From OSU to SFO

ChezHelvetica regaled a dear friend from college with a Welcome Dinner amidst hugs, kisses and conversation that picked up where we left off years earlier. Our first course: Heartwarming Broccoli Cauliflower Soup accented with freshly picked Oregano, Thyme, Basil and Sage, plus a kick of Cayenne, accompanied by Delallo Jumbo Kalamata Olives and Pepperidge Farm Goldfish. Then the fest! Mouthwatering Crab Cakes composed of Dungeness Crab (one from the Seafood Center in San Francisco and another from Bolinas) and delicious Boudin Sourdough Bread, served on inner leaves of Romaine and dressed with Lemon Vinaigrette, along with Sweet Potato Fries. Jordan Russian River Chardonnay was the perfect pairing, both because of its creamy taste and its name, that of Nina’s son. For dessert we delighted in Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookie Butter Ice Cream and World’s Finest Chocolate Mint Meltaways while discussing next days plans to see Gustav Klimt at the Legion, Teotihuacan at the deYoung and hear U.K. band Stereophonics at The Fillmore and Seal at Davies Symphony HallExcitement reigned!

A Mediterranean Medley

With inspiration from Armenia, Lebanon and Israel, ChezHelvetica brought the beautiful culture and tradition of Mezza to the table. To begin we delighted in Sabra Hummus and Marin Gourmet’s fire-roasted Aubergine with Lemon Crackers made of Whole Wheat Pita Bread. Then Lemony Marinated Chicken Skewers fragrant with Cumin, Tumeric, Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes and Fingerling Potatoes braised with Wine, Butter and Fresh Thyme transported us to the spice tables of the Middle East. Velvety Acacia Chardonnay from Carneros paired perfectly with this meal, yet was a heartbreaking reminder of our majestic Wine Country now devastated by wildfires. Finally, a sweet dessert to reaffirm the gift of the moment – World’s Finest Chocolates Mint Meltaways and Caramel Whirls, and house favorite Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie FroYo.