café germaine

A Virtual Café

2010-03-12T12:08:00.000-08:00

Café Germaine is now a virtual café avec moi, Germaine Lanaux, in the kitchen again. However, I don't serve food or drink. I serve ideas and hopefully a recipe or two for dialogue.

My friend, Mary Gill, succumbed to her life long ambition of becoming a baker. She has established her own company, Something Sweet LLC., but you should never forget that she's still available for all your entertaining needs. This is why we have decided to leave the Café Germaine website in tact. Mary's working on her branding campaign as we speak, but can still be reached at 443-682-7420.

A Positive Message

2009-03-30T09:40:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, March 28th, 2009, Café Germaine hosted a Middle Eastern dinner at the home of Kathleen Vander Horst, who we need to recognize immediately for the resplendent charm of our setting: a seated dinner for twenty guests in a candle lit dining room, flowers cut and arranged from her own garden and a roaring fire in the living room; perfect for the chill of a damp spring evening.

During coffee and dessert, Ann Von Lossberg read from her recently published book, “1089 Nights – Travels Through the Middle East, Africa and Asia.” She explained that the title is a play on “1001 Nights,” but when she sat down to figure out just how much time she had spent in her own travels, well you get it -- right?

From Café Germaine’s perspective, there is nothing we would rather see than a roomful of people, especially our new guests from outside the village, talking, drinking, eating and enjoying themselves. It is the nature of the chef to want to inspire this unity.

Ann’s message is that in spite of the world’s many woes our globe is inherently a welcoming place filled with people who only mean well by each other. It is a positive note in these troubling times and one we will continue to build on.

A Kiss is Just A Kiss

2009-02-24T18:02:00.001-08:00

But a song is an eternity!

"Orbie sings his song of Liz at Valentine's Day Brunch,
while Susan and Steve look on."

Brioche at Café Germaine

2008-07-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

Supper by the Stream

2008-06-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

It was, hands down, the Bourbon Slush that enabled this brave crowd to gather in the steaming tropical heat along the banks of the Gwynns Falls on Saturday to watch the Belmont.

So we did not witness history and were a part of the collective sigh of heartbreaking disbelief, but rose above it, and watched the sun go down with food, drink and good humor.

Lovely to have new residents of Dickeyville, and new people from out of Dickeyville join us.

Place Your Bets

2008-05-26T12:27:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 7 2008 5:00 PM.

The race for the Triple Crown is the First Year Anniversary for Café Germaine.
We want to celebrate by inviting you to Supper by the Stream.

Cocktails & Hors d'Oeuvres at 5:00 PM.
Place your bets at 6:00 PM for the big race.
(TV viewing on the stream) Win the Jackpot!!

Candlelight dinner to follow:

Salmon Cannelloni with Lemon Cream Sauce
Couscous Salad with Shrimp and Sausage
Tenderloin of Beef with Horseradish Mayonnaise
Asian Spinach Salad with Ginger Chutney

Fresh Fruit Kebabs & Pistachio Biscotti

On the stream behind 5002 Wetheredsville Road, Dickeyville

SEE YOU IN THE WINNER'S CIRCLE!

NO REGRETS

2008-05-11T15:11:00.000-07:00

In the end the bad weather worked to Café Germaine's advantage. Forced to switch venues at the last minute, Brioche touched us all with warmth, wit and a taste of Europe (Paris, of course)! The intimacy of tight quarters made perfect sense. Thanks again to Stephanie & John for offering their beautiful patio. Perhaps we can try again.

We are especially appreciative to Ruth and Joanne for bringing new people into our lives. There is no one in Dickeyville who doesn't appreciate the bigger picture, and seek new ideas and confluences. (If someone lost a scarf, please contact us.)

On a sadder note, we mourn the loss of our friend and neighbor Bill Schulhteis, a Dickeyville historian. Bill's son so eloquently eulogized that Bill had "no regrets." For this reason, I dedicate the performance to Bill and further add that he will be missed.

Montmartre Au Dickeyville

2008-04-01T14:22:00.001-07:00

A celebration of French food and song with Brioche in the home of Stephanie Miller and Dr. John Scott (5007 Wetheredsville Road). Sidewalk Café Sunday Brunch, May 4th -- 11:30 am til 2:00 pm. BYOB and be dazzled by the wonderment of Spring!

Please let us know by April 23.

$25 per person

Brioche

Ruth Pettus and Joanne Stato are Brioche, a new moniker for a duo that has played together since 2001. Joanne, who plays the accordion, is a musician/songwriter and Ruth, vocals, is a visual artist whose work has been shown nationally and internationally.

