Don't worry Elijah. I am used to ordering people around. What do you think Shandi is for???

someone say drinking games?

Of course I won't trouble the help. We are not all equal after all.

(Just read this post now and sorry for the delay in posting...)

Yes, that sounds a splendid idea!

You are most welcome to dinner at my humble home, but not next weekend because I am campaigning fulltime, and the weekend after I am in New Plymouth conducting some business...so...September 6th/7th or later..yes..that is fine!

Just a couple of...ummmm...(and I do not mean to be nitpicky here)...'rules'...

Firstly, please do not bring drugs to my home, even in jest.

I have been arrested..(long story and $103,000 plus gst in legal fees)... three times on drugs charges resulting from this sort of thing...and, invariably, no one believes me when I say I did not supply said substances to guests ..(or half of Kings Cross in Sydney)...so yes, to save any difficulties, can you leave it at home?

Secondly, when a 'servant' offers you food or drink....do not act apologetic and get stuck into a "I am egalitarian and we are all equal" routine...it is embarrassing and gauche.

Servants are there to serve...that is their job...do not feel a need to talk to them or feel uncomfortable...(it is not like they are 'real' people, is it?)

Thirdly, it is customary for guests to get stuck in and enjoy 'drinking games' ...and I issue 'fines' to pikers, and those who do not win, so your participation is expected, ha ha! ...

...so yes, hope you all ENJOY a splendid evening!

On election day...tick the LIBERTARIANZ box...

seems to have disappeared. It's not like him.

I'd be keen Guiseppe. It's about time we got together again.

Elijah are you still keen to offer your place for a gathering?

Would anyone like to have a get-together 'bring a plate', meet in person and have a wonderful evening of food, wine and great company?

Lindsay when are you coming up next? Would you be keen for a gathering?

If anyone in Auckland or Wellington is keen to come for a dinner party either in Auckland or Wellington please let us know on this board so I can get an idea of interest.

Shall we say ten people to the positive and we make it happen?

Kind Regards,

Kasper Kulak

I agree with you. I failed to confirm/notify closer to the date.

My reply to Sandi was "That's a yes thanks at this stage. Will confirm again closer."

I was dismayed to hear of this. Anyone who makes a commitment then fails to honour it without so much as a by-your-leave ain't no SOLOist as far as I'm concerned. Say what you mean and mean what you say. If you've no effing intention of showing up, don't effing say you're going to. If something genuinely comes up, at least have the manners to let your hostess know immediately. Sandi, I'm sorry you were let down so badly after preparing such sumptuous fare.

Good to see the gang last night. Really excellent. My thanks to Glenn for his hospitality. Hope you recover soon, dear heart.

Lady Slapper—thanks for the non-bone-rattling ride to the airport.

The gathering for the Solo food club designed to celebrate the senses, combine good food and company unfortunately hit off with an appalling turnout! Out of the 10 people confirmed who said they were coming, only 3 held to their commitment.

Most did not even call or make a cancellation which resulted in Sandi spending a whole day in extensive food preparations and efforts to make that occasion special!

I am appalled that within objectivism, a philosophy which 'VALUES' (not value abnegation), which prides itself on integrity and respect for other individuals, there a people who behave like they're not important enough or that the host is not worth notifying - for cancellation of their commitments.

This behavior expressed blatant disregard and therefore disrespect for the host. Further a breakdown of their own integrity.

Quite frankly your behaviour was disgustingly rude.

Last night I spent a delightful evening of wine, nibbles, music and intelligent conversation with Glenn, Tim, Olivia, Lindsay, Julian, Shandie, Kasper, Sandi and Sam and wanted to thank everyone for such an enjoyable occasion.

I am eagerly awaiting the release of the book!

I do hope nobody has a hangover

http://nzcapitalist.blogspot.com/

Sounds a jolly splendid idea!

I am happy enough to volunteer to have you chaps at my place...sounds like you have an excellent gathering planned, Kasper

Elitism, forever! 

