Birthday Dinner by a Private Chef

Calligraphy menu  www.lauraknecht.com

Lynda's French Shoe Favors

Signature Cocktail - love the color.

Fig and Goat Cheese appetizer

Marcello- a man of many talents!

Imagine the surprise -  being treated to a gourmet dinner by a private chef in Julie's  gorgeous home with 11 of my closest friends- that's what happened to me tonight as a surprise for my birthday! Marlene flew in from Tennessee and Amy and Candy came back early from vacations- that really meant a lot to me.  Lynda Sue was already here for the week of the 4th.  Orchestrating the party, Lynda had all the pieces in place. Per Laurell's suggestion, all the girls set their own place settings in their personal style and personal  china, making an interesting and very pretty table.

Candy borrowed a huge portable  tabletop from Bonny, so that we could all sit together at a large  table that was placed in Julie's living room.  Large white clothes and Laurell's grandmothers gorgeous white embroidered tablecloth covered the huge table.    Candlelight and flowers from Twigs set a romantic tone.. Lynda Sue made French shoes for every setting to tie the table together. 

The food was fantastic.Lynda had personal chef Marcello prepare a divine meal  of  appetizers, seafood, pork and delicious sauces and accompaniments.  Dessert was Creme Brulee and this decadent cake of mango and passion fruit mousse. Linda D had found these fun sparkler candles for the center of the cake - I loved it! Julie has purchased the cake from Froggy's in Highwood and it was perfect for a summer's night. Linda D. had the   beautifully calligraphied menu scribed  by Laura Knecht in Barrington and was absolutely stunning on the torn parchment paper. With Lynda's orchestration,  I can't believe that all these girls came together and created this beautiful night for me. It was fun and a night that I will remember forever!  Thank you everyone!

Lynda's Birthday Celebration

flatbread pizza with burrata, squash blossoms and roasted cherry tomatoes

Himachi with sour cherries

Bright colorfully wrapped gifts awaiting Lynda

Yesterday was Lynda Sue's birthday and we met Laurell and Christie at Nellcote for dinner  in the city.  It was a  very lively atmosphere, loud music ( which Lynda loved)  and the  restaurant was stunning .  Crystal chandeliers, hot  orange walls in the bar, and an incredible "Parisienne"  patio area were  a delight to the visual senses.  We enjoyed beautifully presented food and then headed back to the  quiet burbs to open presents.  Happy Birthday Lynda!

Lake Bluff Fourth of July - The Food, The Parade, The Beach

The Menu

French Fry Bag stamped with Fleur de Lis - used to serve Ham Sliders

Watermelon with Peach Balsamic Vinegar Reduction, Feta and Mint

Vintage Blue and White

Smoked Salmon, Dill and Potato Tart

Berry Shortcake

Jill's Dipped Strawberries in White Chocolate and Citrus Peel - so good!

Crisp Summer Rose served in vintage eagle glasses- so 4th of July!

Lake Bluff Historical Society  with our very own Penny!

Love this one- Lake Bluff Lawn Mower Drill Team

Penney holding her 1882 Birth of the National Prohibition Party in Lake Bluff sign!

Lots of sail boats in the horizon

Laurell, Katha, Christy and Mr. RTH at the beach - 105 degrees and the water felt good!

Lake Bluff Beach

A hot, hot, hot day in Lake Bluff,  but you felt guilty staying inside in the air conditioning.  We had an early brunch for those who wanted to go the annual Lake Bluff parade and cooked hamburgers for the later crowd.  So it was brunch, the parade, going to the lake, cooking hamburgers and enjoying dessert. And just as the day was ending about 5 o'clock , the transformer by our house blew up  and we were without electricity! So to cool off,  we spent the fourth of July night with our feet in cold water foot baths, sitting on the front porch, just like our ancestors did on the Fourth of July probably 100 years ago.!