Pat Smith
The magnificent Catalinas provided a perfect backyard setting for our annual Wine and Cheese event, held on September 22 of this year and hosted by Dick Snyder and Barb Sprouls. Barb and Dick guided us through and educated us about several different wine regions of France, including the whites and reds of Burgundy, Provence, Loire Valley, Bordeaux and the Rhone Valley. Barb paired these varietals with complimentary cheeses, which included St. Angel Triple Cream Brie, White Stilton Mango and Ginger and Gouda Truffle; delicious! Suffice to say, we were enlightened with the detailed information presented and are now more knowledgeable about French wines, where they come from and how they are grown. Merci beaucoup, Barb and Dick, for hosting this superb event.
A “who dunnit,” murder mystery unfolded on October 20, at the “Grand Opening of the Four Deuces Speakeasy.” Members assumed the various characters’ personas, dressing in Roaring Twenties attire, endeavored to solve the murder mystery with clues, guile and ingenuity. This activity proved to be hilarious and much fun for our members.
On November 17, the Julia Childs/Jacque Pepin Progressive Dinner will again attract our members who enjoy creating hors d’oeurvres, entrees and desserts gleaned from the cookbooks of these famous French chefs. We will convene at one home for our appetizers and wine, progress to several entree homes to enjoy special creations and finally gather at a dessert home to savor French treats and champagne. The chefs, both novice and seasoned, among our membership really shine at this event.
To celebrate the holidays, a fabulous holiday brunch, complete with a myriad of tasty foods and drink, will occur on December 2. What better way to bring in the season with special gathering of friends, food and fun?
This is the 19th season of “all things French” activities, and we will commemorate this occasion with an Anniversary Dinner on January 19. A small group of 22 French enthusiasts met in January 2000, at the home of our founders, Bill and Suzanne Brown, thus the creation of the SaddleBrooke Francophiles. At this dinner, our founders and the founding members will be honored with a lovely French dinner, accompanied by French music and wines.
The New Year of activities will continue on February 9, with a “Pink and White” themed party, followed by the “Foods and Wines of France” on March 16. Our traditional “Paris in the Park” event on April 13 will close our 2018-2019 season of events with fun, food, music, games and friendship. Diners a la Maison, intimate dinners at host homes, is chaired by Mylinda Guillen; these are scheduled for January 17, February 21 and April 18.
For more information about the SaddleBrooke Francophiles, please contact Pat Smith at 825-2409. Vive la France!