Right - guys I have the munchies. No not the ones where you stuff your face in the pantry, but a certain appetite. Great company, a good sized Solo gathering and a volunteer for their house. Anyone keen?

How many live in Auckland?

Would anyone like to do 'a bring a plate' dinner at their place, in a months or two time?
The more the merrier. 10 + would be nice

On the flip side how many live in Wellington?

for my absence. I must be growing ancient. Didn't get to bed till about 5am and didn't have it in me to do another round so soon. Spent most of Saturday in metaphorical sack-cloth and ashes repenting for my wicked ways.

Next time I promise to bring the pumpkin pie and shan't pike.

Thank you, Lance, it does mean a lot....I am sure there are some from last night who do not believe I actually cooked ..but I did

Following on from some other threads.... something you find is the culinary gulf between those who spent a decade at a private boarding school eating inedible slops..(under the sado-masochistic threats of "eat everything on your plate - or else!")... and those who did not.

A surprising aspect of life is how the 'aristocrats' and others comprising the elite have absolutely no taste for good food.. (having never actually eaten a nice meal).. and been brought up on fairly basic meals, whereas the average patron of Gordon Ramsey and other fine restaurants are ghastly lower middle class solicitor/slimey property investor types who avoided private schools during their formative years.

That roast meals and 'heavy' puddings are the staple diet of the elite does surprise many people; and 'haute cuisine' being entirely lost on them does confuse those who do not understand these things.

Ahhhh....the joys of life.

Elitism, forever!

Bravo Elijah! By all means employ a cook, but should the mood take you - there is much satisfaction to be gained from developing one's culinary skills.

Yes! ...apparently she had a hangover! ...despite the vast amounts of alcohol consumed on Friday night (and resulting hangovers) some of us were able to attend.

She missed a splendid night, however...but hopefully she will attend the next one as I am quite enjoying this cooking lark, felt rather proud of my chicken dish thingy I made last night.  

Elitism, forever!

Was she a piker? A pumpkin pie piker?

Saw someone eating this ghoulish Singaporean dish recently and was
fascinated.



Tried this recipe at home and it's brilliant. I urge you to give it a go and methinks it will go down a treat in that shitty Kiwi weather.







This is what its supposed to look like...My kids call it Dads Dinosaur bone soup, and are convinced I'm actually an ogre, obviously fueled by their mothers vocal cries of disgust when I cook and eat it. In my view when it comes to food, (and music as per Linz's laments) some people are born clueless and will forever remain that way.

I admit that reason is a small and feeble flame, a flickering torch by stumblers carried in the starless night, -- blown and flared by passion's storm, -- and yet, it is the only light. Extinguish that, and nought remains.- - Robert Green Ingersoll

Thank you Sandi, Michael and Eli for a lovely evening and hospitality. Eli good effort on the chicken was lovely Fantastic Cheesecake mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!
I should go to the gym but the Sundays beers await me.

A splendid evening with Sandi, Mike, Kasper and Shandra.

The conversation, wine and food went down a treat..(and yes, I did actually cook)..and just a shame there were not more chaps there.

Hopefully you can all make it next time.

Elitism, forever!

just for you Lord Capital... $4.00 per slice.

Yes, it was rather nice Olivia...odd that New Zealanders are unfamiliar with it.

Will you be making some for Saturday?  

Elitism, forever!

Pumpkin pie is delish! Not really served a lot in NZ... but I believe it's practically a Thanksgiving and Christmas staple in the States.

loved that pumpkin pie you made Olivia. That was a first for me. Have no idea how that was whipped up.

I'm glad you dropped in.

I've just printed off the recipe from your site for Roman Leg of Lamb with Orzo.... sounds gorgeous! I have so much Rosemary and Thyme in my garden at the moment, this is the perfect dish to use it in. We're plummeting into winter here now, so cozy, hearty, comfort food's high on the agenda. Good to see your face again La Prima Donna.

Having just had to 'endure' the most disgusting, inedible slop I have ever consumed (plonked in front of me by a cook who expected some sort of gratitude) ....

