The Dinner Party

Back story. This week, our second anniversary of the move to Portland week, we also had company from the South. Here all week from Georgia, learning about his new job was Jeff, the husband of our dear friend of many years Christy. Here for a few days for a wedding of a beloved friend, Tony and Melissa, our dear friends from Jackson, Mississippi. When I talked with my son Leland about which restaurant to take them to last Thursday night (since we knew we were going to Three Doors Down Sunday evening), he said, "We'll be grilling, probably. The sun's supposed to be out. Why don't you bring them over here?" Thrilled, I replied, "Really? Find out what Lamont thinks and let us know!" Friday Lamont called and said, "You want to have a dinner party?" "Yes," I said, "if it works for y'all. I'd love for y'all to meet Jeff and Tony and Melissa." That's how we ended up at their house enjoying what I called a "Big Chill" time, minus the angst. Let me tell you, if Lamont and Leland's daddy were alive today, we would've celebrated Father's Day that evening, too, since the guys have to work today. He loved to have family and friends over for good food, a trait you can tell that his two sons inherited.

So this is my Happy Father's Day post to all of you. Enjoy!




Grilled fingerling potatoes, Walla Walla Sweet Onions, yellow squash, and globe zucchini.

The guys shopped for these vegetables at a local farmers' market that happens every Thursday, not too many blocks from their home in a church parking lot.

Flank steak marinated in tangelo juice, zest, and rind, olive oil, garlic, and shallots for a couple of hours, then put onto the grill.




Happy Father's Day, Tony! And Happy Late Mother's Day, Melissa!


Happy Father's Day, Jeff!






For dessert, the guys got local fresh strawberries and fresh, organic ricotta.

With bits of basil added, the dessert tasted great.