Savoring Sunday

Yesterday, Jana and I spent the day touring a number of local homes while enjoying a tasting menu that included roasted beet Pico de Gallo on a homemade pita chip that was ridiculously delicious for a vegetable-based appetizer. Unfortunately, the menu also included a mushroom crostini that left us both gagging (discreetly, into our napkins) and racing for the nearest Starbucks to kill the flavor still coating our tongues, but, you can't have it all, I suppose.

The home tour was presented by the local food partnership and this is the second time that I have participated; the first time, I was with co-workers. Each time, I have been impressed by the diversity in both the homes and the food offered on the tour. Yesterday, in addition to the roasted beet Pico de Gallo, I also thoroughly enjoyed a honey butter brioche stuffed with Chantrelle mushrooms and mozzarella as well as a peach and rhubarb mini-parfait that was to die for.

The homes on the tour ran the gamut from a traditional four-square that was built in 1904 (my favorite) to a Spanish style hacienda on a hill (my least favorite). In addition to the homes, we also got bonus tours of a small carriage house, a backyard print shop, a bunkhouse, and a boat house that was so cute, I wanted to tuck it in my pocket and take it home with me.

It was a fabulous way to spend a gorgeous fall day, and I got to spend it with a friend whom I don't get to see nearly enough, so, it was awesome all the way around.