Visitors and a Party
Several weeks ago, Nilay talked me into having a housewarming party. "Set the stage for your move to Seattle. Invite everyone you know." A few weeks later, the evite went out:
“The boxes are unpacked. The kitchen works. And Lolita has now been properly registered with the powers that be of auto license plates in the state of Washington. That means only one thing: it is time to properly celebrate my habitation of a new home. While breaking a bottle of champagne on the, er, door or cutting a giant ribbon in the hallway with an equally giant pair of scissors might officially declare the Park Rose Terrace home, both are just not fitting. On the other hand, a housewarming party seems extremely palatable. And not some cheesey fly-by-night affair with stale chips and Pabst, but a proper event with real appetizers and margaritas and music and other stuff.
Interested? Come on, you know that you don’t have much else to do on a beautiful, "rain free" Seattle evening. And besides which, you encouraged me to move to Seattle (ok, some of you, and you know who you are), so you need to help me officially establish myself as a Seattelite. Seattelian. Seattle person. You get the picture.�
To ensure a proper celebration, Nilay, Carrie and Emil came up for a long weekend. In addition to the party, we didn't so much as see the sights as play, eat and drink. So, some food/spirit highlights:
-Matt's in the Market. Another fabulous meal. Starters of clams and musells with a bottle of S. Anderson Blanc de Noirs. Salmon and lentils (one of my all-time favorite combinations) with a sauvignon blanc. A rich chocolate dessert, including a lovely Guinness and port.
-Friday night drinks. Drinks at my place after Matt's. I cracked opened a bottle of huervas (spanish liquor, similar to a jaeger but much lighter and drinkable), while the others concocted interesting combinations. I also want to note that all three served as alcohol mules, bringing me California priced vodka and tequila (it was only when I drug Carrie into one of the government alcohol stores did she she finally believe my stories about the high prices and limited selection). A knock from the neighbors at 1:30 in the morning was a bit alarming, until we found out that they wanted to join the party.
-Venus Brunch. I've been to Venus once before for brunch, and loved it just as much a second time. Venus is connected to the bar Mars, so make an excellent bloody mary (as well as other breakfast drinks). Plus, they make great brunch food, including whole fried and seasoned small potatoes and mushroom gravy and biscuits.
-Linda's Brunch. Again, a repeat. The greasy breakfast and pitcher of Mac and Jac helped with the hangover from the night before. Which reminds me, B Complex is a very good hangover fix; pop a pill, drink some water and sleep.
-Housewarming. Highlight of the party - margaritas. Plus a ton of wine and beer and non-alcoholic drinks (I even made mint lemonade for the non-drinkers in the crowd). Food: my bean dip layered with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheddar and olives; a cheese plate; tomato and basil bruschetta; grilled shrimp; blondies; brownies; and someone brought the perfect and fabulous Dahlia Loung coconut cream pie.
Finally, a huge thank you to Carrie, Emil and Nilay for all of their pre- and post-party help. This was definitely the first party that I'd thrown in a long time in which I had anyone to help, and the extra hands were sooo appreciated. Plus, I am so happy that all three came up - we had a ton of fun and I was truly sorry to see everyone leave. I can't wait until we can hang out together again...I have incredible friends.