Tommy had a few small things to finish at the office and Robbie was going to finalize everything for the wedding reception and the menu for tonight. The menu for the reception was to be, a fruit bowl, with melons, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, bananas, macerated in Grande` Marnier. Fresh croissants, assortment of jams. Eggs Benedict, with smoked salmon and a slightly spicy hollandaise. Roasted potatoes with fresh dill. Also, Mimosa's, and champagne of course.
French Roast coffee and then a beautiful wedding cake, alternating layers of Chocolate and yellow cake, and raspberry puree inside, with cream cheese frosting, and decorated with fresh flowers, and beautiful piping, and 2 large gold rings and writing in gold, that says, 'Tommy and Robbie, In love forever.'
The men returned from their offices early and started to pack for their honeymoon, the 3-week cruise down through the Mexican Riviera, the Panama Canal and then on to the Caribbean...They were taking 2 cases each, with 2 suits, a tux and then casual, shorts, tops and sandals, swim wear and some other dressy things as well. Both men were excited not only for their wedding, but the cruise and their honeymoon.
They had both worked hard in their careers and had each done very well not only for their families, but for themselves. Each attaining wealth, freedom to be them-selves in every aspect of their lives, then to find each other with such a passionate relationship, always thinking of their partner and families first. Their families admired the men so much and were very glad they found each other and were forming a permanent family bond. This bond grew closer when they moved in-together into Robbie fabulous penthouse.
They had decided not to pack their wedding suits at the last minute, instead wear them when boarding the cruise ship. After all, it was their wedding day. They had ordered corsages for their mothers, Elsa, and boutonni?res for them- selves and their fathers and their best men. They were going to wear small pale pink roses and the others were to be white. With packing almost done except for a few, last minute incidentals, in the morning. They were having their suit cases delivered to this ship in the early afternoon to their penthouse suite on board.
They had a bit of a lay down before going to the restaurant with families for the Cajun tasting menu. I would be good to see the families together. Robbie had invited his Brother, his wife, Maggie and their 2 boys, Johnathon and James. Also, Elsa, his beloved housekeeper, cook and confidant, who he loved dearly. Tommy had invited Cal and Jeff the pilots and now dear friends. They were also coming to the wedding on Sat.
Tommy had also invited his friends, Dave and Sandy, the couple we met at the beach in San Gregorio, down the coast, when Tommy and Robbie first met. They had not seen then in a while and wanted to reconnect. Their other friend Bob, was invited as well, but had met someone shortly thereafter and had changed jobs and together, they moved to LA. He said, he was sorry for missing the wedding, but wished us great things. They had invited the detective Bruce and his husband, but they couldn't come as they were other-wise busy. They would be coming to their reception upon returning from their honeymoon.
The men, had stated, on the invitations, there were to be NO GIFTS PLEASE!! They then suggested that instead of gifts, please make a donation to the AIDS Foundation, or to St. Jude's Hospital. They neither needed anything or wanted anything, so the donations were perfect in both men's eyes.
They dressed casually for the dinner party, in casual slacks and sport shirts and left about 5:30 to get down as Robbie wanted to check in the kitchen and make sure everything was ready. He knew he could trust the Chef's, but still wanted to keep an eye on things, as any Executive Chef would do.
Robbie ran a tight ship but at the same time was an excellent boss and leader. The staff, at all the restaurants respected Robbie for his hard and dedicated work. He had never asked any employee to do anything he himself was not willing to do!! This is one reason why Blackford's was so successful. Always, was inventive, food was always superb, and the wait staff was exemplary. Tonight, was to be no different.
Robbie said to Tommy... "Ready to go, so let's git!!" and off they went down to get the car. Tommy offered to drive, and Robbie agreed. Robbie had of course called ahead and arranged the small dining room to hold all their guests. A small bar was set up in the room. Stefan had been asked to be head waiter for the evening and run the dining room. He was an excellent server, and he did not know, but he was going to be promoted to be Asst. Manager and work along Sean Claude, the Maitre'd.
