Last night was the much anticipated holiday party, and it was truly one of those rare occasions that the lived up to the hype. I thought I'd take some time and highlight the food, which was fantastic.
On the way up the driveway, we were greeted with the island sounds (!), emanating from the backyard tent which had been set up for the occasion. We could only imagine that there would be an island holiday theme inside!
Upon entering the party, we were greeted with some fantastic smells coming from the kitchen area of the house - always a great sign. There were many servers carrying around small plates of what were called "hearty h'ors doeuvres" in the invitation, but actually made a very nice Tapas-esque dinner experience. I made my way to the wine to start, which included a Beaujolais, a Cabernet, and a Merlot selection of reds, and a Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay selection of whites. I started with the Beaujolais, which was very nice. I also had the Cabernet (good), and the Pinot Grigio (meh). I am normally very much a Pinot Grigio "tifoso," but this one was virtually tasteless, even once it warmed up from the ice bath it was enjoying prior to being poured. Being no wine expert, I won't attempt to review the wine any further.
Among the tables of food inside the house were the following:
Antipasti Table
A selection of marinated olives**
Roasted pepper mix
Cut tomato in garlic and olive oil**
A selection of Italian and Italian-American meats (sausage, pancetta, salami, pepperoni)
Roasted red pepper hummus
Grilled asparagus spears**
Crusty bread
Asagio pita quarters
Sushi Table (complete with sushi chef)
Nigiri (salmon, tuna, squid, and octopus)**
Norimaki (crab, tuna, salmon, avocado)**
Spring roll
The other options inside included freshly cooked plates of food which were being carried around and offered by a service staff.
Small Plates
Chicken satay with rice
Sausage rigatoni with shaved Parmesan
Mushroom risotto with red wine reduction
Cheese ravioli with butternut squash pieces**
Grilled salmon and white beans
Greek pita and spiced lamb
In the tent outside, we were summoned by the sounds of a steel drum and accompanying guitar and drum which created an island feel. Within the tent, there was a coffee station with various flavored syrups, a bar serving various tropical adult drinks, wine, beer and soda, as well as a chocolate fountain with a pale-colored chocolate stream. There were pretzel sticks, strawberries, rice krispy treats, peanut butter balls, pineapple, marshmallows, and cookies on offer to dip in the fountain. Finally, there was a table of food here as well.
Island Table
Crab cakes (cooked on the spot)**
Grilled shrimp
Boiled shrimp
Oysters on the half shell
Island / fruit salsa**
You've no doubt noticed the **asterisks** located next to certain items in my lists. These were the stars of the evening, food-wise.
It should be said that the bartenders in the tent were very kind, and made a cranberry juice/pineapple juice/sprite concoction for my wife to enjoy (no alcohol - baby doesn't like it). The praise shouldn't stop there, however. Putting on such a spread for us was very generous of the University, and the socializing that occurred was fantastic as well. The servers were attentive and offered much more food than could be consumed even by the hungry yet appreciative throngs in attendance. So much food was on offer, in fact, that my wife developed an aversion toward the end of the evening. Now THAT, amici, is a good party.
So, aside from having a bit of a red stain to my teeth, and mis-identifying the department of a colleague of mine (ack), it was a fantastic evening overall.
-C
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