A Surprise Gluten- and Dairy- Free Party
Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 10:32PM Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie tagged chef, dairy-free, gluten-free, party Email Article Print Article Share Article 
Chef Tommy Fitzgerald after he revealed his secret Tender agendaThis past Saturday night I went to a surprise birthday party for a couple of super guys and great friends.
There was also a nice surprise for me, however, when the chef prepared a meal that was nearly entirely gluten- and dairy-free.
You see, usually, my party protocol includes appropriate primping and then some frozen Applegate Farms lunch meat thrown into my purse. Usually, at a party, and after I've circulated and socialized ... and after my knees get weak ... but before I feel that alien invasion called low blood sugar, I find a quiet corner in which to hide (a.k.a.) my car or the nearest bathroom). I then peel open the pack of meat and stuff my face with a few of the unfrozen slices before going back out and resocializing like a human. Once all proteined-up, I usually pretend that I'm not at all jealous of the party-goers' oohs and ahhs as they sample the tastiness of the table. I ignore their glazed over eyes as they take that first bite of that cheesy, buttery, puffy thing or that chocolately chewy brownie concoction (my favorite food). And when I get home, I pretend that it is perfectly heatlhy to eat a fairly full meal at midnight -- because I'm hungry as heck. And then further tell myself that its really not such a big deal (and in the light of world peace, devastating disease, and people with real hunger, it really isn't a big deal at all. I'm seriously quite content with these small problems).
And I usually forget to take the left over lunch meat out of my purse when I get home.
But Saturday night was different and fun. Because of my "new best friend" Tommy Fitzgerald, I had a full plate. I licked that plate clean. I went back for seconds. I had such an abundance of mexican food that I had to leave a little behind; I just couldn't possibly take another bite. The salsas were incredible, the chicken was so juicy and tasty that I raided the party refrigerator later in the evening for more. That was a nice surprise indeed.
So my biggest thanks and a big shout out to Tommy -- and to The Leonard at Logan House for taking care of their Tender Foodie for the evening. It was so nice to be able to relax, not worry and just enjoy some great food and great people.
And a big happy birthday to John and Bill. You are surrounded by so many folks who love you (because you are so darn loveable). May your years be filled wtih great happiness, joy, health and many more years of fun in the great out-of-doors. Keep feeding me like this and you might actually get me out camping.
Tommy Fitzgerald owns Cafe Stella in Grand Rapids, MI, is a favorite chef at The Leonard at Logan House, and caters all kinds of events. Take a trip to his web site for more info.
The Leonard at Logan House is an historic bed and breakfast that specializes in peronal or business stay, weddings and events, corporate events, meetings, parties and more.
These guys know how to throw a great and memorable party.
