The Civilized Life in Sarasota: Historic Spanish Point's Inspiring Cuisine Luncheon

A fun and profitable ten years - that's what Historic Spanish Point's A Decade of Inspiring Cuisine Luncheon has been. You know what I like best about this luncheon? So many of my dears friends have been involved for so long and they are always all there, so it's just about feeling the love!

I have been involved a lot over the years, too, as it is one of my favorite organizations. I've chaired fundraisers for them and sat on the board. It was one of the first groups I was ever involved in way back in the day. It was also started in part by my beloved Junior League of Sarasota, but my, how it has grown!

Co-chairs Julie Delaney and Margarete van Antwerpen, two of my favorite people, did a delightful job of making it a lovely day for all.

Lots was going on, as always, starting with the perennially terrific raffle baskets, followed by the amusing and charming video, called "culinary entertainment", of Judi Gallagher and Phil Mancini "planning" the menu for the day. In the past, they did a live preparation of each dish, but we all know how that goes! When women go to luncheons, they want to talk, talk, talk and not listen, myself included, so this year they just did the video and served a delish meal of wild mushroom risotto, seared scallops with tomato and avocado, and ending with grand marnier souffle. It was all yum, yum, yum! As a bonus, all the recipes were in the program.

Ten years ago, the luncheon was the brain child of BJ Creighton, who was celebrated as this year's honorary chair. What a fab idea, BJ! Over the years, the centerpieces were put together by committee members, but this year they were orchids. For some reason, I didn't get a photo of the centerpiece, table setting, or food. I guess I was just having to much fun to think about it!

Michael Klauber did his usual outstanding job as the auctioneer. Auction items include a pet portrait and a dinner at Spanish Point with a private ghost hunting experience! Now that's one auction item you won't find anywhere else! There was also a paddle raise for support of a new exhibition about Mrs. Potter Palmer. I believe they made their goal or at least came close to it.

If you have not been to Historic Spanish Point, I urge you to go. You can't miss it now with their new entrance and you won't be sorry. It is truly a treasure!

Others seen in the crowd included Carmen Baskind, Paula Clemow, Cerita Purmort, Laura Peters, Sandy Werft, Elizabeth Nace, Carol Williams, Renee Hamad, Ann Gamble Blechta, Teri Hansen, Debbie Seitl, Judy Collins, Kathy Schersten, Lee Ann Gladding, John Mercurio, Julie Riddell, Nancy Bailey, Christine Johnson, Jean Gay, Irene and Sumner Bagby, Heidi Bodor, Kelly Quigley, Mary Beth Goddard, Dot Scheurenbrand, Becky Mahoney, and so many more.