“Why does this night differ from all other nights?” ChezHelvetica distinguished this celebration of freedom by passing over the ritual Passover Seder, yet honoring the symbols and special foods eaten on this occasion. The meal started with traditional Apple-Walnut Charoset and Horseradish on Yehuda Matzo, accompanied by roasted Mt. Lassen Trout. Steaming Manischewitz Matzo Ball Soup with fresh Dill followed. Our main course beckoned ~ Cinnamon Butter Baked Carrots surrounding Rotisserie Chicken and Parmesan-Roasted Cauliflower fragrant with Onion, Garlic and Thyme.
Family embraced us from afar, albeit from another state or heaven, through their beautiful table setting gifts. All would delight in the dessert of Chocolate Decadence Flourless Cake from Jane, Noe Valley Bakery Macaroons and Strauss Family Creamery Vanilla Ice Cream.
The next day, Matzo Brei with Salmon, Dill Pickle, Fuji Apple and Medjool Dates, with a view of flowering blooms across the street at the GGNRA, solidified our Resurrection. Pesach Sameach!
If you wait three decades, sometimes reunions can occur. Blue-eyed family traversed the country to a greeting of Sunday brunch at ChezHelvetica. 
Barefoot Contessa’s Baked 
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.
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!
ChezHelvetica celebrated Easter (on the fourth day of Passover) with a trinity of family and multi-nationality of dishes. 
A Zaalook Salad from La Maison Arabe in Marrakech, Morocco (with Eggplant, Tomato, Paprika and Cumin) rested on Arugula and Spinach, framed by Deviled Eggs. (NB: The boiled egg’s origin can be seen in recipes as far back as ancient Rome.) Also of Italian inspiration, 
The Chef’s attention next focused on Sea Scallops sautéed in Butter and Garlic, then drenched in a Lemon-Butter sauce which accompanied the Risotto. Tangy Reed’s Ginger Beer, whose Ginger is sourced from the Peruvian Amazon, paired perfectly with this course. Finally to America for a Hot Fudge Sundae made with Häagan-Dazs Ice Cream, Berries from Medina Farms at the VA Farmers Market and Smuckers decadent Hot Fudge. We have Risen and hope You did as well!
Like beautiful new blooms on a Rose bush, ChezHelvetica welcomed the daughter and three grandchildren of a dear friend
(now smiling down from heaven). After researching kid-friendly dishes, a 
Homemade Lemonade was the perfect summer beverage to serve at the gathering. Our sweet finish: 
Comedy and Variety enlivened ChezHelvetica this Saturday Night! Visiting Cugino Primo (First Cousin) brought laughs to the table with great stories from San Luis Obispo and Ohio to Puglia, Italy. 
“Fish and Chips” with giant Zucchini from a friend’s Tam Valley garden seemed the perfect meal for this occasion. 
Reed’s Ginger Beer and Armida Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma paired wonderfully with our food. The final credits go to Häagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry’s for their carousel of Caramel, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Vanilla and Cherry Garcia Ice Creams and Frozen Yogurt. Entertainment at its best – SNL+