Yes, Sandi, I shall be there! ...sounds like it will be a splendid night, and the food discernable, so yes, gosh, put me down

I found a delightful recipe book at Borders, Sylvia Park this afternoon, so shall bring along a few nosebags with culinary imaginations contained within.

Olivia, bring what ever lights up that gorgeous smile of yours.

FYI: I'm thinking along the lines of making a couple of curries Indonesian and Penang style.

Spit roast a crackling joint of tender pork on the barbie.

And as I make the most KASS of all cheese cake's, I'll knock up one just because I can.

The swimming pool is full. but not heated which is a lovely compliment to the HOT spa. Bring your g-strings, borat bathers or if you feel the impulse, nudity is more than welcome.

Can someone give me a list of names of SOLO Jaffa's?

Overnight accommodation is on offer for anyone who desires it. We'll do a breakfast in your honour. (Can anyone recommend a good breakfast wine?

Transport. I can arrange to pick up 5 people and bring them here with the view that they can mini-cab back - or something.

PM me for addy etc and BYO bevy's.

I've just had the left overs for lunch... even better after the flavours have all mingled.

Sandi, I'll be in for the 7th of June.... guess which dish I might bring??

Anyone who wishes to avoid driving is welcome to stay over.
PM me for details.

June 7th - Idea's for toasts.

1099 - The First Crusade: The Siege of Jerusalem begins.

1776 - Richard Henry Lee presents the "Lee Resolution" to the Continental Congress. The motion is seconded by John Adams and leads to the United States Declaration of Independence.

1893 - Gandhi's first act of civil disobedience.

1917 - World War I: Battle of Messines - Allied ammonal mines underneath German trenches in Mesen Ridge are detonated, killing 10,000 German troops.

1965 - The US Supreme Court decides Griswold v. Connecticut effectively legalizing the use of contraception by married couples.

1966 - Ronald Reagan, becomes the 33rd governor of the state of California.

1967 - The Israeli forces enter Jerusalem during the Six-Day War.

1971 - The US Supreme Court overturns the conviction of Paul Cohen for disturbing the peace, setting the precedent that vulgar writing is protected under the First Amendment.

1981 - The Israeli Air Force destroys Iraq's Osiraq nuclear reactor during Operation Opera. The Israelis charged the facility could have been used to make nuclear weapons.

Having spent a lovely evening with Olivia and Glen, I would like to complement her on the borshch (borsch, borsht(jewish) or barszcz(polish), soup she made. Absolutely divine, a decadent treat.

We watched a film called: 'There will be blood'? It was brilliant. Has anyone else seen it?
Jennifer, your site has made quite a bit of head way from when I last checked it out over a year ago. Will definitely have a thorough squiz through. The food looks delectable!

Oddly enough, I popped on as I'm savoring a sandwich of fresh mozzarella (watched it being made yesterday), artisan sausage with finocchio and some gorgeous olive oil I brought back from Sicily. Now that's lunch.

Lance, when you're ready for recipes that approach food from a sensual side, do check out what we're doing over at my site. I do love Cooking for Engineers, however. Or any man, really.

Jennifer

-- Food Philosophy. Sensuality. Sass.

Oh right...gosh ...(sounds a bit "foreign")...but...well..yes, gosh, hope you enjoy!

Borscht is the thing that makes the Russians so robust.

On my way, Livvy...

Originating in the Ukraine I understand.

Beef, bacon, garlic and beetroots cooked for hours with herbs, carrots and potatoes.. lots of dill, parsley, celery salt, beef stock, oregano and red wine vinegar. Served with sour cream garnish and a pinch more dill, accompanied by rye bread. Yum! Would put hairs on any man's chest - or woman's I imagine. Apparently it boosts one's virility.... er... vitality.

My kitchen looks like someone's been murdered. Hand grating those cooked beets you see... I'm a very messy cook.

Oh....eerrrmmm...ummmmm...oh yes, of course I will do the cooking...

