Sunday Family Dinner

This past Sunday I hosted the usual Sunday family dinner. Nice to take the stress off my parents from time to time plus we wanted to do a meet and greet of sorts with a possible new furry addition to the family. I had a beautiful fall arrangement from the Black Tie event the night prior I was able to use which really made the table.

 

Essentially just whipped out some of the pretty china, decided to mix and match patterns, added in some fun funky anthropologie napkins, candles, painted antlers, and pumpkins and we were good to go with a fun fallish table.

I love the purple mason jars I nabbed a few weeks ago. I think they do different colors every year and it's fun to have a mix of options. Something about drinking out of a mason jar that intrigues me.

 

The whole back patio got a little fall sprucing. Plants that were looking a little haggard were replaced with fresh new mums, pretty pumpkins were added, and the dirt and grime swept away. Can't wait to enjoy several more dinners al fresco during this perfect weather time of year.

 

 We initially had planned to eat before it was pitch dark, but with fall approaching and it getting dark so fast that just didn't happen. So we dinned by candlelight which actually turned out quite fun. I really really need some of those fancy string outdoor lights!

 

Corn Crop

We have an amazing farmer that leases our farmland in Niobrara. This year is a corn year which excites me as I love watching the corn grow. I love how it looks as it reaches towards the sun.

Obviously this corn is freshly planted but in no time at all it will be waist high.

I keep thinking I should host my own version of Outstanding the Field during the corn years and carve out a dining spot in the midst of the field. Supply my guests can with a delicious farm fresh local menu served on china, drinks under the stars surrounded by corn and nature, and live music. Wouldn’t that be fun!

Happy Mother’s Day

Hope all of you that are Mothers had amazing days filled with love and joy. I have the best mom a girl could ever ask for – she isn’t just my mom she is also my best friend – so I wanted her to feel special on this day set aside just for her each year. I had cheese ready on the front porch to nibble on until brunch was ready.

Brunch was a mixture of fresh goodies from the farmers market or our garden (caprese salad, asparagus frittata, sage sausage, and blueberry/rhubarb crumble) served on the back patio.

The sun was shining but it wasn’t hot. The perfect day for dining al fresco! I even broke out my grandparents’ china for the occasion.

Complimented with pink peonies plucked from my yard. Happy Mother’s Day mom I love you so much and feel blessed and lucky to have you.

Cakebread Wine Dinner at Jack Binion’s (Horseshoe Casino)

Many years ago I had the pleasure of visiting Cakebread Cellars in California and loved the vineyard and the wine. So I was crazy excited to learn that Jack Binions (where my wonderful brother is the manager) was holding a wine dinner with this vineyard.

It was a five star event for sure and Erik expertly paired the food with the wine. I was a very proud sister watching him in his element being the “Boss”. The food and wine were spectacular. We started out with a 2009 Sauvignon Blanc paired with Diver Scallops/Tagliatelle/Pink Peppercorns/Garlic Chips – excellent!

Followed with a 2009 Chardonnay paired with Foie Gras and Amarillo Ravioli/Vanilla and Lime (even my mom who dislikes Foie Gras enjoyed this dish)

Next up was a 2007 Pinot Noir paired with Grilled Salmon Paillard/Little Octopus/Blueberries (the Blueberries were an excellent addition!)


Fourth course we enjoyed a 2007 Merlot paired with Braised Short Ribs Bourguignon (I am not a rib fan but this was very tasty)

And my favorite - dessert - was the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon enjoyed with Blackberry Clafouti which was delicious.

The meal was superb! The wines quite delicious! The service outstanding!! Excellent job lil brother and the staff of Jack Binion’s and Cakebread. A very delightful evening.

And much to our delight Randy Montana was playing next door at the Whiskey Roadhouse.



*Lighting was not ideal for picture taking. I need practice! Or less wine...

Happy Easter

Hope you are celebrating with your loved ones. I feel blessed to enjoy Easter with part of my family at our cabin. Here is a lil Easter cheer in the form of cupcakes we baked for a Fundraiser in Niobrara.

Peep S ‘mores

Since it’s almost Easter I figure one more Peep post is acceptable. Sitting in a Tree is an amazing blog filled with very girly festive parties and ideas. An Easter post suggested Peep S ‘mores .

I love Peeps and love S ‘mores (I think I am starting to realize why I had x # of cavities at the last dentist visit. ) The S ‘more idea originally came from Kate Spade Tumbler, I am a Kate Spade fan so guessing I will be smitten with this new site!

BBQ is a must in Memphis

And (Neely’s) Interstate BBQ is one of the best. I have been several times but my friend Sara had not.


It is quite the experience and the atmosphere is far from fancy.


But the food is delicious! So if you are in the area it is a must stop for lunch or dinner.