Party: Grand Aïoli

Eastside Road, September 9, 2012—

EVERY SUMMER WE ASK the pastry crew of Chez Panisse to come up for an afternoon supper party. It's our way of keeping in touch with them, important to us for a number of reasons, not the least of which is — well, sentimental: we love these guys, are interested in them and their lives and enthusiasms, and find that staying in touch keeps us that much more enthusiastic about our own lives and connections.

This time we asked an old and dear friend, practically part of the family, to do the cooking, and here's the menu he came up with:

Aïoli, tuna, green beans, sautéed potatoes, peppers, tomatoes with purslane and basil, radishes, hard-cooked eggs, pork rolls, beets…

oh, I don't know, all sorts of delicious things, summery, perfect for a spread for a couple of dozen enthusiastic eaters on the patio on a beautiful afternoon.

Dessert? Of course: a wonderful summer trifle, served in individual little Mason jars, one apiece. And lots of good conversation, and another rosé, well into the night…

Believe me: we know how lucky we all are, and we're grateful.

Prosecco, Zonin, NV; Rosé, Château de Guilhem, 2011; cheap Pinot grigio