Upon arriving, they valet parked and walked into the restaurant. They were greeted by staff and were shown into the small dining room and everything looked perfect. The staff had decorated the room with a Marti-Gra, theme and looked fabulous. While Tommy went to the bar to get glasses of wine, Robbie walked into the kitchen to check on things. It seemed everything was moving like clock-work and Robbie was pleased and couldn't wait for dinner to be served and see the reactions of the families and friends tonight.
With drinks in hand, the men walked into the dining room, to see some of the guests had arrived. Cal and Jeff were there, as was Elsa, and they all greeted the men and said how happy they all were for tonight and also the wedding on Sat. Just after they arrived and were greeting guests, Dave and Sandy walked in and were greeted warmly. It was nice to see them. Soon everyone invited was there and the evening was off to a great start!!
Both sets of parents said hello to some friends. When everyone had drinks, they were all seated, Robbie stood up and tinged a glass to get everyone's attention.
Robbie greeted everyone and explained the evening and why the tasting was happening. He also explained their plans for the next several days with the wedding and all. He wished everyone well and as the first course was brought in. he said to dig in and enjoy!
The first course was Coquille St. Jacques (scallops) followed by, a crawfish bisque and then the main course was Tournedos Brennen with creole mushroom rice. Everyone raved over the food and that it was exquisitely served. The accompanying wines were fabulous as well.
Then Stefan, the server brought in a large serving cart with a large skillet and burner, several bottles of liquor and a pile of peeled bananas. He then placed butter in the pan followed by brown sugar. Once this was melted and bubbling, sliced bananas were added with a healthy dose of cinnamon. This was cooked for a minute the lights were dimmed and Brandy and rum were added, and the pan set au flamb?` (on Fire). Everyone applauded. Another server brought in dishes of vanilla ice cream and the Banana mixture was spooned over the ice cream and the famous 'Bananas Foster' was served with French roast with chicory coffee. Robbie again stood and said he hoped everyone had enjoyed the great dinner, more applause happened and everyone raved about the fabulous dinner and asked when and where it was going to take place. Robbie said it was to be here at this one and the one down near Union Square. It would run for 2 weeks and then stop for a while. The whole reason for this, he explained was to breath some new life into the menus, such as Like tonight Cajun, then Tex-Mex, North Eastern, Southern, and so on. This would happen at all 10 restaurants if it was met with enthusiasm. Everyone said it was a great idea and knew it would work.
The evening, wound down and both sets of parents hugged their sons and soon to be son's in law. Daniel was so enthused and was so proud of Robbie for his handling of the restaurants and his adventuresome side and his creativity, with the food. Daniel said, "this was going to do very well!!"
Robbie while holding Tommy's hand, blushed a bit let go of Tommy's hand and really hugged his Dad and looked into his eyes and said, "I love you dad and thanks for having faith in me! I try so hard to make you proud of me" Cynthia was standing next to her husband and took over in the hug department and just looked to her son's eyes touched his cheek and said, "I am so proud of you son and kissed him on the cheek." Robbie and Tommy both hugged their parent's and most everyone departed with words of thanks and lots of praise. Robbie and Tommy spent a few minutes chatting with their friends, and said, they would see everyone at the reception.
Tommy drove them home and told Robbie what a grand evening it was, and he was so proud for doing such an elegant job and that everyone seemed over joyed with everything. When they arrived at the penthouse and the door was closed, they wrapped their arms about each other, kissed passionately and strolled into the bedroom. Robbie, thought. 'Can it get any better than this.' He certainly hoped so!'
So everyone, on to the wedding and the honeymoon. As you noticed, I include some recipes or cooking techniques in the story. Please feel free to try them, if you need help, just ask!!
Please again be yourselves, be true and free to be who you are, for that is all you can be. Play safe and please donate to Nifty!
The Sexy Chef