Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Spooks Fine Dining in Regina, Sask, Canada

This is my College group blog. I do not post often here because we only meet a week per year or 2 but we just had a reunion in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada last week, so I would love to share  this post with you. We all graduated with a Bachelors degree in Medical Technology although 3 of us pursued their education and are now medical doctors. It has been 43 years since we graduated but have kept in touch and we try to meet annually. Whenever we see each other, it is always like old times, and it is so much fun.
 
Whoever is the host, this time was Jazmine, prepares an agenda for us in advance and scheduled one evening, was fine dining. I was of course, assigned to set the table and I was also one of the main chefs, together with Gatchie as pictured below. Unlike me, although I have a natural knack for it , she loves to cook and we learn so much from her.
 
We stayed at Jazmine's sister, Josie's house, that could accommodate all of us since she lives alone and has 6 bedrooms in her home. Thanks, Josie. for your hospitality and putting up with our loud laughter!
 Although Gatch and I were main cooks, we had a lot of assistants.
 I had to rely on whatever Josie has in her home and she had this beautiful formal china with gold edges. I really do not know the pattern name. She also has a beautiful flatware set and stemware set. Thanks for letting us use them, Josie. I brought paper salad plates with ghosts on them, since we call ourselves "The Spooks" in College, to personalize it. I could not bring my ghost ceramic plates from home cause it would be too heavy in my luggage, besides it was already pushed to the limit at 50 pounds.
 Josie also had capiz plate chargers so I used those as well. We added a card table because the dining table would not accommodate all of us. We were 13 all in all, including Jazmines hubby, Zbigniew. We invited him to join us, though he was not with us the whole week. He stayed at their house which was not too far, while Jazmine joined us at Josie's the whole week.
 We had a lot of food to serve so I only placed a small vase that I picked up from one of Josie's occasional tables, for a centerpiece.

 For a napkin ring, I brought an orange ribbon from home, to blend with the orange stars on the paper plates, that I tied around . I brought name labels that I printed from home before I left and then hang a bracelet charm of a plate with spoon, fork and knife, I won on Ebay. We all have a charm bracelet with charms of places that we have been so we can add this to it.

We had so much food and all of them so tasty and delicious! Shown below are grilled flank steak and seafood paella.

 Gatch created this appetizer, prosciutto wrapped cantaloupes and garnished with basil, strawberry and blueberries.
 She also made a grapefruit salad with cucumber cubes, shrimp and I can't remember what else she added but it was so good! I have the recipe but I still have to find where I stored it. Balsamic vinaigrette for dressing. So refreshingly scrumptious! It had salad greens underneath.
 I made the seafood paella and it was also a hit!
 Everybody was excited to take pictures and was just full of admiration. We could not wait to start digging in.

I scattered a glow in the dark ghost all over the table.
 We also had grilled salmon.



 We had ice wine, courtesy of Josie, first time we all had it and it was so good. I wonder if I can find it here. They say it is only available in Canada.
Thanks for stopping by. I miss my friends already and this is something I can always come back to and view and reminisce the good times.

Centerpiece Wed
Paula's What's It Wed
Kathleen's Let's Dish
Susan's Tablescape Thursday
http://betweennapsontheporch.net/
Kathy's Home and Garden Thursday
Sarah's Homemaking Weekend Link Up party
 

Thanks also to the hosts I am linked with.
 

13 comments:

  1. I miss all already, guys! I wish we could get together more often....Christine

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  2. wonderfull table, greeting from Belgium

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  3. It is so special that you all renew your friendships each year...so important. You created the perfect setting for your beloved Spooks! Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

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  4. How special that you all get together on a regular basis. I so wish I were still in touch with some of my favorite college friends. Hope you had lots of time together because it would take it to eat all the food. The paella looks sensational.

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  5. Christine, it's wonderful that you and your friends make it a priority to meet once a year. Looks like you girls know how to have a great time. I know they appreciate your beautiful tables and delicious food.

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  6. Christine, I was able to get ice wine here in Lubbock, so I am sure you can find it too. Try a bigger liquor store, not the grocery store. Mine came from Germany. Do you know the risk involved in harvesting the frozen grapes? It's so tricky, not many vineyards do it. Good luck with that. Also check online. Some retailers will sell across state lines. It looks like a wonderful reunion. Love the table pieces! she has a beautiful collection. The food looks amazing. You will share the recipe right? xo marlis

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  8. Christine, that looks absolutely fabulous! So wonderful you still get together with so many old friends!
    Thanks for linking to Let's Dish!

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  9. Oh Chris, I've missed you too! Although I knew you were having a grand times with your dear school friends and it's wonderful that you guys get together like this and enjoy each others company to the fullest! Wishing each and everyone of you lots of fabulous get togethers and maybe more often, lol! Big hugs,
    FABBY

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  10. Oh goodness, that food looks extraordinary and lots of it too!!! You been one of the cooks couldn't be better than that!
    Fabby

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  11. Oh how cool that you guys have remained friends for so long!
    It looks like a fun dinner, and the food is amazing! Find that
    salad recipe!!!! I have to know! Thanks for linking, we're so glad to have you!
    New follower,
    Patti

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  12. So cute it looks like you all had a wonderful time it's great that you were able to get together!

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  13. I love how fun this tablescape is because it represents your friendship - the food looks fabulous! So delighted you shared with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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