Every so often we decide to throw a big party and invite all out friends. But what would a party be without a) great friends, and b) great food. For that reason, we invited our best party-going friends, and of course, one of the best Chefs around.

Davey and Elsa Doughan joined us on Monday, 29th of December, coming from Finland, via Switzerland by car, while on the same day, Carl and Judy Chaffee flew in from Singapore where they had been celebrating Christmas with their daughter.

On Tuesday, we all drove down to Etretat (Davey played the dog, but sitting in the luggage space of our Renault Espace....) and we had lunch at Dormy House, partially paid for by the hotel since they overcharged Davey last time he was there.


The food was reasonable, but the ambiance was great, and the view over Etretat spectacular.

Afterwards, after a long lunch, we drove back home, and started preparing the dinner for the 31st. Davey had hashed out a "simple and short meal" for the New Year. Here's what was on the menu:

As is Davey's style, everyone within earshot gets something to do during the preparation. No one, except the cameraman, escapes working in the kitchen.

So, here's the first video (of three videos) of the event (please excuse the video editing, I'm still learning).  (just click on the video for it to play)



The following day was a busy day. Cooking started at 7 in the morning, and finished a few minutes before midnight. The table was set for 19 people!!!!



Davey needed to pick up all his strength for the marathon cooking feast:



Once nighttime came, everything looked really nice and decorative:



Here's the 2nd video of the cooking and preparations for the dinner (just click on the video for it to play):



At 19:00 the remainder of the guests started arriving, and at 19:30, the first of many toasts were held:



Here Davey is explaining Jean-Charles about the cooking challenges



At 8 o'clock, everyone adjourned to the table, and the wine started flowing:



While Jean-Charles served the wines, others were admiring Davey:



The Celery soup was almost ready:



The Scallops got a slight grilling before slipped onto the plates



L-R Elsa, Carl, Isabelle, Gerard, Christine, Stephane and Patricia.



R-L: Davey, Judy, Alain, Jeannine, Jean-Charles and Anne



Thumbs Up from Sabrina, Benoit and "Bob".



Here's the final video of the evening, the party itself, food and song!



L-R: Stephane, Patricia, Amani, Sabrina, Benoit:



All enjoying the food:



All hands on deck! Christine, Trish and Judy helped putting the food on the plates:



Davey making Blinis:



The well marinated cod was receiving its final touch (while Trish looks on):



Waiting with anticipation for the next course:



The marinated cod (in milk and coconut) is simmering away



The salad made from beetroot leaves is being prepared:



Two lovely ladies, Christine and Trish:



The Pope blessing Bob.....



The cod is served with the salad...while Judy looks on and helped by Benoit:



Ready to be served (we ran out of white plates):



The stuffed cabbage is simmering away:



The cabbage was stuffed with minced lamb, rice, mini oranges and spices



Jean-Charles is contemplating all this wonderful food



Stuffed Cabbage and Smoked Potato Cakes... yummy



Davey started the Eurosong Sing Festival. Songs were sung in Finnish, Irish, Chinese and French



The fruit for the dessert and the lemon pie were ready:



Just before midnight, the souffle's were ready.



Desert was served the following year :-)



And that ended the year in style. Everyone was happy and filled the the brim. There is no better way to end the year.

Happy New Year to you all! And remember, the financial crisis is sooo 2008!!