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01 January 2008

Ringing in 2008 in San Diego

Happy 2008 to everyone!

Well, to ring in the new year this time, I spent the evening celebrating with friends in San Diego. We went to PB and ended up spending the night drinking and dancing at PB Bar & Grill:-)

Vicky, Nancy, I and Becky



Becky and I

the place was filled with balloons and balloons and confetti fell at midnight out on the dancefloor!

Jenn, Vicky and Nancy

Bonnie, I and Becky

Becky, Jenn, Vicky, and Nancy

Nancy and I
(how we've grown since kindergarten)

26 December 2007

La Toque Gourmande - - Christmas Eve 2007

Merry Christmas (Eve)! As per tradition, we had the very long 6 course meal for Christmas Eve. The theme this year was black white and silver. La Toque Gourmande had a successful serving another year in a row!

setting up the name tags

the table

a place setting


Once Arnaud and Jess arrived, it was time to get the little to eat her dinner before the guests arrived...

Isabella was intrigued by the train going around the tree...




I am not quite sure what she was up to here. She was running around the living room with the pillow, and panting with her mouth wide open.

Every at their places at the table...





We had the garage set up as the food storage area. And Dad needed to grill some beef as well, so we carted the barbecue in there so it was more comfortable to cook for him.

Just a few of the bottles of wine and Asti

First course:
From top left clockwise:
Creamy Smoked Trout with Apple and Horseradish on Born Bread
Prosciutto Roll with Arugula, Goat Cheese and Dried Fig
Roquefort Dip accompanied with Apple, Endive and Celery

Creamy Smoked Trout with Apple and Horseradish on Brown Bread

Prosciutto Roll with Arugula, Goat Cheese and Dried Fig

Fifth Course (main):
Bouef on Croute with a Spinach and Walnut Filling






Dessert:
Poached Oranges with Candied Ginger and Zest
Buche de Noel





Christmas Eve was small this year, but still just as merry as always. Each course was experimental, except for the Buche and the Sorbet, but everything came out better than I thought. It was a great night, and La Toque Gourmande may have another serving at the end of next year....

A Colantonio Christmas

Sunday December 23, the entire Colantonio family got together for a Christmas Exchange at my place....

I planned on making just lots of appetizers, we could spend the entire day, talking eating and opening presents. That morning there was much last minute preparation and setting of the table and making sure all the presents were out...

Java's new favorite spot


the tree with all the presents





Arnaud introducing Isabella and Java


too much food, but somehow we managed to finish most of it

hanging out in the living room

Spicy Chipotle Chicken Nachos topped with Avocado Crema


Mini Potato and Bacon Frittatas



Caramelized Onion Dip

Chipotle Shrimp Cups in Wonton Wrappers


Marinated Mozzarella Balls Wrapped in Prosciutto
Sun Dried Tomatoes

Parmesan and Black Pepper Biscotti
After filling out tummies with food we attacked the presents....




Nonno is reading a book to Isabella, who evidently is taken by the reading.

Java and Isabella finally warmed up to each other and off they go playing...





As Arnaud, Jess and I went to exchange some things, Isabella got to fill her tummy with food. Nonnina and Isabella looked like they had a fun time...





It was really fun spending the day doing Christmas with just the nuclear family. And it was even more special since it was Isabella's first one too!