"After twenty-five years.” That’s what Anita posted on Facebook a couple weeks ago on their actual anniversary. Well, we got to expand on that last night at their surprise reception. Yes, it was very much like a small wedding reception, DJ and all…

There were somewhere between 70 and 80 people in attendance, with all the set-up, decorations and food supplied by family – clean-up, too (it’s a BIG family). Just like most of our events, everyone went home hungry...
I’M KIDDING!!On the appetizer table we had: spicy mini-quiches; shrimp with cocktail sauce; spinach balls with two mustard dips, one spicy, one sweet; coconut shrimp with orange sauce; BLT lettuce wraps; turkey, tuna, and chicken salad tarts; and something that looked like an empanada that I didn’t get to try because they disappeared so fast…

Still hungry? Be careful what you wish for! The buffet table had: an antipasto salad; pasta salad; baked beans; mixed Asian veggies in ginger sauce; scalloped potatoes; stuffed cabbage (halupki); baked ziti; and roast beef!!!!! And I know I’m probably forgetting something

Dinner, dancing, and of course, an elegant cake… I’m STILL full.

Marisa and Anthony did a beautiful job of hosting and toasting (and sneaking there without their parents knowing). Anita’s parents and sister deserve a big round of applause for pulling it all together, as well as the rest of us “chefs” in all of our wonderful contributions. Brig, thanks for getting them there (Anita dressed in white, no less!) and keeping it a total surprise.

Jeff and Anita, hope you know how much we all love you!


ps. I’ll get you some photos and more details on some of the food soon...