interesting conversation and delicious edible delights perfect for a picnic. Thick slices of tomato topped with basil. Naked corn that was tender sweet. Renee and I both made spinach salads but whereas mine was meant to be healthy, her's was announced as anything but! Grilled flank steak, blue cheese, strawberries, ooh-la-la! I also make a frittata of chorizo and kale. Donna's infamous shrimp salad, accompanied by soft potato rolls (every year, she tells us the secret of what makes it so good...and it's different 'secret' each year!) Rosemary and pine nut shortbread. A 'Donna cake'. Peach crumb pie. A perfect pear tart. Something is missing from my memory (Ed. note: Cannolis from Rik!) ...that preoccupation with that shrimp salad. Mmm...I know I admitted to four sandwiches last night but really, it was six.
Once we were sated, we started discussing next week's dinner at Donna's, with her special Amish guests of honor and the treats they were in for. And, suddenly (or rather, finally), a delicious breeze started rolling through! The finale was the most amazing sunset, where the shades of pink got deeper and deeper and its reflection on the water was eye-catching, especially where there was a definite breakaway in the tide. It always makes the day so special to be able to watch this perfect, natural gift.
September 14
Kathryn
Steamy Day for a Picnic
Today is our annual Riverbank Picnic... and it feels like August all over again. Temperatures are in the 90s with relatively high humidity... a stifler. I don't feel like cooking. And that end of summer melancholia is setting in, as we say our goodbyes to fresh corn, tomatoes, melons, stone fruits... sigh.
So, the picnic is an opportunity to hang on to summer (heat and all). I'll serve fresh jersey produce -- our last gasp of summer -- bought this morning at Hunter's Farm. The menu: white corn, steamed, lightly buttered then lightly salted with a chardonnay oak smoked salt; slices tomatoes with fresh basil and olive oil finished with a flake salt; seedless watermelon served in wedges with chiffonade of mint, finely grated parmesan and cracked pepper.
A note to anyone jonesing for fresh corn. It's not too late! Hunters Farm Market will have corn through the end of September, at least. Last year, corn was being picked right up til Halloween. The Hunter family has farmed this 81-acre site since 1760. Come on over and check out one of the last family-run farms over here on the river (Union Landing Road off the River Road.)
