Suzy Fleming Leonard: I was good in January; February's diet is taking a decadent turn
Suzy Fleming LeonardJanuary's deprivation has given way to February's excess.
I was really good for 31 days. No alcohol, no sugar, no dairy, no pasta, no fun.
But February is the month of love. It's a month of celebration. It's the month of my birth.
January was a month of "No, thank you."
February is a month of "Yes, please."
When Bobbie Dyer asked if I'd like to join a small group of friends at her Indialantic home for a wine dinner, I didn't hesitate. "Yes, please."
As the setting sun painted the Indian River pink and orange, I joined the party in her back yard to sip Dearden Wines from Napa, California, paired with food by local caterer Two Chicks and a Pot.
Chris Dearden mingled with guests, talking about wine, college football and the weather, as we sipped his 2015 Sleeping Giant Chardonnay, 2016 Sleeping Giant Pinot Noir, 2014 One-Iron Meritage and Little Giant Cabernet Sauvignon.
The menu included braised short ribs with garlic mashed potatoes, New Zealand lambchops with wild mushroom risotto and handmade plated truffles.
"We can't make wine without great barrels," Dearden said when describing his 2015 Sleeping Giant Cabernet Sauvignon, the final wine — the treat of the night. The wonderfully dark wine is aged for 30 months in 100 percent French oak barrels.
It was a Tuesday night, but it felt like a Friday. Or a vacation where bedtime doesn't matter and no alarm clock is needed in the morning.
"Things happen on nights like tonight," said Stephanie Hopkins of Executive Catering, who was helping with the dinner. Hopkins said she loves her job, because she gets to be there for people's happy occasions.
"There is something special about sharing a glass of wine and having a nice dinner with friends, Dyer said later in the week. "It’s an opportunity to relax, slow down and take a break from everyone’s fast-paced life. This is the time to be in the moment, listen and show people you care as you talk about whatever is on your mind. I love getting to know people better and sharing funny stories or experiences. By the end of the night you realize how nice it is to laugh for a few hours and enjoy life."
The next day, an invitation came from Carey Gleason for lunch at the Eau Gallie Yacht Club and the opportunity to try executive chef Mark E. Adams’ food.
"Yes, please."
Sunlight flooded the dining room with gentle warmth as the dishes arrived. Chilled cucumber and avocado soup with shrimp and tomato concasse landed on the table in a bubbling fog, thanks to a bed of dry ice. Next came a braised lamb shank so tender it almost melted.
Our small party included some of Brevard's most sophisticated palates: Stella and Joe Caruso of the international Chaîne des Rôtisseurs epicurean group; Megan and Alex Litras, owners of Cafe Margaux in Cocoa Village; and designer extraordinaire Jessica Neale.
Our topic of discussion was a culinary event we're planning for the fall. It's early yet, so too soon to give details, but stay tuned. With a dream team like this, it's promises to be amazing.
My final "yes, pleases" of week were back-to-back lunches at the new 4th Street Fillin Station in Cocoa Beach with my pal Kim Hone (bulgogi tacos and Mexican street corn) and Crush XI in downtown Melbourne (yes! the dinnertime favorite started serving lunch this month) with food and wine kindred spirit Jillian Jeffrey.
Valentine's Day is less than a week away, and I already fear all the diet good accomplished in January will be drowned in cabernet and cheese polenta.
I'm not complaining. February is turning out to be a delicious month.
And when it comes to dieting, there's always March.
Email Leonard at sleonard@floridatoday.com.
Instagram: @SuzyLeonard
Facebook: @SuzyFlemingLeonard
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