Boriqua Blog

This past Monday, April 14, Mrs. Karen Silverman and I worked in tandem with the James Beard Foundation to host the Spoons Across America Dinner Party Project at Mark Twain I.S. 239 in Brooklyn for the second time in two years. I must say that although last years class left some pretty big shoes to fill, I had an immeasurable feeling of satisfaction, not just as a teacher, but also as a parent, because my daughter Angela is one of Mrs. Silverman’s students in this class. I was also accompanied by a team of volunteer chefs who came to help execute the mission, which was to host a formal dinner party for 120 guests that evening. The day started (for the students) at 8:00 AM with groups assigned to specific recipes.

Our menu was pretty ambitious, for a group of 7th graders, but with my team in place, I was confident that the kids would pull through. I can say in all honesty, that I was not prepared for the the terrific job they did. Chef Alejandro worked with Group 6 on the Pork Loin Roulades Stuffed with Roasted Red Peppers and Sweet Plantain Mash, Chef Pete worked with Groups 1 and 2 on the Chicken Kiev, Chef Gabriela worked with Group 3 on the Tiger Eye Rolls, the Pink Flamingo Sauce and the Caesar Salad, Chef Yamaris worked with Group 4 on the Catalan Spinach, and Coconut Panna Cotta with Tropical Fruit Brunoise, I manned the station on Group 5 to execute Julia Child’s recipe for Pomme Dauphinois, and Mrs Silverman went from group to group, helping the class wherever it was needed.

While it was no small task that was put in front of them, the kids faced their work with enthusiasm and good cheer, and everyone was well engrossed in their respective assignments in no time flat.

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It’s been a long time since Jerry and I had a date night, but Erik bought tickets to Hairspray for Angela’s birthday, so they went off to the theatre, and Jerry and I headed for the new spot in the neighborhood, Pomme de Terre, which is brought to you by the same fine folk from The Farm on Adderley on Courtelyou Road. Cute and cozy as a button, we arrived without reservations at 6:30 to fine the place already packed with a cheery crowd from the neighborhood. Wow….I’m thinking good news travels fast! It has a charming exterior painted blue and yellow, and pretty tile bistro floors with exposed brick walls, making it feel inviting right off the start…but I’m not here for the decor, right?Dining Room at Pomme de Terre

After enjoying a glass of Cahors at the bar, we were seated at an intimate little table for two, and presented with menus that were full of lovely bistro fare. Jerry enjoyed a bottle of Thierry Blonde French beer, while he perused the menu.

Everything sounded so very good that we decided to order three appetizers. I went for the Cream of Cauliflower Soup with Rock Shrimp garnish, while Jerry opted for the Potato-Leek Tart, and the Mixed Greens with Bacon and Blue Cheese. The soup arrived nice and hot (you know my pet peeve about soup that’s not hot!), with a velvety texture, and perfectly seasoned. One might argue that cauliflower is nothing to get excited about, but I am here to tell you, I could have easily made a meal out of that soup…it was that satisfying!

Cream of Cauliflower Soup

The Potato-Leek Tart did not fail to impress, either. Crisp and flaky, the crust stood up to the filling of Potato and Leek, offering the perfect contrast to the creamy filling. The mixed green salad with crispy, salty lardons, crunchy, bitter radicchio and a perfectly poached egg, was also good enough to serve as a meal. Pass the crusty bread, and a glass of Cahors and this girl is good to go. With the appetizers scoring a grand slam, I could barely contain my excitement while waiting for the entrees.

Mixed Green Salad with Bacon and Blue Cheese

Potato Leek Tart

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…but this message to too good to pass up. See for yourself:

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I crossed a very significant milestone in my life tonight. It wasn’t an act of earth shattering difference, but it was very significant to me. I know you might think that this is me on the drama soapbox again, but truth of the matter is, I really find myself introspecting about things which I have previously thought of as mundane. My youngest child, my daughter Angela, turned 13 today.

No biggy, right? I mean, I’ve done this three times before with the boys, with not so much as a blink, by me, other than of course, taking care of the festivities. But it’s come to me that this is it…no more babies in the nest. She is starting to spread her pretty little fledgling wings, and I am not anticipating her solo ventures (although of course I will support her growing into a strong, intelligent independent young woman).

We went to dinner at Blue Ribbon Park Slope, because Erik was working tonight and wanted to see her to give her his present, but also because it’s one of the places she loves. She ordered her Shirley Temple, and asked for the Lobster Dinner, while Jerry and I watched her, almost furtively, afraid to see the young woman morph out of the perfect chrysalis of her girlhood right before our eyes.

How proud am I of this little girl, who is growing into such a compassionate, intuitive, brilliant and beautiful young woman? Thirteen years ago, tonight, she entered my life and changed it forever…tomorrow, I must start to prepare for her departure into the adventure that will be the rest of her life.

Sigh…I guess I can hope for grandchildren, one day…

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