If you wait three decades, sometimes reunions can actually happen. Blue-eyed family traversed the country to a greeting of Sunday brunch at ChezHelvetica. 
Barefoot Contessa’s Baked French Toast Casserole, made with Challah and a Streussel topping, starred as the centerpiece for our guests of German and Irish ancestry. Roasted Aidell’s Chicken Apple Breakfast sausage accompanied the French Toast, then all doused with sweet Maple Syrup. Fagé Yogurt, Blueberries and Raspberries filled farmers market Peaches, adding even more delight.
Lively, heart-felt conversation about family matriarchs long gone, grand children (even great, great grand children) and current interests filled the afternoon, sweetened with delectable Chocolates from Bruge, Belgium. Then it was off to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass or Yosemite or Home, which we are so fortunate to have!
💕 In honor of Grace Hahne, Dolly McGarry and Edna Sentner
We hosted a tribute dinner honoring him, with his sister Alice Rennie in attendance. Given Alice’s no cheese or cream dietary restrictions, ChezHelvetica’s Frittata this evening consisted of onions, assorted vegetables from the local VA Farmers Market, potatoes, eggs, non-diary almond milk and artichoke/garlic sausage.
We talked about Mark’s founding of the iconic Billboard Cafe and Club Nine at Ninth and Folsom (in South of Market SOMA, San Francisco) and his many art and entertainment involvements.
A virtual mini-Seder with family began this holiday with discussion of the Seder Plate and symbolism of its foods. Palm fronds, commemorating the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, shared ChezHelvetica’s tabletop with symbols of the Jewish exodus from Egypt on the journey to freedom.
Matzah, or unleavened bread, first appeared in the savory, steaming Matzah Ball soup. Then in the main course with 
Inspired by the Greens Restaurant menu for Christmas and the first night of Chanukah, ChezHelvetica and dear friends created a feast for this merged holiday. Taking the challenge, a New York Times four-page recipe for 
A Port reduction sauce, flavored with Shallots, Garlic, Peppercorns and fresh Thyme from our garden, drizzled over the Wellington. NB| The Sous Chef also created the toilet paper seed menorah.
While this day commemorates the storming of the Bastille, the Trump assassination attempt captured the headlines this year. Still, ChezHelvetica prepared a 
ChezHelvetica honored resurrection and family
this Easter Sunday with Eggs (of course) and the finest produce from organic vegetable and fruit kingdoms. 
Wonderful produce from the VA Farmers Market shared the spotlight on our table showcasing the juiciest Berries, Artichoke Hummus, Italian Caponata and Lemon Pita Chips. Even our dessert, Banana Pie, hailed from this market. Let the World Rise Now in Freedom and Peace!
Our gathering commenced with a toast for peace and happiness, glasses of iconic Veuve Clicquot Champagne in hand. The first course of this holiday meal featured 
