christmas dinner

     silver polished...check,  table set...check, candles ready for lighting...check.

     caviar...blinis for sally [sour cream?]...a mother of pearl spoon for me...8 ounces is  a lot, but what the hell. once a year, and all that.  it's paddlefish as i can't afford the osetra any more - still awfully good...veuve cliquot [yellow label] in tall flutes.

     standing rib roast...medium rare...the fat crackly and the meat tender.

     green beans...cooked just a little so they crunch a bit as you chew.

     scalloped potatoes...the top of the dish all chestnut brown from the oven's heat.

     sally likes a soft red wine - not too much tannen.  i don't - the reds don't agree with me so i'll have bit of water, or maybe a little sauvignon blanc.

      a lovely piece of christmas chocolate as a sweet.

     vintage port.

     merry christmas and a happy new year!