Bastille Day July 10, 2010

Hosted by Fred and Sandi Goldner

Story by Dame de la Chaine Carolyn Hoelscher

Photos by Jim Ray and Carolyn Hoelscher

On Saturday, July 10, 2010, a clear, sunny and hot evening, members of the Bailliage de San Antonio gathered at the rustically charming and beautiful new home of members, Fred and Sandi Goldner to celebrate Bastille Day with food, drink and camaraderie.  The view of the Texas Hill Country was spectacular, and as the sun began to set, it became even more so.  Tours of the beautiful new house were also offered.  Of course, let us not forget the reason for this gathering.  It has become an annual event to celebrate Bastille Day with a casual, potluck sort of event at the home of one or another of our members.  The attire for the evening was billed as summer casual.  Since it is so hot in San Antonio this time of year, many attendees chose shorts and Hawaiian shirts, tee shirts and capris and cool little dresses.  However, there were at least 5 French berets! 

 To enhance the flavor of the occasion, there was a competition for the best French, or French-themed, dish, judged by our own Maître de Table Restaurateurs, John Marotta of The Argyle and Moe Lazri of The Fig Tree and Little Rhein Steak House.  Prizes of dining gift certificates for first and second place were donated by Randy Mathews of Boudro's and Moe Lazri of The Fig Tree and Little Rhein Steak House.  The first place winner was Catherine Milbourn with classic Escargot.  Second place went to Sandi Goldner, our hostess, for the Crème Brulee.  There were Honorable Mentions for three other dishes that were also very good, but may or may not have been so French. The Honorable Mentions were Vichyssoise, made by our host, Fred Goldner, the duck (proper name?)  made by Randy Mathews and tongue (proper name?), made by John Wade.  There were several other dishes that weren't at all French, nor did they even hint at "French", but were quite tasty all the same.  They included Pulled Pork on a Bun with Barbeque Sauce, Shrimp and Avocado Martini Cocktail, and Peach Cobbler As usual, there was far too much to eat and drink! 

Click on thumbnail photo to enlarge!

. . . and a good time was had by all, with the exception of the cleaning ladies!!

Thank all of you who contributed your time, effort, and expense in preparing some of the best French food, and not so French food, we have ever tasted

and

Thank you Fred and Sandi Goldner for opening your home to all of us who attended.

Your home and grounds are very beautiful. You both should be very proud. 

JR