An Elegant Evening

Last night we celebrated our friend Fannie's 40th birthday and, oh, what a celebration it was!  Her husband, Tim, started making the plans several months ago when he told us he was putting together a special dinner party for Fannie.

The evening started with close friends gathering at the bar of the Jefferson Hotel in Washington, DC. We were all a little early so that we could begin celebrating!  The bar was in a dark paneled room, quaint and quiet, and the group started mingling.  We then moved to the Book Room for champagne and hors d'oeuvres.  The champagne was chilled just right and it perfectly complemented the delicious appetizers that were being passed around the room - potato and leek vichyssoise, tuna tartare (which even I tried), and goat cheese beignets.

We then moved into the Private Cellar Room.  An absolutely stunning room with two walls of floor to ceiling wine displayed in glass cases.  The table was decorated beautifully with dark silver linens and two gorgeous flower arrangements that Tim had designed specifically for Fannie.  The lighting was perfect and the seating arrangements were thought out carefully so that everyone would enjoy the evening.

The dinner began with a lovely toast by Tim to Fannie and was followed by a couple of others who spoke so fondly of Fannie and how dear her friendship is to all of us.  And then the food was served. The first course was a warm salad of artichokes "barigoule" with goat cheese beignets, champagne vinegar and soft herbs.  I chose the tenderloin of prime dry aged beef with crushed herb potatoes, foie gras and a red wine and shallots confit.  Dessert was a warm molten chocolate cake with almond milk ice cream and candied almonds.  Tim did an amazing job selecting the menu and the wine.  It was an absolutely phenomenal meal!

Fannie's brother, Andrew, commented that it was a night he will never forget and I know we won't either.  He said the atmosphere was so intimate, the food was just amazing, the wine was perfect and it was a wonderful evening.  I know we all shared the same sentiments.

The evening ended back at the bar with a nightcap. I was thinking throughout the night of how I would describe this on my blog and I realize I have come up short on my adjectives to describe what a great night it was.  It was an elegant evening for a dear friend.  She was surrounded by friends and family and I hope she felt as special as we all did!
 
Thank you to Tim for organizing an evening we will never forget.  And to our friend Fannie... my toast last night did not do justice to the years of friendship we have accrued.  We have shared some wonderful celebrations, hugged each other through the occasional tears and enjoyed the comfort of what everyday life has brought us.  Our friendship has only strengthened with each year.  You are our dear friend and we wish you an amazing 40th birthday!