Pat Smith
The SaddleBrooke Francophiles are kicking off their 19th season of celebrating “all things French” with a wine and cheese sampling on September 22. Regional wines, complimentary cheeses and a wide variety of hors d’oeuvres will be featured at this intimate affair.
The Planning Committee has added several unique events and activities to this year’s schedule, one of which will be held on October 20—a themed murder mystery, complete with costumed characters and appropriate dialogue. This special event will bring out the actors among us, no doubt.
Our annual Julia Child-Jacque Pepin Progressive Dinner, chaired by Pat Dawydowych, will occur on November 17. Members will prepare hors d’oeuvres, entrees, side dishes and desserts gleaned from the recipe books of these two famous French chefs. All participants will gather for hors d’oeuvres and wine at one home, then travel to one of several host homes for the main courses and then reconvene for dessert and champagne at the final home. A truly delightful evening!
We will be celebrating the holidays with a special party in December, followed by our 19th Anniversary Dinner and Gala, on January 19, honoring our founders, Bill and Suzanne Brown, and our founding members. A special French dinner menu accompanied by French music and fun should truly make this a memorable occasion for all members who attend.
On February 9, we will be celebrating fun and friendship with a “Pink and White” Party, a themed event that will incorporate many aspects of Valentine’s Day. Lots of surprises await our members here.
The “Foods and Wines” of France will be highlighted on March 15, with a focus on several regions of France, their wines and cuisine. Members will create hors d’oeuvres, entrees and desserts from one of the selected regions and wines from those regions will be offered to compliment these dishes.
On April 13, our annual “Paris in the Park” event will conclude our season of events in a special way, with a variety of foods and wines to highlight the fun.
In addition to these events, we offer “Diners a la Maison,” which provide our members a more intimate dinner setting. Hosts homes, who prepare entrees, welcome guests who prepare side dishes and dessert; this event allows our members to meet on a smaller scale and enjoy each other’s company. Many friendships have been forged over the years through this activity. Mylinda Guillen chairs this event, the dates being January 17, February 21 and April 18.
For more information about the SaddleBrooke Francophiles, please contact Pat Smith at 825-2409. Vive la France!