My friend James, a fellow Silicon Valley refugee who moved to Berlin to follow his artistic dream, was in town and the thermometer was actually creeping above 60 degrees so why not re-celebrate spring, or celebrate the 2nd nice day of the year along with my friend's visit than a little dinner party. I have yet to do anything "little" but am working on it.



James and I met 12 years ago when we were both sent to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by our Huge Software Company to work on a conference there. When one is on the other side of the world, working grueling hours, and trying to accomplish things with people who will tell you they will do something even if they have no intention of doing it, you develop special bonds that are near unbreakable. Such was our serendipitous meeting. It was also the same trip where I met my ex-fiance, a South African cricket player, which wasn't so serendipitous (note the "ex") however that's another story that requires copious amounts of martinis, but I digress...



So James was in town and off to the market I went. It was a beautiful spring day with a bright blue sky and I wanted everything to be bright. Bright colors, bright food, bright table. So a bright spring salad and a very bright pink risotto courtesy of a roasted beet followed by a bright, tangy blood orange-lemon curd. Mission accomplished. Bon appetit!

Bienvenue au Printemps...Encore!
Chez Laura

Champagne Aperitif, Bellinis et Kir Royals
-Veuve Cliquot Brut

Salade des Fenouils, Oranges Sanguine, Radis et Oignon Rouge avec Vinaigrette de Framboise
-Vielles Vignes 2004 Chablis



Bar de Ligne en Papillote sur Risotto Champagne de Betterave
-Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de Nuits 2004



Tarte au Orange-Sanguine et Citron De-construire
Mignardises des chocolates et petits tartes de Patisserie Pinaud
-Cafe, The et Liqueur



Recipe for Poisson en Papillote

this fish recipe (fish in paper) is the easiest recipe you'll ever find. take a piece of fish and lay it on a long piece of foil. rub a little olive oil on both sides, a little sea salt, some fresh ground pepper and sprinkle a few herbs such as tarragon, thyme or dill.



cover the fish with a layer of thinly sliced lemons



add about a quarter-cup of white wine (or champagne) and a handful of cherry tomatoes. pull up the ends of the foil and seal like a pouch so that the fish steams in the liquid. cook for about 20 minutes in a 400 degree oven.



i usually serve this over a bed of risotto so scoop some risotto in a low shallow bowl. unwrap the fish carefilly and gently place the fish on the risotto. spoon the tomatoes and juice over and around the fish.



guaranteed happy campers!