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December 05, 2002

Fondue and A Love of the Garden State

The Saturday after Thanksgiving I decided to have a little "Anti Turkey" Dinner party for friends. I was originally scheduled to pet sit at the "swanky Village apartment" but that fell through as the owner's mother was ill and they cancelled their trip to Hawaii. (A sincere Get Well goes out to Bernice.) So the Post T-Day gathering was at my drab Weehawken apartment instead.

When I first moved here I knew that I would not be able to make it to Texas and family for both Christmas and Thanksgiving every year. Even if I could afford it, that's alot of travelling in such a busy time of year. I made a deal with myself to try to always make it to Texas for Christmas for as long as I could. I am independent, I don't have a husband or kids so there is really no reason why I should destroy the delicate balance of the rotating Lucio/Karl Christmas schedule my family worked so hard to develop in years past. My friends in Hoboken, with whom I stayed for a few days when I first moved, adhered to a "Thanksgiving is for friends" philosophy. They came from Texas about 5 years ago and discovered on their first "Friends Thanksgiving" that they actually had alot of fun and found themselves looking forward to a holiday they could share with their friends who are also orphaned for whatever reason during that time of year. My first Thanksgiving in New York, my friend Jim invited me to his apartment on West 54th Street to celebrate with our circle of friends. It was a grand time full of laughter, amazing food, drink and fun. Soon, I too found myself savoring this opportunity to celebrate and give thanks for all of my friends and kindred spirits who made their way to New York in pursuit of dreams, life, liberty and happiness.

This year I decided to do one better and have a little gathering on my own. Not about to miss the massive food orgy that Jim, Andre, John and Ben create every year, I decided to throw my dinner party on Saturday. I knew I didn't want anything traditionally Turkey; I figured that people would be a little turkeyed out by Saturday and something, anything else would be refreshing. After much deliberation I decided on a meal based around fondue. I have always enjoyed the communal nature of fondue when I dined at The Melting Pot in Houston. For some reason, fondue got a bad rap as being kitschy in the 80's. I never understood why. I had never done fondue so I wasn't sure how complicated it may or may not be but I was willing to give it the old college try. This is where our fair-haired friend from Tara comes in. Rhett definitely played the hero this day. (Oh how oh how will the other boys be able to measure up?) Rhett was my chaffeur, inside NJ contact, sous chef, and dishwasher this night. It definitely would have been a much less interesting party without him. And the food would have probably sucked. Instead Mr. Butler drove me all over the purlieus of NJ for the perfect ingredients for my Fondue extravaganza.

Like a true Southerner, I always plan for too much food. I want to make sure there is enough variety and quantity for everybody. I usually end up having way too much food and not having enough room to serve everything I had thought of. This evening's meal consisted of Stuffed Grape Leaves I made from scratch two days ago (they are always better a few days after...like lasagna) a Classic and a "kicked up a notch" Emeril-style cheese fondue, a daring Mushroom fondue, hot and sweet sausage from the best damn sausage place I have ever been to, various dipping items like potatoes, carrots, broccoli, Italian bread, and two Chocolate Fondues with fresh fruits, angel cake, and cookies for dipping. Mr. Butler had the hook up to a cheese shop in Ridgewood, NJ. It was quaint and inviting and full of all things cheese. Marc, you have got to check it out! The lady behind the counter amazed me. I would tell her how much I wanted of each cheese. She would get her cheese wire, slice it off the wheel and it was exactly, exactly the correct amount of cheese every time. I was almost disappointed when I was out of cheeses to order. The best part was the question she asked after having perfectly cut out a pound and a half of Smoked Gouda. "Would you like that grated?" I choked back the tears thinking of all the time this woman was saving me by industrial-ly grating all this cheese. "Yes, (gulp) maam. I think I would." We went to Bed Bath and Beyond to score an extra Fondue pot on sale. I had borrowed two from my friend Jim but felt I should have another. This was, after all, alot of fondue. I also just knew I would use it again. We also went to the discount liquor store for some wine and stuff. After a brief stop at Vitamia's Italian sausage shop in Mr. Butler's hometown which is also claim to the inspiration for the Soprano's Bada Bing, and a few hours later we were on our way to the house where I would finish up my grocery shopping at the Pathmark down the block.

Everything turned out amazing. Fondue isn't really difficult either although I could feel that way because Rhett did most of the work in the kitchen while I flitted about seeing to everyone's needs. I have to be honest. He was kind of my bitch this day but he did it with grace, charm and aplomb. I had a really unique blend of friends there too. Some of my uppercrust NY friends, some Bulgarians, Rhett and his friend Fred, and my partner Greg. Most everybody blended in pretty well and I think everyone had a great time. By the end of the night it was mainly me, Rhett, my partner Greg, and Fred hanging out and having something called baby beers. Things got a little crazy. Put it this way, somebody got a lap dance and it wasn't me. Nor was I doing the dancing. That's all I am saying. The pictures are an exclusive and what happens in New Jersey, stays in New Jersey.

I came away from the weekend with a healthy respect for fondue, ingratiated to Mr. Butler, and an emerging love affair with the state of New Jersey. There are some really unique and interesting things in the Garden State. It's more than just a place to sleep when you aren't prancing about in the city. As for my Bed, Bath, and Beyond fondue pot, I pulled it out of the box and it was broken at the handle and two of the ramekins where cracked. I need to take it back. Instead of replacing it with the exact same thing, I am think that this might be a little more fun and interesting. It's still cheese and you still get to play with your food. Will somebody tell Santa?

