Dinner with Friends at Cafe Drake HRV

Lloyd enjoys people watching from the front porch. Photo courtesy of Estee Pierce.

Vegan shawarma, cooled from its braising liquid, seasoned with Middle Eastern spices and ready to hit a soy yogurt marinade overnight.

Garnishes plucked from the Cafe Drake HRV gardens: red-veined sorrel, mustard flowers, mint, nasturtium leaves, mizuna, mint and upland cress.

Lots of side yard dill and chives complemented carrots in tahini sauce and a starter of chilled watermelon soup.

Prepping for pre-dinner snack and lovage cocktails . . .

The shawarma with sauce, harissa brown rice pilaf and roasted tomatoes. Another platter was assembled from various veggies, chilled salads and house-pickled grapes and celery.

Dinner is served!

We're lucky enough to receive host guests such as this extraordinary bouquet, dry and fruity wines, artisanal gin and more. What wonderful guests we entertain at Cafe Drake HRV!