Easter and The Eve of Meals

Cafe Drake always enjoys a visit from Jen Ruske's mom, Connie, and this year we finally got it together (sort of) enough to invite mother and daughter over for a simple, no-fuss dinner prior to Easter's extravaganza at Ruske's. Jen's deluxe brunch included amongst other things: clove-scented ham, bacon and kale quiche, divine lasagna, Caesar salad and lemon trifle. The Night Before . . . Cafe Drake whipped together a rabbit stew, goat cheese and green onion polenta and veggies sides.

Rabbit stew is built in stages: breaking the rabbit down into 6 pieces, browning, pan-frying carrots and onions . . . all prior to a very slow simmer of all ingredients with olives and Marsala wine.