Brunch a la Francais...Oui Oui!

Lovely brunch at Artisanal taking advantage of Restaurant Week.  Nikki suggested the place and I made the reservations.  Tom surprised us both by treating.  C'est magnifique!

Nikki & I craved the cinnamon sugar coated Beignets

Tom had the Yogurt Panna Cotta 

Fish & Frites for the ladies

Penne Rigate was Tom's entree

All ended the meal with the Creme Brulee Le Cirque

Employee of the Moment

In the 50 odd years of working....yes, I considered stocking shelves at my parents' store as "work" - I don't recall ever getting an official evaluation. On Tuesday, I received my first one. Chris, the assistant manager and one of the nicest people I've ever met, came up to me in the middle of my taking care of some clearance items and asked me to meet with him in the classroom.

It surprised me. Also annoyed me a bit because it was interfering with my progress in getting the dreaded clearance items out of the way! When I sat down with Chris, he pulled out 2 copies of my evaluation. One for him, one for me. Type-written and personal and detailed. So interesting. We went over every point made - mostly positive, of course... I am always on-time, dressed correctly and work well with others among other things. We spoke of what is expected for future goals and I was tested with questions that the auditor might ask me randomly and at any unexpected visit. I answered correctly. Whew.

Oh and I work without needed supervision...which I think is something I insist on!  "You're not the boss of me!"

Apparently for my efforts, I had received a raise. I haven't even worked at the company a year and have now received 2 raises already. But this last one, I hadn't noticed the slight increase in my paycheck. But I don't think you can blame me since it was a whole quarter...as in 25 cents...an hour. Still...I probably will spend it all in one place. Michael's. :-)

Bar Corvo

Another lovely brunch with Nikki in Prospect Heights.  I love seeing what Nikki chooses.  All the places around her area are small, cozy & quaint.  Today's brunch took place at Bar Corvo, on Washington Ave, near the Brooklyn Museum and a long block's walk from Nikki & Tom's place.

Tom had to work so Nikki & I dined alone.  It is wonderful & fun as always to catch up with her.  Was able to stop in and see her renovated apartment.  She & Tom did a nice job with painting, art work and new furniture pieces.

Great day overall....especially with Nikki treating me!!  Happy dance....!!

Their entrance leads to a counter where one can sit and watch the chef
prepare the food.  Along the sides are tables for 2-4-6.

Outdoor seating is available -weather permitting

My order: Egg & Sausage sandwich with Spring Salad and vinaigrette

Nikki's: Spaghetti Carbonara, Guanciale, Egg, Ramps & Parmigiano

Family Time

Top: Me, Nikki, Tom w/Lupe, Xavier, Miranda, Kris & Baz

Bottom: Mark, Tony, Kathy w/Ginger & Evelyn

Leong-Hussey Family

Annual BBQ Get-together 2012

We had our annual family get-together the Saturday before the 4th of July which lands on a Wednesday this year.  And for the first time, everyone would be in attendance.  Even a new person...Baz, Kris' boyfriend.

The menu:  Kathy's BBQ ribs & Corn Souffle - My potato salad made with hard boiled eggs.  Bow tie pasta  with broccoli and goat cheese.  Chicken Lime Adobo & chimichurri.  Corn on the Cob.  For dessert - a strawberry short cake that I decorated with fresh strawberries.  A chocolate meringue pie, blueberry pudding cake and Ghiradelli chocolate brownies.  Except for the strawberry shortcake, I totally forgot to take a shot of all the desserts!  Darn!  And they were so pretty!

The food is the main event but all the kids got in some bowling while the sisters cooked and caught up.  It was, as always, a great time.  Still tweaking the requisite family "portrait"....so that's coming soon...

From left to right: Potato salad, bow-tie pasta, more potato salad, ribs
and corn souffle

Adobo Lime Chicken (skin was crackling)

Let's EAT!

And eat....

And eat some more....

The Birthday Boys

Make a wish!

Lupe the Fiasco!! My grandson!