A reunion (with 2 worthy substitutions)

Attendees: Joshua, Jack, Rick, and Peanut
Cocktail: Rick's in charge!
Appetizers: Radishes with artisan salts; crostini with Parrano
Main Course: Caesar Club Sandwiches
Sides: Insalata Caprese and fresh corn salad
Dessert: Peaches in Sauternes

I moved to Washington, DC in 1999 and some of my fondest memories of my time here involve meeting four amazing guys (Joshua, Rick, Trey, and Mary) for lunch every day (and for darts, drinks, or a spinning class every now and then after work, too!). Well, times change--- Joshua moved to New York, Trey moved to San Francisco, and Mary moved to Chicago. So when Joshua had to come back to DC for work and asked if he could crash with Peanut and me, I saw it as a perfect opportunity to invite Rick over and kick it old school! And while they could never take the places of Trey and Mary, Peanut and Jack were worthy substitutes!!!



I wasn't even going try to come up with a cocktail when Rick told me he could make it for dinner- I knew he could whip up in a moment something that would be a thousand times better than what would take me an hour to prepare!



I love Peanut and I love Joshua, but they are two of the pickiest eaters ever! And I had to prepare the meal on a Monday after a full day of work and a trip to the gym! I was finally able to figure out that they would both enjoy a chicken Caesar club, though Peanut needed his Caesar dressing made without anchovy paste and Joshua wanted his without Pancetta.



I think that Ina Garten's fresh corn salad is my favorite summer salad ever. To prepare: boil 5 ears of shucked corn for 3 minutes, then put them in a bowl of ice water. When cold, cut of the kernels and mix with a small red onion (diced), 3 Tablespoons cider vinegar and 3 Tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper. When ready to serve, mix in some fresh basil. Delicious!



And to go with all the starches, a simple Insalata Caprese- who doesn't love that?!



I kept dessert fresh: Peaches in Sauternes! So simple and elegant, and one of Peanut's new favorite desserts!

And after a few drinks at 1 A.M., Joshua convinced me to succumb to the pressure and (finally!) join Facebook! I am such a sell out... but befriend me anyway (I might even make you dinner)!