We catered a beautiful birthday party dinner on Friday evening.   The home was spectacular, the guests were fun and energetic and the service was impeccable.  Shortly before the first course, I went to make sure every one was seated and ready.  The guests were sort of looking at each other quietly.  I wasn't sure what was going on.  A few moments before, cell phones were out, photos were being taken.  There was a jovial vibe in the room.  Now, quiet, people were getting up one or two at a time, and heading toward the front door.  I made my way over to that area, only to discover the beginning of what became a large collection of cell phones amassed in the front hallway.  It began with one guest, thoughtful enough to leave their cell phone next to their umbrella on a shelf near the front door.  The host had gone to close the door and discovered this kind gesture.  It moved her enough to say something to the table.  Her words were not meant to shame, only to compliment the thoughtful guest and thank them for their consideration.  Apparently, the other guests shared her sentiment and decided to become engaged in the atmosphere and company of the evening.  

By the time the soup course, which was first, hit the table, the jubilation had returned and the guests were in the swing of celebration.  It was the kind of evening that if you did not have fun and enjoy yourself, it was your own fault.  The food courses came out timely.  I know I am a little biased, but the flavors were spot on and the guests really seem to enjoy them.  Every course was designed around the guest of honor's favorite foods.  We began with Mushroom soup, served with a brioche crouton and shitake bacon (stay tuned for a future post about this).  The second course was orrecchietti in a Parmesan infusion with asparagus and artichoke hearts.  The main course was braised short rib with red onion jam garni, served over creamy polenta with green beans.  Before all of the plates were served, the guests were asking if there were seconds of this dish.  Dessert was birthday cake and chocolate covered strawberries.  I thought I would share the menu, but as I did, I had the thought that I bet every guest could have told you what they ate.  Until the drinks had been flowing nonstop, every person was engaged in the conversations, the food and the ambiance.  Alcohol may have made the evening fuzzy, but at least it wasn't being viewed through the screen on a cell phone...