The duo got together originally to perform “Bicycle Cabaret” an unusual combination of cycling, singing, rear screen video, and accordion. They performed 3 consecutive years at the Night of the Divas at the Creative Alliance at the Patterson with Anne Watts and Boister, and Kristen Toedtmann. They have also appeared at Laure Drogoul’s infamous 14 Carat Cabaret.

* IMPORTANT (no parking on the street. Use the Church lot immediately upon entering Dickeyville or the Mill at the end of Wetheredsville Road.)

Café Germaine on YouTube

2008-03-16T11:18:00.001-07:00

Thanks All

2008-03-02T07:06:00.000-08:00

Café Germaine is only as good as the people who participate, and last night's event is a perfect example.

The All Beethoven Evening was the brainchild of Dickeyville resident Katherine Needleman, Principal Oboe of the BSO. It was she who informed me that Beethoven's favorite food was Mac N'Cheese and white fish & beer and she carried through by arranging for Trio La Milpa to bring his music to life in the salon style of the era.

The Salon, home of Kathleen Vander Horst, another Dickeyville resident, gets the next round of applause. I have never catered in a more entertaining friendly home. Each time I contacted Kathleen and asked for advice about renting equipment, I got the famous Vander Horst pause, followed by a tilt of the head and one word response, "why?".

Several last minute strokes of brilliance from fellow neighbors; Wilton Martinez video taped the event to launch on YouTube (you all will be the first to know) and my good friend and neighbor, Stephanie Miller, who, without forewarning, agreed to be hooked up to the mic and act as my spokesperson. This is probably not a good formula for keeping friends, but we are a forgiving lot. And to our prodigal daughter, Maria de la Cielo, para la ayuda en la cocina como tiempos pasados, it's good to have you back!

THE ALL BEETHOVEN EVENING

2008-02-05T12:55:00.000-08:00

Trio La Milpa presents An All Beethoven Evening
at the home of Kathleen Vander Horst (2422 Pickwick Road)
MARCH 1ST -- 7PM

THE MENU
The Maestro's Favorite Food and Drink
Mac'N Cheese, White Fish and German Beer

PRICE
$25

RSVP by February 27th
Seating is limited!

VIEWERS DISCRETION

2008-01-20T14:42:00.001-08:00

There was a Southern Creole brunch today (poached eggs on cheesy grits with shrimp, stewed tomatoes, sauteed broccoli rabe, cornbread and a raspberry tart the sous chef whipped up at the last minute). Champagne -- yes, plenty of champagne. A venerable guest made a New Year's resolution to keep her refrigerator full of champagne to emulate another venerable cafe germaine member.

The company couldn't have been a more convivial group! However, in both photos all eyes were closed. So what we have here are the remains of the day, before we made our way back to the fire on this very chilly January morning.

The Scotch Tasting is still in the works as I've had several inquiries, but we have made an executive decision to definitely inaugurate GUESTS CHEFS EVENINGS. The first chef has stepped forward. We can say this much -- you won't be disappointed! It will have to be a Saturday night because of his schedule. Therefore, I hope to be able to give all of you as much notice as possible.

Don't miss the "Landscape Drawings of Catalonia and Cyprus" by Ruth Pettus at the Creative Alliance until January 26th. I also have all the lowdown on Ruth's painting classes in an unspoiled village in the Garroxta region of Spain, at the foothills of the Pyranees (May 31st - June 7th.) So stop by or shoot me an email and I'll drop that literature off.

THE SMOKING GUN

2008-01-17T19:54:00.000-08:00

BOOK 'EM!

Sunday Brunch is also booked!

RAT-IN-CHIEF TRAPPED!

2008-01-13T07:17:00.001-08:00

We’ve driven the first wedge into Dickeyville’s new power structure with compromising photos of our President cutting the rug with a classy dame with a swell do. Now I realize there are many skeptics out there (jaded is the word that came up a lot last night) saying to themselves, “well we weren’t able to impeach the last DCA administration.”

But it’s a new morning! As for the food – the “blushing bunny” came in first, ahead of caviar and smoked salmon! There was an unfortunate incident with the new sous chef! Imagine, her first night on the job, and she refused to add tuna fish to the aforementioned blush! Go figure.

A Recap of The Holidays as New Year Approaches

2007-12-26T12:24:00.001-08:00

Not in chronological order TOP (from left to right):
Betsy Cerula celebrates graduation from a Masters in Integrative Medicine as well as her birthday with family, close friends and business associates

An evening with the Handel Choir of Baltimore at the home of Leslie and Bruce Greenwald

BOTTOM (from left to right):
Peggy Sue Atterbury, Annapolis, Md., hosts a wine and cheese fund raiser for St. Johns College

Barbara and Michael Powell have a quiet dinner at home as renovation of Towne Hall nears completion

Dickeyville in the News 1935

2007-12-26T11:03:00.000-08:00

click on image for larger view

I am in the midst of planning the next cafe germaine event from the tattered, food spotted pages of my mother's old cookbooks that arrived on my doorstep Christmas eve, a gift from none other than frere Martin! There's a first edition "Joy of Cooking," "Wine and Dine" the Lake Roland Garden Club cookbook, and "Helen Corbitt's Cookbook."

