French Night at Elsa and Beth's

Elsa and Beth hosted "French Night" just last Sunday. Before, there had been a tapas night, Italian night and so on at their place.

This time, I chose the starter and soup, Elsa made the main course and Beth went for the dessert.

At Elsa's suggestion, I took up the challenge to make pissaladiere. After checking the recipes available, I decided to make 2 versions : one with thin crust pizza dough and the other, with pate brisee.... I didn't try the puff pastry version as it would take up too much time as I have not the confidence yet to tackle making puff pastry from scratch.

I topped them both with caramelised 1 kg of thinly sliced onions (which I added cassis liquer to perfume), nicoise olives and anchovy slices. I also added some sliced peppers just for the colour and taste.

Thin crust pizza dough version.

Pate brisee version

Verdict : Personally, I prefer that with pate brisee for that melt in the mouth feeling but it can be difficult to eat with all those crumbs.

My courgette soup - I am in love with courgettes.
Elsa made haricot verts with almond slivers to go with beef bourguignon
Elsa's beef bourguignon which consumed a whole bottl e of red wine, lots of shrooms and caramelised shallots.
And also mashed potatoes
Beth's crepe suzette with plenty of zest and grenadine and vanilla ice-cream!

We were all so stuffed at the end of dinner but it was so satisfying esp. with the wines that went with the meal.

YUMS!

Bachelorette Part III : Girls meet Boys....

In another part of the city, Supergroom was busy saving the day...
Chilling the beer (thanks Mike Owen for the pic)
Lighting up a cig (Pic from Mike Owen)
Nuking dinners..... (Pic from mike Owen)

Sidekicks....

The boys meet the girls at the end of the night......
Me with the boys (Pic from Stacy Koh)
Group pic with almost everyone (Pic from Stacy Koh)
Girls just wanna have fun (Pic from Stacy Koh)
Me & Elsa (Pic from Stacy Koh)
Beth & Tim (Pic from Stacy Koh)
Rani, Marc-Andre and Sai (Pic from Stacy Koh)
Jenn, Beth and Bob (Pic from Stacy Koh)
Laura & Leon (Pic from Stacy Koh)

It was a real fun and funny night thanks to our friends who planned and brought the whole evening to life.

Bachelorette Part II : La Bodega for Tapas and More....

We went out for tapas at La Bodega to continue our girls' night out. I have always loved tapas esp. at La Bodega. this night was even more special for the time and efforts that everyone has put in.


The Grub for hungry girls :

Eggplant in a mild spicy sauce
Button mushroom in a creamy garlic sauce
Grilled salmon
Sausages and potatoes in a sweet onion sauce
Bruschetta and omelette (I think)
Dian's fish, spinach and mash
Congratulatory cake pour moi.
Me putting the "magic" wand to good use.
The tiara goes up again.
Me in my garb for the night....
Asking for help with my "tasks" from Les Girls.
Thankfully, I met some supportive and helpful people.
Another helpful soul...
And another...
And another..... but with conditions....
......the drink must be a Flaming Lamborghini...

Was glad I stuffed myself silly with food prior.....

More next.... surprise, surprise!

Back from Canada and Bachelorette Party Awaits! 24 May 2008 Part I : Fun at Home!

"Les Girls" threw a bachelorette for me the weekend we got back from Canada. Check out the crown jewel on my tiara and my name tag....
The spread by Elsa - blue cheese dip, baked brie wrapped in filo with dried cranberries, lotsa vegs and cheeses.
Which game are we gonna play? They promised something clean, of course!
See the excited girls before the game.
Close your eyes and don't peek.... says the games mistress, Laura.
Beth gave it a try....
I was totally off the mark.... The painting was in danger....
Elsa's turn... she takes the game seriously... lol!
Quite off the target as well.... Another one missed the mark...
And Janice gave it a go, again with Laura's help.Laura showed the ropes.... she won the game.... no surprise!

Makan time! To fuel the body for a long night out.....Was delicious.... Elsa and Rani was on a high.... We all did.. it was too funny a night.
Rani and Beth plotting the night over wine and cheese... Janice reading out the envelopes with "tasks" for me to perform before we went out... Ooh... you can see Beth and Laura superexcited to see me in action.