I’ve always been an organizer. So it probably was no accident that soon after we moved back to Minnesota in 1985, I started up a “Gourmet Dinner Club.” It seemed an unlikely group, with three other couples whose only common bond was their connection to me and an invitation to a trial dinner at our house. But somehow it all worked.
Before going any further, I should quickly dispel any notions that this was a high-brow, strictly silver palate group. The concept was simple: The host chose the theme, planned the main course and provided the wine. The other accompanying dishes were provided by the guests. Sometimes assignments were made, occasionally recipes were provided (by those who required control!), and at times it was left up to participants to choose. Most often the meals were delicious. A few were marathon sessions of overly rich foods. Occasionally a dish was a complete flop. Once we even took ourselves out to dinner.
We’ve seen plenty of change over the years. In the early stages, dinners often required a trip to the library to research ethnic recipes. Themes were sometimes elaborate – remember those “Mystery Dinner” games? Yes, we did them in full costume. Then children came along, and recipe selections were based on what could be prepared between a soccer game and driving carpool to music lessons. Since then the internet has simplified everything.
And here we are, 27 years later and still going strong! We’ve seen each other through raising children, weddings and now grandchildren. We’ve shared the loss of parents, and the stress of job changes. We’ve marveled at tales of exotic travel, and agreed on the simple pleasures of going Up North. We came together for the food, but we’ve stayed together for the friendship.
Superior Footprints 
We have done axactly the same tipe of get together with themes involved, and had to costomize our dinner planning according to the evolution of our own lives, giving to the fact that our children became born and are still growing, getting older, and also want to join into the fun we, as adults are having. Stil remains lots of fun, and also curving into something our kids ciuld enjoy, further in to their lives to come.
one must go with the flow.. injoy life an when time comes that children are born and start to want to join in to the fun that us as adults are having
we would like to have a day like that.Our family has that big dream of joining to have a family dinner ever Wednesday.thank you for the wonderful idea.
Nice info, We have family over on Sunday’s for a theme dinner at least 3times a month. One of my oldest daughters have starting to have kids and have adopted my cooking and dinner style in organizing and preparing dinners for family and guess. The blogs are nice to read knowing different people have different ways of bringing people together wether its with food or for food to share in lifes laughter and company for a special moment.
Food is an essential part of life and I can understand how good food can bring people together. Nice story!
Food is an essential part of our lives. It brings people together and good food is good for the soul. I love reading about a common love bringing two people together. Cute!
Bringing familys together. I love it.
do you cuz were i come from i see family when some one die from the family SMH