Payback Dinner for Ruske

Pre-mashed potato topped pies.

We recently had a legendary dinner at the home of dear pal Jen Ruske . . .  a late night extravaganza boasting numerous cocktails, stuffed mushrooms and exquisite pistachio-studded mortadella as snacks, soon followed by a raw "rubbed" Tuscan kale salad bejeweled with blue cheese, candied walnuts and roasted beets . . . improbably topped by an entree of port wine and veal stock-braised short ribs and pan-roasted celery root, parsnips and carrots. And are you ready? Chased with homemade, chocolate dipped coconut macaroons and cognac! Add in the charming company of Ruske and her compadres Ben and Mary C. and we ended up with a most memorable evening.

Recovering from a major bout with the flu, Cafe Drake could only hint at the former glories of Ms. Ruske's meal but nonetheless conjured up a simpler-than-thou dinner for Jen upon her arrival from a red-eye flight from LA. 

Shepherd's Pie (made from lots of rosemary and Shiraz-soaked lamb stew and topped with mashed potatoes, sweet and Yukon Gold, mixed); a hearty green salad; a cheese course of Stilton, pumpernickel and apple and raisin chutneys and a wee finale of salted caramels and aged cognac comprised an unintentionally Anglo/Franco-phile dinner as thanks.