Billy and Marian in Soho

One day in early December, Mr. Butler and I decided to walk through NY. It's actually quite nice walking in New York City. On this particular day, the weather was chilly but not freezing and the shops were just starting to put out their Christmas windows. We started at Port Authority, walked to 5th Avenue and made it as far uptown as the Ice Skating Rink at Central Park. Here's a note to all of you would be New Yorkers: the rink at CP is much preferred to the one at Rockefeller Center. The scenery is much more striking with the immaculately landscaped trees gently cloaking the outskirts of the rink but not completely hiding the tops of the massive buildings that surround the park. So what if there isn't a Christmas tree or lighted angels with trumpet? The CP Rink also lets you skate as long as you want. I was chagrined when Mr. Butler informed me that you have a slim window of time to skate at the "Rock Rink". We breezed past The Plaza where I had a rather expensive mediocre tea with my mom and sis when they were here last year. This day there was a crowd and limos. Turns out the princesses from the Disney Ice Show were making an appearance.

This was a day of firsts for me all around and, except for the endless comments about various and sundry women we pass (He's lucky I am such a good sport blessed with an adventurous nature.) Mr. Butler is a pretty good walking companion. I had my first experience at FAO Schwartz which was a blast. They had buildings made of lego's and a $500 teddy bear. The bear was cute but I will never, and I mean never spoil any child of mine in such a manner. You can slap me mercilessly with a wet noodle if I do. I also, and Sister don't get excited, had my first excursion at Tiffany's. That's right! Mr. Butler took me to that eschelon of good taste and diamonds. DIAMONDS, Jenny! But alas, Rhett was mainly a tease in these departments. We had a great time "just looking". A special moment was freaking out the snotty sales lady as I picked up a beautiful platinum earring that she had negligently left on the counter. When she saw my jeans-wearing casual self putting my grubby little hands on the bauble she snapped it up really quick. Heh, heh. I guess that will teach her to be so negligent. In the end, Rhett wouldn't even go near the 2nd floor where Tiffany keeps all of her engagement rings. So alas, I am still single and independent. To be truthful, whomever I end up marrying should be pleased to know I don't even want a diamond. Let's face it, they are all conflict diamonds and I am not so sure that my having a pretty sparkly thing that lets the world know I am off the market is worth civil wars, and murder, and oppression. If and when the time comes, I think I will go for an "estate ring" or something in a non-agressive gem. I think I have plenty of time to think about it. Who knows, by that time maybe the conflict in Conflict Diamonds will be just a memory. I am pondering these thoughts as the very easy-going Mr. Butler lets me peruse the various floors of Tiffany's wonders. Once out we walk all the way down 5th Ave toward the Soho area. It was a great day I must say. We ran into a sample sale of some really soft and warm sweaters. ( I bought one in purple and a little army green night shirt. What is wrong with me!!! Shop for others..It's Christmas! My mothers' genes are showing I guess.) We also met a woman named Martina. She is an art student who was selling paper goods as a street vendor on Broadway. I happened to be wearing my Tex in the City Swarovski Crystal shirt. She loved it and thought I might have some luck selling them on the streets. I have to say I have often thought about trying to be a street vendor. It seems like a romantic way to make a living. All for your art and meeting the world one on one. I know it's hard work too. Getting up at the crack of dawn to get a good spot and all that. It's still a thought though. After working so hard to create Tex in the City, LLC with my partners I have really learned that I have a pretty creative head for business. It's just a question of focus.

Before capping off our day and walking back up to Port Authority to take the bus to NJ, Rhett treated me to a very special cup of hot chocolate. It was daring and a little naughty which made that cocoa positively scrumptious. It seems that Rhett discovered a few years back that there is a cocoa/coffee machine on every floor of a very swanky hotel in SOHO. If you act like you know what you are doing, you can just go in and avail yourself of said swanky hotel's ample hospitality. Being the dramatic one, I thought it important that we have a story. You know, a cover that would blend in with the other tourists. So I dubbed Rhett "Billy"..well, William, Willy, Will, Bill my working stiff husband from Ohio (Everybody is honest in Ohio.)
Rhett, not one for coming up with things off the cuff said "Mary".
Mermu: "Mary?"
Rhett: "Okay, Marion".

So Billy and Marion went through the lobby and up to their "room" on the 8th floor to catch a nap before meeting "Stella and Tom" for dinner. We came down a few minutes later with steaming cups of hot cocoa. Marion was a little flustered as she was really looking forward to napping before dinner. It seems that we had to meet Stella and Tom early. Tom wasn't having too much fun on this trip. I think he is cheating on Stella. We cleared the lobby and cleared the doors and out we were; back on the streets of SOHO with a tasty ill-gotten beverage to keep us warm. I don't think Rhett was too impressed with my "blend in" story. He didn't think we needed it. But hey, it never hurts to be careful. For a moment we thought we were busted too. As we were pouring our cocoa on the 8th floor, a woman dressed all in black came into the little vending room. We thought she was with the hotel and was all set to call us on our frivolity, throw us out on our ass and take our cocoa. Fortunately she just wanted a little warmth in a cup just like the rest of us. On the walk back we saw more interesting vendors like Jose Paternoster. He makes watches out of recycled metals. He not only designs them but also puts together all of the working elements as well. By the end of the day we decided we had a healthy 8 mile walk. We ended up taking the path to Hoboken and walking from Hoboken to Weehawken where we had parked his car. It was a lovely excursion in the city.

Posted by mermu at December 5, 2002 10:41 PM

Comments

Posted by: marc at December 20, 2002 09:52 AM

Posted by: Stepan at December 18, 2002 10:07 AM

Posted by: Jfer at December 12, 2002 03:28 PM

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