Une Soiree Blanche

...oh the night I wished had never ended....the night which started as a dream became an enchanted evening. The guests arrived beautifully dressed in white. I walked Jake out to the grove and he was so pleasantly surprised. Leraunt made a light appetizer, whole grain bread with his own homemade basil pesto, topped with cherry tomatoes and fresh parmesan cheese.

I presented a toast to his honor, in which I read from one of our favorite movies, "The Count of Monte Cristo, "Life is a storm my young friend, you will bask in the sunlight one moment be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes. You must look into the storm as you shout as you did in Rome. Do your worst for I will do mine. Then the Fates will know you as we know you as Albert Mondego, the man." My friend Gentry, my nephew Mitchell and my niece Christy were the most attentive, kind servers. I am indebted to them. They were so professional and efficient and handled themselves so gracefully. Thanks guys!!! Leraunt and my Mom worked so hard in the hot kitchen preparing our food. We were ALL so blessed by their kind efforts. Our first course was called "Amuse du Chef" which means to "amuse the mouth" and indeed it did just that. It was one bite on a large spoon, Leraunt's homemade raspberry sauce with melted brie on top. A taste of heaven. I licked the spoon several times and welcomed our guests to do the same! The second course, can you figure it out in French? Our menus were in French so that was a special part to the night, trying to figure out what it said. La Salade- Une salade d'été mélangée aux feuilles d'épinards, servies avec l'artichaut, aux noix rôties, aux graines de sésame et uncontact de citron- Next Leraunt served us "Amuse Bouche", a palate cleanser. It was a beautiful arrangement of ginger, mint, orange juice and ice. So refreshing.
We relaxed in the outdoor lounge sipping Nissley wine until the main course, "Plat Principal" was ready. Plat Principal- Le saumon servi avec une purée de pommes de terre à l'ail, entouré par légumes aux juliennes et l'asperge, parfumé avec anise et avec une sauce faite maison à hollandaise. Oh, the amazing tastes in our mouth! Out of this world. By far the most delicious Salmon I've ever tasted. The evening seemed to linger. We had such great conversation, lots of laughter and time on our side. And lastly Leraunt and the "team" brought out dessert, the most fabulous poached pear with melted chocolate atop. Le Dessert- Une poire pochée, marinée en vanille et cannelle, avec du chocolat et les baies fraîches à la sauce flambée de cerise. Leraunt flambed all sorts of fresh fruit before our eyes and poured it over the pear. I have no words, seriously, it was THAT good.
We ended the evening with fresh cups of hot coffee, fuzzy blankets, lover in hand and "Gigi" on the big screen outside. I have to thank EVERYONE who gave their time, energy and kindness so freely: My Mom, Chef Leraunt Van Loon, my brother Tom for helping me set up, Shrish for keeping the boys, Gentry for helping with everything all night long, Christy for helping serve, Freiman and Lonnie for all the help with proper etiquette in regards to the French language & culture and Jess for capturing the evening so beautifully. Terri for the perfect hydrangeas. Photography by JessicaSue Photography. And such a thoughtful gift from Curt & Jeane, a beautiful grapevine and a wine making kit soon to arrive at our doorstep! Jake received such lovely cards and gifts from all his friends.

Leraunt is available for dinner parties both large and small and is very affordable. If you too would be interested in hiring him, please contact me, it is an amazing experience!

"It is not the length of life,
but depth of life."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson~