Too soon to talk about Xmas this year?
Never. I used to bring it up in May! Are people interested in getting a house? I suppose it depends on how much time one has around Christmas.
I think we should plan our meals for Christmas soon or later. Since I have the most strict diet among us, I thought I should take charge of a few meals. I don’t mind preparing one lunch and one dinner, plus I can bring pies from home like last year.
Can everyone please specify where to send Christmas packages from your secret Santa’s????? Please and Thank you.
Well, here’s what I know.
Chicago people are staying in Chicago. Sandy, Justin, Aaronica are going to Chicago. Sandy will be staying at Linda’s, J&A at a hotel or Airbnb I think.
Chieko and I intend to go to Chicago and will be staying in a hotel but will probably mostly be at Linda’s. This is assuming neither of us gets sick etc.
I don’t think Deb plans to go anywhere, but you should check with her or maybe with Ann or Sandy.
I assume you’ll all be at home in Naples?
Thanks for the info. Yes, we’ll be here!
Chieko and I will be in Chicago from the morning of the 24th until maybe lunch or so on the 26th.
BTW we intend to visit the graves of Mom, Dad, and Marge before doing anything else. If anyone wants to meet us there, let us know ahead of time.
we thought it might be easiest to eat out, so Ann made a reservation for Christmas Eve: Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, 2024 North Halstead St. Chicago IL 60614, for 5 pm for 10 people.
Ann said the Cutlers would be on their own for Christmas Day. So, if Chieko wanted to cook on Christmas day, I’m sure that would be welcomed by call. It would be for 7 people, and you’d have lots of helpers.
How does that sound?
Well, we didn’t really care much for Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba the last time we were there, to be honest. Among other things, there wasn’t a lot on the menu that was compatible with Chieko’s dietary restrictions (which only begin with gluten). But we could stop by for a few drinks and an appetizer. Or we could have lunch on the 24th somewhere else, with whoever is free.
Hi everyone,
Christmas eve dinner has been switched to a restaurant, so I will be cooking Christmas dinner–something I initially wanted to avoid, to be honest. I won’t cook the curry as it isn’t appropriate for Christmas dinner.
As I am not familiar with traditional Christmas dinners, I tried to think about an appropriate dinner which won’t make trouble for seven people. So, please pick one or two of the following. And I will decide the most popular one as soon as possible. Thank you.
1. Seared tuna steak (one of three ways: with wasabi cream sauce/ lime and cilantro /soy sauce and orange juice), side dish TBA
2. Salmon pot pie (with potato, onion, carrot, canned mushrooms* in creamy sauce just covered with pie shell. No pie crust at the bottom.) Probably with a salad.
3. Creamy paprika chicken thighs (with onion and parsley in creamy lemon sauce), side dish TBA
4. Chicken pot pie (potato, onion, carrot, canned mushrooms* in creamy sauce) Probably with a salad.
*I am sorry, but I am not supposed to eat fresh mushrooms.
The combination of #2 and #4 is possible, i.e. two pot pies, one salmon and one chicken
I eat anything and all sound good!
and, so all know, the Christmas Eve restaurant has been changed to
Avli
1335 W Wrightwood Ave.
it’s about a 10-15 minute walk from Linda’s so it can make sense to park there and walk to the restaurant.
Aaronica and I are fine with all four options, but leaning towards whichever one is easiest to make. Of course, both of us can help wherever needed.
The menu sounds amazing Chieko.
I am happy to help with preparation or shopping as needed.