Love & Marriage - the Wedding of Dear Friends

I spent the weekend in New York City to attend a wedding and those travels will be recounted in two parts – the fab cheap eats are next week!

When you go to a wedding what is it that you look forward to the most? The bride’s dress? The cake? The appetizers? The Cocktail Hour? The kiss? All of those are fantastic, but for me the best part is usually the appetizers and cocktail hour. This weekend I went to a wedding reception (the ceremony was a private affair – a la “Sex in the City”) and it was one huge cocktail party! I loved everything I ate from the truffled mushroom puffs to the broiled shrimp and everything in between. I wasn’t surprised that the food was so terrific since the married couple is incredibly stylish and both love good food.

I was delighted when they let me cook

Bobby and I met in High School and I met his partner Chris in 2010 when I went back east for a High School reunion. Bobby and I lost touch and got back together with one another a few years ago. I adore him and was thrilled to be invited to the “Schoolhouse” – literally a renovated and expanded one room school house in upstate New York. After the 3 hour ride in the car from midtown Manhattan to the “Schoolhouse”, I knew why Bobby had fallen for Chris. He’s smart, funny, sexy, and has a great sense of who he is and his sense of humor is spot on (and all of those things are true for Bobby too!)! I was delighted when they let me cook (and make cocktails) for them and we had so much fun in the kitchen! Bobby loves to cook and keeps everything light, fresh and simple. Chris was thrilled with the simple grilled dinner we tossed together and we all lounged and enjoyed each other’s company at their “Schoolhouse” (Moment of Truth – the coolest thing for me was signing the guest book immediately after Jane Krakowski from 30 Rock and Ally McBeal)!

Each wedding is different. Think of all the ones you’ve attended.

Dining with friends is one of the best things about weddings – whether it is a sit down dinner, or a buffet, or a fab cocktail reception – the camaraderie of those you know and the community building with those you don’t yet know is magical. Think about all the different kinds of weddings you have attended. Each is different and all are wonderful in their own way. Something about celebrating together makes the food taste better I think. Friday evening we met with other out of town wedding guests and had a fun celebration in the theatre district. Lots of moving around the table, laughing and sampling each other’s food went on. And to see everyone smiling and enjoying each other was truly a blessing and I was so happy to be there and meet some of the people I had heard about.

Cajun Seafood Pot Pie with cornbread topping was a risky choice that paid off – very tasty!

John and I at Angus McIndoe’s

The High Schoolers – just call us The Bridesmaids – NOT!

The High Schoolers with the Grooms!

On March 9th my dear friend was able to marry his beloved thanks to changes in the laws in the state of New York. Bobby and Chris have been together for 10 years. To put that in perspective for you:
• John and I knew each other less than one year when we wed, and we never lived together before marrying – we have been married for almost 25 years
• Over 50% of premarital cohabitating couples split up within 5 years
They have weathered the tough times together and FINALLY they can legally be married. I couldn’t possibly be happier for them.

Congrats Bobby and Chris – much love to you!

My Food Memories this week are all wedding related and NYC related – cocktails with Jane Krakowski, wedding cupcakes, lunch with Sarah and Geoffrey (and the BEST BLT ever), snacks with Tim, and wonderful cocktail hour food at the reception. I promise more Food memories of NYC next week.

Sarah and Geoffrey with us at Alice’s Tea Cup.