FROM BEHIND THE OPEN TABLE: A "Fauchon" Token of Appreciation

for a job well done

LAST night, my boss surprised me with a box of Fauchon gianduja chocolates, in appreciation for a "job well done" on a rather busy Thursday night. I later learned just how special the chocolates are--they're extremely hard to find in the U. S.; as a matter of fact, there's only one "listed" retailer that carries them and it's speculated that Fauchon plans to stop exporting their products outside of Paris...

of course,
some bubbly,
for a Friday evening...

On my way home, I picked up a bottle of "Tutela" prosecco from Heights Wine & Spirits, partly because it was the last bottle, partly because it was labeled as an "aromatic" wine. (I also confirmed with Yency that it was a dry prosecco) It certainly was a decent prosecco, even carrying a hint of acid and "moussiness." $12.

With the warm weather, David announced we would be having a cold "mezze" for dinner. First: sliced Persian cucumbers on Wasa crispbreads with pesto and mayonnaise.

refreshing
& delicious!

I never did like cucumbers very much, but after last night, I realized, that I am a fan of Persian cucumbers. (as with tomatoes, I only like heirloom) David also enlisted the Persian cucumbers in his own variation of Cynthia's tzatziki sauce, using more chopped mint plus a dash of lemon. We enjoyed it along with a pink bean and (Italian) parsely dip, both served with round crackers and sesame pretzel rods. Just before our final course: a plate of capers berries and white semisoft cheese...

we ♥ caper berries

Finally, it was time for the Fauchon!

David's cinnamon-dusted plate...

an elegant surprise!

David was having a 'mind-blowing' experience, in response to the chocolates and while I was content with having just a few, David insisted on going out to buy more wine to enjoy the rest of the chocolates with...