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The invitation said “Champagne & Onion Rings, Oysters & Absinthe”.  This party was off to a good start!  And though one needs little more for sustenance, we took the Parisian bistro theme and ran with it.  Getting the French jazz band Avalon to perform set the perfect tone for this backyard fete.  While they charmingly sang and played, guest enjoyed plenty of champagne cocktails, sazeracs and mini croque monsieurs.  For dinner, we kept it totally simple and classic–e.g. steak au poivre and frisee with lardons & egg–with more ever-present champagne (and onion rings, of course!).  Bistro lights over small cafe tables made the whole night feel cozy and Amy’s use of garden roses throughout the party was stunning and chic.  I’m longing for a trip to Paris and this party with a glimmer of my associations: Hemingway’s obsession oysters, my favorite restaurant’s profiteroles and a semester abroad filled with boozy love and fun.  Bon Anniversaire Ryan!!  xx










The Menu
sips

French 75
gin, champagne, lemon

lavender champagne cocktail
lavender, champagne, bitters, sugar, lemon

kir royale
cassis, champagne, twist

sazerac
rye, absinthe, sugar, peychaud’s bitters, twist

absinthe
burnt sugar, water

snacks

raw bar with oysters on the half shell & mignonette 
mini croque monsieurs

duck confit, pickled cherry & ricotta on endive
french cheese boards, grilled toasts & accoutrement
to share

steak au poivre
onion rings with remoulade
potato & fennel gratin
haricot verts with cherry tomatoes & thyme
frisse salad with lardons & egg
sweet

profiteroles with espresso chocolate sauce
photos by Hana Ardelean