by Connie Miller (CCKC “House Mistressâ€)
a weekly peek into one of CCKC’s special events
It was so cold Tuesday that none of us thought our Staff Lunch would be very busy. Granted, the sun was shining, but the trees were glistening with ice. Laura, our hostess with the mostest, was in Mexico. Susie and I didn’t think that would be a problem. Between the 2 of us and Vicky we could seat the brave few that faced the frigid temperatures.
Famous last words…
By 11:45 there was not a seat to be had in the Santa Fe kitchen. Then the Sonoma room filled up and guests started sitting in the Tuscan kitchen. Maria and Rachel were seating people left and right. Daysi was clearing tables. Chef Matt, Larry, Renee & Debbie were plating food as fast as they could. What a surprise!
Were we busy because of Victoria’s Chicken Enchilada Casserole or because EVERYONE has cabin fever and the sun was shining luring us outdoors? I think it was a little bit of both.
It was one of my favorite menus. I love caramel flan and the cilantro/lime rice was the perfect accompaniment. I put mine in my tortilla soup. I would venture out for this warming south of the border meal.
On the other hand, who isn’t anxious to get outdoors?! I keep telling myself that spring is right around the corner. My mother’s tulips and surprise lily’s are even up about an inch. I love to watch people come out of hibernation in Kansas City. It usually starts with a few runners, then walkers, more bicyclists, people playing with their dogs, sitting at outdoor cafes and all of sudden there are tons of people everywhere. It’s like the sky opened up and dropped people everywhere. They’re smiling & happy and, if they are like me, glad to see everyone outside again.