Homage to Julia

On Saturday, !5 August, we made a day of celebrating Julia Child's birthday. We began by going to see Julie and Julia which we thoroughly enjoyed. Meryl Streep and Amy Adams are two of my favorite actresses and I thought Nora Ephron did a good job adapting the two books which were the basis of her screenplay. The movie was fun. We had a good time which I think would have made Julia very happy.

Then we met friends for a dinner celebrating Julia's birthday at what I think is the best restaurant in Albuquerque, Jennifer James 101.  Jennifer has had three restaurants here and this one is operated in partnership with Kelly Burton and Nellie Bauer. All of her places have been outstanding, but this one is my favorite. It has just the right combination of intimacy, warmth and marvelous food. We had a great evening--good food, good friends and good times.

Nellie and Jennifer

Katie and Joseph. Bottoms Up!

Oysters on the Half-Shell

Foie Gras Mousse in Figs

Chicken Rillettes with pickles

Consomme with Vegetables

Caesar Salad

Sole Meuniere

Roasted French hens with Jus, Summer Tomatoes Provencal, Glazed Purple Carots, 

Roasted Potatoes with herbs

We served our own plates from platters served family style.

Fruit and Cheese

Boca Negra

I wish all of our friends could have enjoyed this celebration. That would have made the evening even more perfect. Technically, there can't be degrees of perfection; but in real life some things are more perfect.