good reason

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Grains and Pasta, Dinner Party, Sources, Setting the Stage, Wine Line, Posted on February 8, 2015 by Sandy Bergsten
One of the most fun aspects of entertaining can sometimes be one of the most challenging- the reason to throw a party. Some are obvious such as birthdays, showers, and graduations. But where can you draw inspiration when an event seems elusive? I found myself with just this challenge. My husband and I wanted to have a certain group over for dinner
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bright spot

food detective
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Posted on December 3, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
It’s been a crazy few weeks. Outpatient surgery, flying out west with my puppy, celebrating my birthday in LA with my wonderful girls, Thanksgiving full house in our desert home, then a puddle jump back across the county to attend a business meeting in New York City. We had dinner at Brasserie Ruhlmann across from Rockefeller Center where they were
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puppy party

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Poultry, Grains and Pasta, Dinner Party, Posted on July 30, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
Here’s an adorable excuse for a party. Last spring when life was feeling bleak we adopted a little Norwich terrier. This loveable pup was a show dog reject (he developed a slight overbite and could no longer compete.) His minor loss was our certain gain. And there is nothing like a puppy to momentarily turn your world happily upside down. So when
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a new leaf

food detective
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Sources, Eating Out, Posted on February 24, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
When New Year’s resolutions lose their novelty it might be time to turn over a new leaf. This year I resolved to get healthy, and not for the short run but for life. I’m a pretty healthy person but I wanted to hold myself accountable. One of the ways I’m doing just that is by keeping a detailed food diary. “A moment on the lips forever on the list
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major coup

food detective
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Dinner for Two, Supper, Dinner Party, Lunch, Posted on November 5, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Nothing beats Saturday night supper for four. As fortune would have it my husband and I were invited for such a dinner last weekend. And to up the ante, not only were our host and hostess delightful friends but incredible cooks. Simmering bolognese greeted us we entered, letting us know we were in for a real treat. But what caught me by surprise
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italian breakdown

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Veggies and Sides, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on October 21, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Homegrown tomatoes still grace the shelves at the market though there is a distinct chill in the air. And while it’s not quite sweater weather I find myself craving comfort food. Time to figure out a way to bridge the seasons with a meal that is as comforting as cashmere but light enough to stand up to these last nights of Indian summer. I adore
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hump day

food detective
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Veggies and Sides, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on July 2, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
One of my favorite things about Wednesday is the dining section in the New York Times. I love how the articles shed new light on many a staple and always seem to transport me out of my humble kitchen. Magically this happened a couple of weeks ago when Section D sported a spread on reimagining the picnic. I was eager to try my hand at the featured
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surf and turf

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Fish and Seafood, Breads, Pizza, Tarts, Dinner Party, Sources, Posted on May 20, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
My hubby just turned another year. He stated he didn’t want any fanfare but I know him well enough to know that he would appreciate a little something special to mark the occasion. So I invited a pair of close friends and put together a menu that would wow without any muss and fuss. What would be better than breaking down the steak house version of
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seasonal greens

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Dinner Party, Posted on April 15, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
A salad to span the seasons. Saturday night we were invited to a cozy dinner for four and because the weather was on a downward dip we bypassed the porch and supped in front of a fire. My contribution was a first course salad. I wanted to bring something that was suitable for the chill in the air but hinted at spring which just like the buds on the
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it’s all greek(ish) to me

what's for dinner
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Poultry, Grains and Pasta, Veggies and Sides, Dinner for Two, Supper, Posted on October 22, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
Busy week, busy day. What to have for dinner? Greek burgers and Israeli couscous with roasted grape tomatoes and basil. My take on Greek excludes lamb. Not sure why but I can’t stomach it. Lamentably lamb was the celebratory meal of choice in my first husband’s family. Because he was the last of five to marry there was lots to celebrate.
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