SKLongImages: Paella

Sunday, June 17, 2012

On Blue Bayou

A few weeks ago, we were lucky to have our friend Lisa join us for dinner with her fiancée, John. Lisa moved to Colorado about 5 years ago and this is the first time we had seen her since she left the beach. The weather was perfect and dinner on the dock was the only way to entertain our landlocked friend.

Evening started with chilled Spanish cava and a toast to Lisa and her new partner.

The contrast between dark blue and sparkling white always makes me happy and I use this combo often. Chef Gar is a stickler for serving food on white dinner plates so I can only get a little crazy with the rest! But he is an awesome cook and I can live with white plates.

One of my favorites, the hydrangea, was blooming nicely and made a simple and delightful center piece.

Just have to love Old Time Pottery and their inexpensive wine glasses!!

Life is good on the bayou! Wrinkled table cloth and all!

I love this little guy. Great for appetizers or all the goodies for pan tomaquita. Chef Gar did a country paella for dinner. So busy talking I forgot to get any pixs of dinner. It was great!

Till next time….Santé,

Resources:

White Linen Tablecloth: Whitney Plaid by Whitmore House, Beall’s Outlet

Rattan Chargers: Pier One

Napkins: Restaurant Style: Old Time Pottery

Napkin Rings: Pier One

White Dinner Plates: Corningwear Pyroceram from the Corning Store

Blue Salad Plates: Gourmet Basics by Mikasa, Old Time Pottery

Blue and White Fish Plate: Beall’s Home

Silverware: Twilight Burnished, 1881 Rogers Stainless by Oneida

Wooden Steak Knives: New World Knife Works

Blue Wine Glasses: Old Time Pottery

Champagne Glasses: TJ Max

This week I’ll be sharing with:

The Tablescaper Seasonal Sundays

Between Naps on the Porch's Metamorphosis Monday

Southern Hospitality's Thrifty Treasures Monday

Boogie Board Cottage's Masterpiece Monday

Coastal Charm's Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

A Stroll Through Life's Tabletop Tuesday

Cozy Home Scene's Your Cozy Home Tuesday
Cozy Home Scene's BBQ, Picnic and Grill Party

Cuisine Kathleen’s Let's Dish

Ivy and Elephants' What's It Wednesday

Faded Charm's White Wednesday

Savvy Southern Style's Wow Us Wednesday

Between Naps on the Porch's Tablescape Thursday

No Minimalist Here's Open House Thursday

Shabby Creek Cottage's Transformation Thursday

French Country Cottage's Feather Your Nest Friday

My Romantic Home's Show and Tell Friday

At the Picket Fence's Inspiration Friday

The Charm of the Home's Home Sweet Home Friday

Monday, April 30, 2012

Guess who’s coming to dinner?? The Men of La Mancha…

…Sancho, Don Quixote and Chef Gar!

The weather is beautiful and perfect for long, leisurely meals down on the dock. We wait for that perfect combo, not too hot, not too cold, just right. There is nothing worse than cooking up that special dish and having it cold by the time you are ready to eat. Last night, Chef Gar did one of his best country paellas and pa amb tomaquet, something we discovered in Barcelona many, many years ago.

Pa amb Tomaquet…crunchy bread, garlic, olive oil, tomatoes and a little salt. Doesn’t get any better than this!!

Never tire of this view.

Chef Gar hard at work. We love the outdoor kitchen and the paella cooker from La Tienda . It is one of the best investment we have ever made. The paella pan came home from Spain in our garment bag. As they say, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way!”

Dinner is served!

I think Sancho and Don Q had a great experience here on the Bayou! Till next time!!

Sante,
Shirl

Resources:

Tablecloth: Linens shop in Grasse, France

Rattan Chargers: Pier One

Napkins: Pottery Barn

Napkin Rings: Pier One

Yellow Plates: Have had forever...don't remember

White Salad Plates with Silver Rim: Gibson Everyday, Old Time Pottery

Silverware: 1881 Rogers Stainless by Oneida

Steak Knives: New West Knife Works

Wine Glasses: Dollar Tree

Water Goblets: Gift

This week I’ll be sharing with: