A French Affair

Several years ago, I was living in Charlotte in a tiny 1920s Tutor-style apartment building. My dining area only accommodated four people but it was my turn to host the dinner party club I have mentioned in previous posts. I moved the sofa into the hallway and set up several tables of two to four seats in the living room to create an intimate French bistro theme.

Everyone was greeted in the hallway. As enough guests arrived to fill a table, I escorted them in to their seats. The tables were covered with white tablecloths, a tea light candle and a single flower in a bottle. The small tables were pushed close enough together to give a cozy feel and allow conversation among all. I printed menus with lots of French dishes, highlighting the courses I would actually be serving. French singer, Edith Piaf, serenaded us all evening via CD.

For my fellow club members dinning delight, I prepared French Onion Soup, a salad of mixed greens with walnuts, apples and goat cheese, Coq au Vin for the main course and Creme Brulee for dessert. Everyone was offered a choice of Burgundy or Pouilly-Fuisse wine to pair with their meal. The entire menu consisted of items that could be prepared in advance so I could spend time serving my guests at Chez Shawn. At the end of the meal, everyone cheered, "Au revoir" as they departed with full bellies.