Friday night we went to the Newcomer's dinner at Arte de Cafe. Dan and I drove in with Pia, and Vic rode with Pam and Ted. Pam and Ted have been here for a year and a half and have never attended one of these gatherings. They were happy they did. We met a very enjoyable couple from Toronto - Cheryl and Doug. Cheryl was very entertaining - great sense of humor. She told stories of her and Doug's motorcycle travels around the U.S. They are only here for a short visit this time, but we're hoping to meet up again next year. I also met a woman named Judy who lives alone here. Apparently she was the victim of a break-in a while ago. Two guys broke in and sprayed her in the face with some sort of a plant extract which completely paralyzed her. They didn't harm her but they robbed her of a number of her belongings. Another example of an unsecured house - which is now secured. The dinner was excellent: a fabulous, fresh green salad, ratatouille crepe and a lovely lemon cake for dessert. Fun evening.
Last night I made dinner that I took over to Pam and Ted's. Vic came as well, and Dan invited one of his hiking buddies, Pia. Pia brought me these beautiful flowers. I don't know what they're called, but the green part looks like asparagus. I made grilled octopus, curried squash soup and curried tuna wrapped in tortillas. Dan provided dessert - passion fruit, and Ted ran out to get some vanilla ice cream to go with it - what a nice guy.
Last night I made dinner that I took over to Pam and Ted's. Vic came as well, and Dan invited one of his hiking buddies, Pia. Pia brought me these beautiful flowers. I don't know what they're called, but the green part looks like asparagus. I made grilled octopus, curried squash soup and curried tuna wrapped in tortillas. Dan provided dessert - passion fruit, and Ted ran out to get some vanilla ice cream to go with it - what a nice guy.
This is a new one for me - maracuya (passion fruit). I find the inside very interesting. As you can see on the one on the bottom, I pulled the fruit away a little bit so that you can see the seeds cling to the little white "posts" inside. The flavor is sweet and tart. It goes very well with a nice creamy vanilla ice cream.