Things Get Fishy with Jen Ruske

Cafe Drake was thrilled to have dinner and drinks at the charming and stylin' home of dear pal Jen Ruske. And enthralled as well with our fellow dining companions - Ms. J. Lazzaro and Ruske's visiting friend from LA, Laura. A round of much-needed drinks (it was rainy, nasty weather outside) was soon followed by creamy and rich Risotto with Sweet Peas and Sausage, the rice lovingly stirred and tended to by Jen L. Our main course was a heaping bowl of Mixed Seafood Stew, packed with chunks of flaky whitefish, perfectly cooked scallops, sweet and moist shrimp and briny, tender mussels. Bread was broken to sop up with the slow-simmered broth and Ruske wisely brought an earthy note to the table via sides of chickpeas with spinach and roasted beets. Soft-rind aged bleu cheese was up next, devoured with fresh pear, drizzled honey and sweet RoseHip crackers/biscuits. Because Jen Lazzaro had a birthday coming up soon, Ruske pulled out the stops and kicked out the jams with a dessert platter of fresh berry and cream tarts and individual creme brulees. What a festive and delicious evening spent with good friends and great cheer.