Saturday Night Dinner

DC and M are two of Hub's favourite colleages and we have over a few meals become friendly. It is an honour to know that the couple, in spite of their busy schedule, enjoy dining with us and we in return thoroughly enjoy their company.

DC is the man behind the Ferrari California and is grace, style and culture personified. I love listening to him talk, he is interesting, intelligent and funny. Like us, the couple come from different cultures - he's Italian but grew up in France; she's Dutch but speaks several European languages fluently. Most people enjoy the comfort that comes from living with someone who is from their own race, culture, religion etc. I belong to those who enjoy the challenge and life-long learning and exchange that living with someone very different (and yet not so finally) brings. The couple is beautiful to look at and I adore M, she's pretty, intelligent and so very sweet - especially with the children. Knowing that Eldest Son is a fan of the F1 pilots, she kindly asked the pilots themselves for a signature on behalf of the boy.

Dinner was to be a fusion affair. We started out with Foie Gras on Toasts liberally accompanied by Veuve Clicquot and Moët & Hennessy Champagnes, continuing with Vietnamese Imperial Nems that were a hit with everyone young and not so. We had Grilled Duck Magret with Balsamic Vinegar and Honey Sauce that I served with French Pan-Fried Potatoes with Garlic and Parsley, as well as French Beans in Garlic and Olive Oil.

For dessert, knowing that DC is no fan of exotic sweets (he nearly choked on the Black Glutinous Rice in Coconut Milk that I served him during our last dinner), I made a dessert that straddled both France and Italy - Millefeuille with Mascarpone. The Hub liked it so much he insisted I had to make it again for lunch the next day.

We were exhausted by the end of the evening (actually early morning) but went to bed feeling really happy and satisfied. The Hub made a movie date with them for the coming week as they are all movie fans, yet another thing besides France, Ferrari and love-for-food that we have in common.