This dinner party is one that we’ll likely continue through the year, with varying themes. We’d love your input on what to do next. Thai or Indian? Orange or square food? BBQ or Cajun? There is no gastronomical limit to what we can pull off as a group, and I have no doubt that each month will ebb and flow with new faces inspiring all to try new dishes and just see what happens. If we can keep fostering a desire to get into the kitchen and make something new, then we’ve done our job.

From an environmental standpoint, we were concerned about excessive waste. The last thing we wanted to do was add to the landfill just because we were having friends over for a dinner. We ended up using 8″ woven wood plates as well as our own dishes so that we didn’t end up dumping a ton of paper or styrofoam into the refuse system. As for glassware, we broke out everything that we had. Tumblers, stemware, stemless wineglasses from Ikea as well as Cost Plus. Not a single one was broken nor did we toss any plastic silverware or plates away.

As for wine, we ended up drinking 5 bottles of mostly Spanish wine over the course of the evening and one home brew Sangria from our neighbors that was deliciously sweet and flavorful. Here’s the rundown on the bottled rioja: 2008 Castaño Monastrell (Yecla red wine), 2008 Terracita Tempranillo, 2008 Ergo Tempranillo, 2009 Santa Ema Cab Sav D.O. Maipo Valley (a Chilean misfit that really fit right in), and lastly a 2007 Campo Viejo Crianza. All were delicious and paired perfectly with their reunited plated counterparts.

For those that attended, please provide your links to any photos you shot during the dinner … amazingly the photo-a-day guy didn’t shoot a single photo during the event … as well as links to your recipes. Third Sunday Supper Club will attempt to share the power of cooking with those beyond our four walls. If only smell-o-vision were available to give you a sampling of the lingering saffron infused air we’re still enjoying today.

Until next month, where I’ll be sure to snap a photo or two. Gracias por su gran comida, amistad, y risa.