Generally when there is a barbecue, there is a barbecue master (the guy with the oversize white hat) who provides and burns the meat.
But yesterday at La Pétanque Marinière, a different scenario took place. A barbecue grill was set all right, but instead of having a short order jockey singe the meat for you, it was BYOS (Bring Your Own Steak) and cook it yourself.
The formula seemed to appeal to a bunch of guys who gathered around the grill to exchange drivel and play Chef For a Day.
A potluck table was also set with guests contributing various dishes to be shared by all.
I recognize that our party was no Woodstock but about 30 faithful still came to partake in our little get-together.
From Sonoma we got Ed Porto, Frank Pipal, Dave Riffo (who by the way is leaving sunny California to settle in not so sunny Oregon) Joe la Torre and Rob Everett.
From La Pétanque Marinière, Henry and Calvert, Charlie and Liv, Alain and Evelyne Marchand, Jacques Gautier, Christine and Larry Cragg, Minou and Minette Etallaz, Noel Marcovecchio, Brigitte and Herb Moran, Bart Zachofsky.
Who am I forgetting?
Our party was graced by Colette Van der Meulen and her husband who temporarily decamped from their New Mexico digs to participate in our little “fête”. Colette was in good spirit and sported a new short haircut that suited her very well.
We were also pleased as punch to have Jenny, Kali and her mom Kit as guests. They came a little too late to play in our little tournament but later on they participated in a spirited game and it looks like they enjoyed it.
We certainly hope to see them on a regular basis.
The impromptu tournament was organized by Verena Rytter and Liv Kraft. Thank you ladies.
The following people signed up to play:
- Henry Wessel & Genevieve Etallaz
- David Riffo & Noel Marcovecchio
- Ed Porto & Colette Van der Meulen
- Jean-Claude Etallaz & Caitlin W.B
- Alain Efron & Calvert Barron
- Alain Marchand & Evelyne Marchand
- Frank Pipal & Robert Everett
- Joe la Torre & Charlie Davantes
Four leisurely relaxed games were played after lunch and around 5:00 pm the winners were crowned.
They were:
1st prize: Henry Wessel & Genevieve Etallaz $46.00 ($23 ea)
2nd prize: Ed Porto & Colette Van der Meulen $30.00 ($15 ea)
3rd prize: Alain Marchand & Evelyne Marchand $22.00 ($11 ea)
Alain
PS: not too many pictures, but still a few (My Photos). Too busy schmoozing and exchanging vacation war stories with guests.