There are two other couples we've known since we moved to San Francisco twelve years ago, and we now have two kids each, ranging from age four up to thirteen. We've supported each other through long hours at work, pregnancies and their complications, colicky children, Music Together mommy-and-me toddler music classes, medical diagnoses, and job stresses. These are the kind of friends who become family. But as the kids have gotten older and busier, it's been more and more difficult to coordinate our weekend schedules. We've been trying to get together since February, and the weekend that finally worked out for all three families happened to land on Mother's Day. I e-mailed the group, "Are the dads in charge of this one (hint, hint)?" and they took my challenge.
I don't think it's because of stereotypical gender roles, but more due to the fact that a few of us moms (maybe me) in the group are a bit more, well maybe you could say, controlling than the dads, and I would venture to say more organized, that usually these gatherings have left the planning to the moms. So it was with a bit of trepidation that I viewed one dad's response to my e-mail challenge: "We'll have to take this offline."
It wasn't for a lack of culinary skills-- they've all cooked for us before, and are all great cooks, each with their own specialties. It's just that we, the wives and moms, were always part of at least the planning. So to be left out, even if it was my own idea, made me a bit anxious. My husband picked up on my anxiety, and fed it. A few days before Mother's Day, I observed him putting away the groceries, instead of leaving them for me to put away as he usually does (because of a history of conflicts over poor refrigerator organizational skills). The day before, I caught him looking through the Italian cookbook bible, The Silver Spoon, then quickly closing the book when I entered the room. He also stressed me out by asking, nonchalantly, "So when do we need to be there tomorrow?"
He was playing with me. The brunch was stupendous. The dads had clearly planned it way in advance. They even allowed me to photograph the food before we ate, despite the fact that this is not a normal behavior.
This was such a great brunch, it might have even cured me of my Control Freak tendencies. Take a look, go ahead and drool.
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The Menu
beverages: mimosas, coffee from Blue Bottle
homemade croissants: rhubarb jam, chocolate, and plain
tropical fruit salad with fresh herbs and ginger
scrambled eggs with optional grated cheese and green onions
turkey meatballs with hoisin sauce
farmer's market strawberries with meyer lemon zabaglione (photo above)
cheese plate: goat milk gouda and caramelized onion cheddar
crusty sourdough baguette from a favorite San Francisco Bay Area bakery
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It was out of this world. And as an added bonus, the kids ate everything!
After this brilliant, scrumptious and simply fabulous brunch beyond my dreams, I am ready to announce: "I will cede all control over to you if you ever want to do this again. You can cook for me anytime."
Love, Linda.
xoxo
P.S. To the dads: I've linked to your recipes, in case you want to replicate this brunch anytime.
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Kim Gamble
kmbearden
Spectrum Voice
Susie Lindau
Lauren B. Davis
racheld
Salon.com
Comments
Now your work is cut out for you on Father's Day!
Bellwether, hope you're feeling better, and yes, I believe in do-overs.
I went to a Moms' Day barbecue the resident dad cooked. Three families on hand and we all thought it was a fine idea; we didn't know about your creative occasion. Next year in San Francisco--every
dad produces one exotic dish!
Man oh Man! .. this looks good. And of course I said Man ... because well, the guys made it. A salute to them! They knew how much you Moms deserved it.
You married well!
This meal looks amazing, but I still prefer my Mother’s Day treat: my kids cooked it and set the most amazing table.
BTW--did the dads also clean up?