Alan's Birthday dinner

What do you do when your best friend turns 65 and no one makes him a party?

Feed him dinner!

We start with some cocktails and Molasses-cured salmon on Belgian Endive with dill sauce, scallions and capers. My Cousin Bruce introduced us to this Jacques Pepin recipe.

Next we had Grilled Pesto Shrimp with Oven Roasted Tomatoes.  Served it with Rombauer Chardonnay, 2011.

Our entree was Barbecued Baby Back Ribs, Mexican CumIn Lime Slaw, Corn on the Cob, and some Peach Salsa.  Served 

A bottle of Tiare Imperiale Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 2010. Our dear friend Sue Makrauer shared her rib recipe with us.

For dessert I schlepped to Manoffs farm in the Netherworld for strawberries.

We served Fresh Strawberries with Balsamic Vinegar and addictive Butter Cookies.

The meal was well received.  As usual, credit for all the hard work and creativity goes to my awesome wife, Barb.

Grilled Swordfish and Kale Salad

Stopped at Costco in Edison, NJ on our way home from celebrating Barbs Bday. 

Picked up our usual 2 cases of Kirkland American vodka (distiller 6 times) for a bunch of friends and ourselves ($13.89/1.75 liters).

Also bought a bag of kale and veggie salad with a sesame seed dressing. Good for two meals. They've released their latest Kirkland Carneros Pinot Noir T $9.99.  A steal with big fruit and no finish.

Then went to Newtown farm market and got some fresh Swordfish to grill.

Barb found a recipe for a quick herb dressing.  Things have started in our garden, so we used baby basil and mint.

Quick grill and toss.  

I'm currently ruining the healthy meal with some Armagnac and a stogie.