It's Good to Have Friends

After five hours of food and laughter, I am sated. Tonight Jeff and I were fortunate enough to garner a dinner invitation followed by a lively round of "Would You Rather," a board game proffered by our hosts. By the time the evening ended, my face hurt from laughing so much.

We arrived sharply at 5 p.m. and were given the grand tour of the house and offered snacks and beverages. Since the dinner had a Mexican-with-a-twist theme, the chips were multi-colored and the spunky salsa was balanced with fresh strawberries for a sweet hit. In addition, the margaritas were made with primo agave tequila, blue Curacao, and a little orange juice. The flavor was sweet without being overpowering. Better than that, the color was reminiscent of the bright green ocean hues prevalent along the gulf coast - beautiful and delicious.

A second - highly entertaining - couple arrived not long after we did, and the party atmosphere started in earnest setting the tone for our tasty evening. Dinner started with black bean soup punctuated with onions. The beans were cooked well - not too chewy nor too mushy. The onions and spices played nicely with the sturdy beans. Next, we were served a cool, crisp green salad with a tangy, Asian dressing which was sweet and gingery. This touch of Asian flavor paired well with the rest of the menu and kept the salad from being predictable. Following the salad, main course plates were served up with seafood enchiladas. These beauties included crab and shrimp meat rolled into tortillas with Fontina and cheddar cheeses. The rich sauce had cream and cream cheese in the base. These decadent and wonderful babies were plated with a rice and bean combo that allowed every drop of sauce to be absorbed and enjoyed.

After all this food, we adjourned to the living room for more lively conversation and a chance to let our stomachs rest before dessert. Upon returning to the table, we were presented with apple enchiladas and ice cream. (I must admit, in my dream world warm apple desserts are paired with cold, creamy, vanilla ice cream on a daily basis.) This creation featured a cinnamon apple pie filling rolled into tortillas and baked to perfection. I was tempted to lick the plate, and amused when one of the other guests suggested her date do so. (Just for clarification, he did not, but he did contemplate it.)

The evening was rounded out with a game in which people are presented impossible scenarios and forced to make a choice. For example, one question read something like, "Would you rather be famous for surviving more shark attacks than anyone else or more lightning strikes?" The reader guesses how the group will answer, and then discussion ensues. Challenge cards present different opportunities for prediction or participation by others in the group. In one challenge a guest spent 90 seconds making appropriate noises as the rest of the group called out animals. I can tell you, her impersonation of a duck-billed platypus was a riot!

At around 10 p.m. we called it a night and drove home recounting the best comments and laughing all over again. Nights like these restore my faith in others and life in general because I remember what is important: good food and good people to share it with.