In the West Hood – A Provencal Spring Potluck Dinner

Yes, Donna Hesik and Jean True hosted the LDE networking dinner on Sunday. Jean had a home emergency, so Donna graciously invited us to her home in Oak Brook. Donna and Jean had a wonderful time planning, cooking, and, enjoying a glass of Provencal Rose when Suzanne Florek, Jen Lamplough, Julie Ratowitz arrived. We also welcomed 2 prospective members, Raeanne Sarazen and Toni Cox.

To sit around a beautiful table with spring colors, tulips, and French Limoges china, added to the magic of great conversation while we served a five course dinner! Perfectly blanched garden asparagus topped with a poached egg and lemon zest, lamb chops and tarragon chicken with lentils and parsnips, rounded out with ratatouille, followed by a frisee-lardon salad, French cheeses, and chocolate gateau and the best macarons. Julia would have been proud!

And, network we did…. For how do we balance family, friends, and our professional lives? Age ‘ol problems for us all, but, to discuss and mentor with our culinary friends, well……..it was quite magical. We all agreed that to share our professional knowledge with other Les Dames, we will receive so much more to enrich our lives.