Oh, btw, what on Earth is "borsch"? ...I thought you were meaning that pasta dish, but no, I was mistaken.

now the rules will be that YOU have to cook something to bring... no dishes prepared by servants. I'm sure you have it in you to rustle something up.

Lady Slapper has just created her first BIG pot of Borsch. It's cooking as we speak and the whole house smells delectable! This has to be one of the most robust, healthy and nutritious recipes ever invented. Loads of iron, protein, vitamin B6, B and C - and the taste is so rich. All that bacon and beef. I feel sorry for vegetarians... silly sausages.

Getting together for food on a regular basis is the soundest idea Guiseppe's ever had (next to falling in love with my daughter). I'll be in. I'm shifting in 3 weeks and will have a nice new kitchen to potter around in.

I'll let you know how the Borsch turns out.

Now we're talking about food... where's that cullinary queen Prima Donna when you want her?

Awesome. Great Sandi. Lets set a date and do it. What are peoples availabilities? Friday/Saturday I presume. Will the "Lady Slapper" bring her exquisite antipasto platter?

Yes, I think it is a jolly splendid idea, Kasper! ...I would happily take part.

Y'all need to watch out for that Lady Slapper if this goes ahead. She'll try to eat everyone else's portions as well as her own.

I'd bring along some pork chops just for the additional Infidel anti-Jihadist excitement.

What a great idea Kasper.

Perhaps we could all make a dish each?
I would love to host such an event, my house is available.

Do sense a Solo food club coming along?

Shall we dine out once a month somewhere out on the town, or bring dinners together at someones place?
Any one keen?

my arch-nemesis! It appears you have been busy advancing your skills while I have remained relatively stagnant. Although I have been experimenting with pasta dishes recently (all part of the master plan).

We should compare notes sometime.

Sixteen tablespoons of butter!? If Gordon was reading this...

is a souring agent. It gives curry a subtle bite, but use too much and you'll discover what I mean.

Sprinkle a little bit on your salads along with paprika, a delightful combination and both are also delicious with cheese.

Lance, 16 tablespoons of butter for toast?!?! ....gosh

Sandi, I was meaning 'Shooting Parties' in a normal sense ...not the 'Trevor and Steve' demographic in the bush shooting deer

...is among the most decadently perfect and simple Greek foods to prepare, eat, and *individualize* - a great choice, Lance! Now this is a recipe I *have* managed to absorb from my late grandmother, and yet another reason for a decade-overdue return to New Zealand: preparing you and the missus a giant bowlful of the Vardoulis family Tzatziki recipe!!!

And since you have so many sheep in New Zealand, we should find it easy to make some other Greek staples...

Speaking of Greek: http://www.cookingforengineers.com/recipe/188/Anghelikas-Tsatsiki-Tzatziki

This looks delicious, I believe the phrase I'm looking for is "Om nom nom nom"

Oh, Lance, what on Earth are you cooking which requires sixteen tablespoons of butter?!?!

Toast usually...

...is making me hungy! I wish I had my late grandmother's recipie for lamb souvlaki... it would blow your mind!!!

Yeah curries are a new thing for me, I'm glad I finally found a use for things like turmeric.

Pah, "pikelets" you say! Such things are beneath me now...

It has always surprised me that weekend shooting parties never took off in New Zealand.

Ducks, pukes, pheasant, quail, geese and swan, are all on the menu.

Lance is correct about the enormous exilaration of shooting a wild fowl, or a game bird of any sort.

It has always surprised me that weekend shooting parties never took off in New Zealand.

Oh, Lance, what on Earth are you cooking which requires sixteen tablespoons of butter?!?!

The way some people waffle (mmmm waffles) on about music, is how I feel about food.

Don't think that went unnoticed or will go unpunished. A batch of pikelets at minimum.

As you develop your passion for curries, you will learn the flavours of individual spices and herbs. Once you have mastered the flavours you will be able to make your own curry without any need for a recipe. Recipes become ideas.