Remember that dinner for 30 I was talking about at the beginning of the year? Well today was the day, but because of travel plans and life and all that it happened at lunch rather than dinner. Just as well!
I have met some of the people who came a time or two before and knew none of them well, but had told them whenever they were in Birmingham to let me know and I would have them over for a meal. These are people Son3 knows and interact/plays with on a semi regular basis and this all came about because of him. Now I have many new acquaintances I got to spend an afternoon getting to know.
The Menu
Smoked Pork Butt
Smoked Beef Brisket
Smoked Hen
Pimento Cheese Grits Souffle
Collard Greens
Cole Slaw
Pecan Pie
Rum Brownies
Banana Pudding
And when you make all of this food this is who shows up for lunch!
This is not from tonights show, but is enjoyable anyway!
I have met some of the people who came a time or two before and knew none of them well, but had told them whenever they were in Birmingham to let me know and I would have them over for a meal. These are people Son3 knows and interact/plays with on a semi regular basis and this all came about because of him. Now I have many new acquaintances I got to spend an afternoon getting to know.
The Menu
Smoked Pork Butt
Smoked Beef Brisket
Smoked Hen
Pimento Cheese Grits Souffle
Collard Greens
Cole Slaw
Pecan PieRum Brownies
Banana Pudding
And when you make all of this food this is who shows up for lunch!
Colour me awed. I hope you had a wonderful time (and have leftovers so cooking is kept to a minimum for a few days.
ReplyDeleteI had a wonderful time (after 2 solid days of cooking and smoking stuff) The entire band is just lovely and a couple of them are going to be back here during the summer to do some mentoring projects. Both have said they are coming by, so like I said I have some new acquaintances to share new idea with.
Deleteoh.my.gosh.
ReplyDeleteand Wynton, too!!!
I had met him a couple of times prior to this and we talked about him coming by for something to eat if he played Birmingham. When they got their tour dates he asked Son3 if the offer was truly good, so I just invited the whole group and surprisingly most of them came. It was great fun.
DeleteThat's so cool!!!!! The menu is incredible!!!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun. A lot of work but fun. I decided to make it as Southern as I could with the most amount of advance prep food. I didn't want to spend all the time they were here cooking.
DeleteI'm impressed with both your menu and guests. Sounds like a good time.
ReplyDeleteIt was much fun. They are a very congenial group.
DeleteWow. I'm glad it was a lovely time. I bet he was equally impressed with the gracious host!
ReplyDeleteI am sure he has people pandering to him all the time. Unfortunately for them when you come here it means I am going to treat you like family, and because I have not changed over my Christmas dishes yet when it got time for coffee (I forgot about needing coffee for the desserts) my only cups had snowmen on them. So_____
DeleteSounds like a lovely time all around- wonderul sounding menu and great guests. Glad it went well.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun!
DeleteHow cool is that - and the menu sounds amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely out of the box for my usual dinner party guests!
DeleteSound good...Do you have room for two extra.
ReplyDeletecoffee is on
I always have room for guests!
DeleteI would seriously travel a long way to sample that menu!! Your guests look impressed! I would have had a meltdown preparing for that many people - well done!
ReplyDeleteHey! For your next hike you could traipse across Alabama. You could visit the Coon Dog cemetery, see the worlds largest statue of the boll weevil, and come eat a ton of food all in the same trip!
DeleteWhat a great menu!
ReplyDeleteIt was the least labor intensive menu I could come up with that was very southern but could be done largely in advance.
DeleteSo jealous of your lunch guest, he's my oldest son (the jazz trumpet player)'s idol and a favorite of mine as well. Glad he enjoyed your cooking! I'm sure everything was delicious but those desserts... I'm salivating and putting on weight just reading their names :)
ReplyDeleteBesides his incredible talent, he is the most charming and delightful person anyone could have as a role model. Son3 absolutely adores him as a musician and as a mentor. He gives the students as much life advice as he does technical advice. The band members all reflect that same attitude, which is just wonderful. Not sure where in Fla you are located but they will be in Sarasota tonight and Miami Friday.
DeleteWow! What an impressive menu and guest list! I am sure they appreciated your home cooked meal and coffee in the snowmen cups! :)
ReplyDeleteI was kind of embarrassed by the cups, but I could either serve them in that or climb up a step stool to get my regular cups then rewash them since they have been sitting unused since before Thanksgiving. Oh well, they didn't seem to mind terribly.
DeleteChristmas cups after Christmas are cool
DeleteThat sounded like so much fun! Rum brownies??? yes please...
ReplyDeleteReally good, plus they are made with a 6 minute microwave recipe. Tasty and easy!
DeleteThat's so awesome, Anne! Everything I have ever heard about Wynton Marsalis is that he is personable and kind -- so cool that he is your son's teacher (also -- way to go Son3--that's some talent!) and that you were able to host everyone for dinner.
ReplyDeleteHe is not his teacher, he is head of Jazz studies at Juilliard so that is how Son3 is around him. He is a lovely and charming person and every member of his band/ traveling staff has the same traits. They are a lovely group of people and I enjoyed having them at my home. Hopefully some will come back if they wander this way!
DeleteFabulous menu! How fun.
ReplyDeleteIt was a lot of fun!
DeleteWow, that is seriously impressive (the menu and the guest list)! I would be a bag of nerves taking that on. Anna
ReplyDeleteThey were so comfortable to be around. It was great!
Deleteare you kidding me? Wow!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting is THAT?! And how cute you are ... it's great being able to put a face with your name!
ReplyDelete