October 28, 2016

An October Shabbat on the lanai with the full moon shining through the bamboo adds a natural element to the recognition of the beginning of the 24 cycle of pause – known as Shabbat. The table was set with all the traditional props: the festive candles and candlesticks, the hand-blown pink glass kiddush cup with saucer, challah on the designated challah board and handmade cover, colorful dishes painted with a Mogen David (Jewish star), cloth napkins, and the gray-colored Shabbat tablecloth given to us by a long-time client. The Hochbergs, Weinsteins, Schneiders, our daughter, Erin, who is home for her contract at the Asolo as a Hot Box Girl in Guys and Dolls, and her friend Salvatore Vieira (also from Guys and Dolls @AsoloRep) graced our table. Jake was up in Avon Park at the Great Fire School for a week taking classes and making connections.

Focus centered on a variety of new wines, an olive bar (Alfonso – purple, Castervetrano – light green, Mt. Athos Greek with tarragon and orange, and Pitted green with minced garlic) and some vegan dishes. Mia, 12 years old, brought her ukulele, and what was considerably cool was that Sal (22) plays the ukulele also – so we had an instant concert.

It was an easy night of stories, wine tasting, music, no election talk, conversation about the upcoming show of Guys and Dolls and its cast members, good food and good company.