October 4, 2025 Breakfast at Vara at Balloon Fiesta lunch - Tabouleh Salad. Snack - Vichyssoises. Dinner - Roasted Duck, Sautéed Red Cabbage, and roasted leeks with Romesco Sauce

 October 4, 2025 Breakfast at Vara at Balloon Fiesta   lunch - Tabouleh Salad. Snack - Vichyssoises. Dinner - Roasted Duck, Sautéed Red Cabbage, and roasted leeks with Romesco Sauce

I got up at 6:00 and peeled two pears and we peeled several quinces thar Suzette cooked in sugar and lemon water and I sliced a small pile of Manchego cheese.

Suzette packed plates and napkins with the box of pears and cooked quince and At 7:00 drove up 2nd st. to Vara just north of Alameda.

Soon Monica and Nina arrived and we walked out to see the mass ascension. Monica brought a loaf of goat brie, a French blue and Parmesan the we did not eat plus. Crackers from Whole Foods.

Nina brought grapes, peaches, and a package of mozzarella cheese sticks wrapped in prosciutto and a package of mozzarella cheese sticks wrapped in Genoa salami. I ordered a bottle of LG Blanc de Blanc and we ate the snacks. 

Monica Brought after walking out to a high point where we could see most of the field

The balloons did not lift off because of winds aloft and soon the wind started blowing fiercely, so a good  decision. We ate and I bought us a bottle of LG Blanc de Blanc and later two more bottles when I renewed my wine club membership.

Around 10:00 we drove to TJ Max’s where we bought a suitcase for me and a long fake suede vest for Suzette.

We then drove to the Animal Protection Triftt store where we picked up a large bird cage and bought 10 Christmas mugs.

We then drove home.

Suzette went back to sleep and I made a Tabouleh salad and watched Chelsea beat Liverpool 2 to 1.

I started to olive down at 1:00 when Scott called and we talked for 30 minutes.

I watched football after the call and Suzette made croutons and fetched chives, p then we both ate bowls of Vichyssoises.

I thawed a duck half and we processed the rest of the quinces.

Then around 5:30 I sliced 1/2 of a head of red cabbage and 1/2 of a red onion, that Suzette sautéed and added cumin, apple cider vinegar and sugar to. I also sliced two leeks that Suzette drizzled with olive oil and baked in the oven that she served with the roasted duck and red cabbage. I opened a bottle of Ji Ji Ji Argentinian Pinot noir and Malbec blend  that we drank with dinner.

We watched football, Texas lost to Florida and TCU beat Colorado.

At 9:00 Suzette went to sleep and I watched Death in Paradise and then blogged until 11:00 with a Calvados and some squares of chocolate.

Bon Appetit