It was a little late notice to the family that we were gathering for the annual spring concert at City Park graciously offered by the LPO. Blessed with an exceptionally gorgeous evening, I expected it to be packed with people on every square inch of the lawn, as it has been in years past. Maybe it was, but we arrived so early I didn't notice.
Had it not been a family gathering with siblings in town for another event, I probably wouldn’t have dragged Tom. But we left right after the show at 4 pm and headed across the lake. It was my intention to pick up food, but we really needed to grab a spot. Besides, my sister-in-law is very truly deserving of the title I bestowed on her years ago: “The Hostess With The Mostess.”
It took a few trips from the car and two full wagons of supplies for her to set up camp. There were two tables, with white tablecloths and theme linens, candles, flowers, wooden salad bowls, and a lemonade picture with spout and its octopus base.
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There were ice chests of wine selections, trays of sandwiches, bowls of salads and chips, platters of crackers and cheeses and salumi, and even little bowls of mixed nuts. The spread was so fine that strangers dropped in to take a look and even to take pictures.
I was most attentive to the finger sandwiches she brought. Finger sandwiches have become particularly interesting to me since I learned that they are unique to this area. Rouse’s has recently changed their mojo with sandwich trays, veering off from the classic options of ham, turkey, and roast beef on white or wheat bread, inserting chicken and egg salad sandwiches interspersed with those of deli meats. I have stopped buying trays of finger sandwiches because of this.
My sister-in-law explained that she went to Robert’s and Langenstein’s to find exactly what she wanted. Robert’s had the classic three and were overstuffed with each deli meat. Langenstein’s had a tray of just different salads.
There was a very nice Caesar Salad that was beside a pile of grilled chicken. She made a pasta salad that included al dente bowties, peas, bacon, and chopped broccoli in a mayo-based dressing. The overall taste was sweet because it included red grapes. This sounds peculiar but was actually quite nice.
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Someone else brought salami and cheddar cheese with crackers. There were overstuffed poorboys from Robert’s, and an array of desserts from La Madeline that included chocolate mousse parfaits, cheesecake, fruit tarts. and vanilla custard parfaits.
Milo’s lemonade was supported by fresh lemon slices, and there was a substantial selection of red and white wines.
I was shocked to even think how close we came to bringing even more food to this. We arrived early and left early, getting into the car as the symphony played The Star Spangled Banner.
It is of course a pity we couldn’t stay for the concert. We came for the most important thing about the evening, sharing good food and lively conversation with those we love. The music was no doubt a glorious bonus for everyone else in attendance.
