After the movie, we decided to wonder around the Grand Lake area and do some Christmas shopping. I found a few little bath bombs for stocking gifts, and then a very nice games store with all kinds of favorites from Cheap Ass Games and elsewhere. So now I have stocking gifts for Kevin and his Dad too. And then the video store where I got Bend It Like Beckham for Kev's sporty sister. I am pleased. When we were in the games store, Gavin called to say that he and Kelly (visiting the area) and Susan and Matt were having dinner at 6:30 in Berkeley at Yangtze River. And we said that we'd be delighted to join them. And we were -- it's always such a treat talking to Gavin and Kelly because they're a) so smart and b) so interesting. Not to mention nice. And funny. And unpretentious. And, and...and oh jeez, they might well read this at some point and realize that I'm perilously close to being a drooling fan girl so I'd best shut up right now and hope not too much damage has been done. Oof. Also lovely seeing Susan and Matt again of course -- we'll see more of them at the party next week.
Today I actually start cooking for the cookbook launch party, making some things that will keep (and just get better and better over the course of a week). Exciting! It's a rather splendid menu, made feasible only by the fact that I've coerced my guests into making most of the food. Because I am an evil genius. Here's the tentative plan -- read it and weep. And if it makes you hungry, you can always order my cookbook, and throw such a party yourself.... :-)
Menu
lemon-masala stuffed mushrooms
fried fish cutlets, fried beef cutlets
spicy shrimp on toast
chili eggs
spicy potato curry with toasted naan
chicken biryani
vegetarian rice pilaf with potatoes
uppuma
fish curry
ginger-garlic lamb
chana masala
green bean and carrot curry
curried beets
cauliflower curry
coconut sambol
scallion eggs
leeks with chili
seeni sambol
mango lassi
ginger ale
more juice
champagne
red and white wine
milk toffee
rich cake
vatallappam
Oh, and before I go, I wanted to point you to where M'ris has some interesting stuff to say about villains, which I pretty much wholly agree with, and which I think more people writing fantasy novels should read. And now, tea.
At the risk of sounding incredibly rude, how hard is it to get invited to said cookbook party? It’s ok if the answer is “we’re full up”. 8)
Meriko, I sent you e-mail — did you get it?