Oldie But (Really) Goodie

Lisa (L), Me and
Melissa (R) - 2 of my BFFs

I've written about my book group before (the "bookies" or "book group babes" as we sometimes refer to one another.)  There are six of us, different ages, interests and backgrounds, and for the past 5 to 7 years (we were originally just a crew of 4) we have met every month, twice a year at each of our houses (except for the very occasional evening at a restaurant when one of us says, "Can we just go out?")  We've celebrated birthdays, comforted each other through losses and difficult times, laughed A LOT, and talk about the books we read, which is actually a novelty for most book groups despite what they're called! The last book we read was This Is Where I Leave You - I highly recommend it, and as it is being turned into a movie (my son and I were actually on the set but not on a filming day,) you should read it before it hits the theaters.

corn & black beans

Anyway, back to food.  Last night one of my best friends, Lisa, was the hostess. She has a beautiful home and outdoor lawn with a pool, so during a heat wave in NY it's hard to find a better spot to spend a summer evening...

lentils in endive

Of course, the company is terrific but so is the food.  Last night, the vegan in all of us enjoyed perfectly grilled vegetables, a corn salad with avocado and other yummy ingredients, and this chick pea dish I LOVED with wheatberries and diced (sundried?) tomato.  Of course there were toritlla chips with guacamole for the vegan fare too - I was a big help in polishing that off.
Last year at Lisa's we enjoyed a vinaigrette dressed three bean salad, a corn salad with black beans, and endive (on-deev or en-dive, however you choose to pronounce it) filled with beluga lentils.  In the center of the platter was a mixed greens salad with walnuts and diced apples and dates.  

The crew (I took the shot)

Just in case you're wondering what we had to drink...our choices (which also included Sancerre, Rose or Pellegrino) were vodka lemonade and tequila with fresh lime.  Have you been following me long enough to guess what I chose? Book group or not, don't miss out on opportunities to spend time with great friends and summer creates even more flexibility to do so - especially for those of us whose kids are up at camp.  And yeah, I hit Soul Cycle this morning - because indulging, even though worthwhile, can also have it's price!  Hope summer's been wonderful to you so far.