End of the Year Gathering for Papilles en Éveile

On the evening of July 1^st, twenty-eight of us (members of Papilles en Éveile plus spouses) gathered at the Picandet home for an end of the year pot-luck dinner.  And, what a dinner it was!   [A couple of quick reminders:  Papilles is an group of women who get together once a month to prepare and enjoy lunch and each others' company; Brigitte Picandet is the founder and leader of the group.] 

First there was a table full of “amuse bouche” dishes or appetizers (mouth pleasers).  Because we are in international group, the dishes were varied, interesting, and, of course, quite tasty.  The appetizers were accompanied by a border-line lethal sangria.

The amuse bouche table

Then we cleared the table and brought on the “entrées” or first courses.   We finished off the sangria with this and continued eating as we moved on to the variety of wines contributed by many in the group. 

Getting the entrées ready
to bring out to the table

Thankfully, French meals are eaten at a relatively slow pace, over a period of time, and accompanied by lots of conversation because a variety barbecued meats soon appeared to add to our plates.

A view of the table (with David about to sit down)
 with the serving table in the background, under the awning

Then it was time to clear the table once more and bring on the desserts.  Again there was a wide variety of absolutely delicious dishes.  

A view of some of the happy diners

Then came a huge surprise.  Anna was somehow maneuvered to the head of the table, and Brigitte appeared, carrying a very large cake complete with sparklers and candle, and the whole crowd burst into the “Happy Birthday” song.  Anna was totally surprised and quite touched by the celebration.

Brigitte bringing out the cake

Making a wish and blowing out the candle.

But, you need to know more about that cake!  Brigitte had made it, and it was a work of art.  Two large layers of sheet cake with a custard and strawberry filling, covered with a delicious frosting, frosting decorations, and strawberries.  And, it tasted as good as it looked.

By the time the celebrating was over, it was pushing midnight (we had started at 7:30).  Everyone helped take down the tables and chairs, remove table cloths, clean up the kitchen, and generally restore the Picandet yard and house to some semblance of normal.  Then we all gathered up our belongings and headed home. 

Quite a wonderful end of the year party for Papilles en Éveille, not to mention a rather spectacular birthday surprise for Anna!

Anna, David, and  the cake