Elizabeth's BDay Cocktail Party

We surprised Dutchie's BFF last weekend by showing up at her bday party 

in Houston.  Her husband Marty had planned the whole thing.  The party wasn't

a true surprise party, but there were a few surprise elements, and we were happy

to be a part of it.

Now you may be asking yourself....

"Why is FFF posting about a cocktail party on his foodblog?"

Easy...There was food there!!!

Marty and Liz are former restaurant owners, and he asked me to 

be his sous chef as he prepared some "heavy hor d'oeuvres".

He created and served some pretty great food that was a hit all around, and

hired a pair of professional bartenders.

I am proud to have provided a small amount of help, and follow the prep timeline

and schematic.

I did the most work on these 2 items.  Crostini with Proscuitto, Lemon, Fennel and Parsley.

Endive with Shrimp, Mango, Red Onion and Lime juice.

The Bacon Wrapped Dried Apricots with Sage was all Marty.

Bryan "Wheels" Neely called this Dessert Bacon cause it was sweet and savory and 

didn't last long.

I included this cheese platter cause it was A LOT of chopping

on my part.  

These Grissinis turned out pretty awesome.  Take Roast Beef, brush with garlic infused oil,

put in some Arugula, then wrap it around a potato stick, then wrap another

Arugula leaf around the roll (x50).  Half were Roast Beef

and half were Corned Beef.  

Close up of the Grissini, Marty replaced the center with a creamy

dipping sauce by the time the party started.  2D4!!

Marty also whipped up an Apple and Caramelized Onion Tart.

After I set the camera down to start the cocktail portion of the evening, 

Marty brought out the Shiner Bock Sloppy Joe Sliders with Spiced Pickle,

and Pork Carnitas Taco.  Smoked Salmon with Shmear and Candied Pecans

also did not get photographed...Hey don't hate...I was elbow deep in professionally made 

cocktails and catered quality snacks by that time.

The party kept a bunch of post 40 yuppis up and laughing past midnight.

Here are a few snaps of the festivities.

Notice that by 10pm, all of us were sitting in chairs.

Our "young-ish" bartenders had many laughs at our expense. 

It was a complete success, even if the bar height was a little tall!!

We are honored that we were a part of such a great night