One thing I learned moving out here. We don’t run out for dinner or order carryout like we did in Columbia. Not as many choices without driving. My neighbors and friends out here have more meals outside, in the quiet countryside, with family and friends. Friday night al fresco dining is this for us.
The view is way better from my chair than parking lots or storm water management ponds.
We can spend lots of money to go out for dinner, but honestly, dinner on the patio is so much more relaxed, and a fraction of the cost. Everything at dinner tonight was bought without setting foot in a chain grocery store. The entire meal, minus wine, cost about twelve bucks.
The soup: cauliflower leek
I made using CSA veggies with organic almond milk and vegetable broth. Indian spices. The sausage that finished the soup. Homemade hot Italian from Boarman’s.
The salads: CSA oranges and beets from the Lancaster market. Tomato and goat cheese mozzarella, also from Lancaster. The basil from my garden. The oil from Casual Gourmet.
The bread: Atwater’s rosemary Italian. The wine: Linden chardonnay. I figure the dinner cost me $12 in supplies. The wine $20. What would I pay for a meal this good in a restaurant? Two times? Three? The wine alone is the equivalent of a decent Burgundy, that would cost me $40-$50 in a restaurant. I suppose I could order a $10 wine marked up to $30 which is the usual markup.
I know I am unique in loving to cook. I know I now have the time to do so. But, I used to “pee” away how much time with a beeper at restaurants waiting for a table. I think I prefer spending that time cooking, and not roaming around being bored and paying ridiculous prices for a beer or glass of wine while waiting for a table in the chain restaurants in Columbia.
My cocktails are better, too. Meyer lemon basil fizz, anyone?
Have a great weekend everyone!
hocofood@@@
AnnieRie Unplugged 
Ok, I need a cauliflower soup recipe and a lemon fizz recipe too.
I love your outdoor dining set-up! Getting our deck ready to eat on is my goal for this weekend. And I second Tammy, how about some recipes por favor!
OK, OK, I will do recipes.
The lemon basil fizz is a Michael Symon recipe from Cooking Channel. We watch his show, Symon’s Suppers. For two drinks you need a can of Aranciata (or two juice oranges juiced with enough club soda to make 12 ounces). Two Meyer lemons, juiced. One in each glass. Save a slice for each. Whatever basil you have. Lemon basil is awesome. Muddle the basil with the Meyer lemon juice. Add 2 ounces of good vodka to each glass. Add 6 ounces of orange mix to each glass. Add ice. The longer it sits before serving, the more intense the basil flavor.
As for the soup, man, this is kitchen sink soup. We had a package of frozen cauliflower from the CSA. About the equivalent of a large head of cauliflower.
We started with a handful of spring onions and two leeks, cut and sweated down in olive oil. Minced garlic to taste. I like ours heavy so three cloves. Three cups of veggie broth, organic low sodium, like Pacific. Two cups of almond milk. One large white potato cubed. The cauliflower. Let it simmer.
Add spice. I used cumin, nutmeg, ground ginger, white pepper, salt and coriander. I have no idea how much of each. I cook by taste. Scary, isn’t it?
Either boat motor it, or put it in the blender. I had half a hot Italian sausage left in the fridge so I added it on top before serving. Drizzled olive oil over it.
We feel the same way. I am a better cook, and we have a better wine cellar, than many restaurants in HoCo. We can relax, eat when we want (without waiting in line), and have a quiet conversation. Much nicer.
Your dinner looks fabulous!
I always enjoy the warmer weather to eat outside at restaurants. You have motivated me to clean off the patio table and chairs to do this more often at home. I have learned not to read your blog when I am hungry!