Thanksgiving... Dirty Trick

 Not sure about you, but when I hear the term "turkey trot" I imagine that not so graceful descent to the nearby carpet, rug, etc. while slipping into that warm post meal cacoon. So when much loved niece and nephew encouraged my presence southward for this past Thanksgiving to their "hoods", beaches Newport and Laguna respectively, it was easy to say, "I'm in!" Good grub, fine company, and a few adult beverages mixed in as well.

 It all started out well enough, as Jordan put his gifted surgeons hands to work on an impeccable cioppino. Clams, mussels, flaky chunks of  whitefish all in a broth that was... exceptional. Sour dough ruled the day, sopping up what spoons couldn't, while Cesar salad did greens proud. Crisp whites and good local beer competed for favors depending on mood, and the first round of freshly baked goods were unveiled: crumbly fruit bars and mini pecan tarts. Yep, a fine beginning. As the white turned to red, my glass finding itself as destination, it became apparent that the afore mentioned turkey trot was in fact a 10K the following morning along the waterfront of nearby Dana Point. Somehow my enthusiasm actually grew, coincidently as the consuming continued. It wan't long before I was down right inspired. 

 With the rustling of the waking house at a little past 5:00, my having seemingly just gone to bed, the initial doubts began about a run of distance for the first time in... Oh, let's say YEARS! It's not that I don't try to keep fit, but most who have run only to find themselves away from the regular practice, know well the potential for pain, agony, and embarrassment when rolling from bed to starting line with no real preparation. Buoyed by a sky stained in sunrise, a great vibe, and little to no thought of the consequences, I launched. Once your in it, as the saying goes... It was in fact pretty smooth, and quick. That was until I opened it up a bit along what appeared to be the stretch to the finish line, only to find that it was the HALF WAY MARK!!!

 Well, it may not have been a thing of beauty, but your will to continue comes on mighty strong when threatened of being passed by... everybody; especially a particularly quick and determined 7 year old. Got through it in decent fashion, and on to the parade of water, bananas, and Cliff Bars. Wasn't long following a beer and a shower that I cooked up a pâté, cheeses and charcuterie were layed out, and football games became the soundtrack of the day. While,we all contributed different dishes to the whole, it was Carol who'd trekked down with husband Monte from the Central Valley that did the heavy lifting: pies, turkey and ham, stuffing... oh, the stuffing. About anything you can imagine. So good was it all, so grateful was I. Which is the point, isn't it?The chance to sit with people that matter, sharing a bountiful table, and remind yourself of how truly fortunate you are.

Recipes and Wine Notes available on request.

Chez Gautier Cooking School: http://www.chez-gautier.com