Most intriguing are the newspaper clippings and hand-written recipes my mother scribbled in the margins; and the advertising managed by my own grandmother, Charlton Gillet, are a historical treasure trove! Who knew that Jack Lederer's Orchestra played at the Oriole Cafeteria at 11 East North Avenue? Happy Hour at The Oyster Cove in The Hotel Rennert was from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. with mixed drinks at 25 cents.

So here's the plan -- I simply flip open a page and see in my mother's exquisite hand-writing, "Tuna Tango" (better choice than frozen tuna salad on the same page), scalloped frankfurters and potatoes, and "Blushing Bunny." (free admittance to the first person who can tell me what blushing bunny is.)

I'll serve martini's and we'll listen to Big Band music. Stay tuned for the date and time, but for now I'm preparing for home stretch of 2007!

THANK YOU & HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2007-12-18T05:32:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your unending support and encouragement. Three thousand cheers (as is our custom) to Dickeyville and her people.

germaine

Tomato Tart Provencal

2007-12-08T11:18:00.001-08:00

HOT OFF THE PRESS
Have you thought of this for the person who already has everything -- a tomato tart provencal with fresh thyme or how about a special holiday spinach quiche with cranberries and toasted almonds? Looks festive -- taste festive, and goes especially well with champagne!

Christmas Greens or Let It Snow

2007-12-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

Poor me -- like ole ms. brer rabbit, "oh please don't throw me in the kitchen on a snowy day in Dickeyville, with a load of greens, carrots and all the other fixins for pot roast, and ma mere's creole chicken stew.

Well, it's here if you want me to put some on the side for you. Remember, no cafe germaine events planned for December because I know your calendars are booked, but a little comfort food (frozen or fresh) might hit the spot and keep you out of the milk lines at the supermarket.

I do have some irons in the fire for scotch tastings! I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, be safe and let our marathon begin. Stop by if you're in the "lower-hood" and have a cup of tea.

Credit Where Credit is Due

2007-11-30T14:58:00.000-08:00

Well Shucks,Juergen, thank you. I am lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people. Now there was some talk last night about the "bananas vince foster" so named by Mr. Luce, though my version, "bananas foster children" being as the swamp and New Orleans are two different places, might have been comparable . . .

And the other thing is -- I can't help it if Vince and Pat always want to white wash the fences with me -- they fall for it every time (re: who did the damn bananas. I only bowed out as an act of altruism; too many cooks!

Gotta have a witness

2007-11-29T21:59:00.000-08:00

First, the data. Café Germaine, the (Germaine herself just said she doesn’t remember how many iterations of Café Germaine there have been) how-many-ever it has been iteration took place tonight and g., as she signs her e-mails announcing things to the world, took us back to the world of the Chesapeake Bay watermen with her oyster, or as they call it on the Bay, “erster” stew. In its core configuration, it is simply oysters, butter and high-octane milk or low-octane cream.

g. put some voltage into it with sautéed shallots. She served stout but there were guests who drank a Californian shiraz/syrah, it being the same grape. Or a sauvignon blanc, both of which we finished pretty much with the cheese in the living room. There was a great fire crackling in the fireplace (oh, thank God for really lovely dry oak.) As background to the snapping of the burning oak, we had the Dvorak Piano Trios on the CD.

But we changed venues, indeed universes, when we went to the dining room for the erster stew. We uncorked (that being a 20th-century term because almost every wine has a plastic cork nowadays) a bottle of “Conundrum,” a 2006 California table wine, a blend in short. The makers prefer keep the blend a mystery.

I dwell on the erster stew but there was more: a turkey vegetable soup with kale among the other usual suspects, i.e. nice big country chunks of turkey (natch), carrots, potatoes and onions. Rounds of sliced, spicy andouille sausage delivered little cannon shots to the taste buds.. I liked the erster stew so much that I didn’t have a bowl of the turkey soup until much later. After the dessert.

Bananas Foster was made by neighbor Vince Fiore with Myers Dark Rum and served with the real stuff, Breyer’s real vanilla ice cream. It’s a shame that we didn’t all rush into the kitchen as all that precious alcohol went up in flames. But there was enough left for zinging the tongue.

The food, the food, I’m so focused on the food because, though we heard some hair-raising stories about cars running into houses, it was the food that reigned.

It was a great gathering of Dickeyville neighbors with the interlopers from Franklintowne and, the “oh my word, you came all the way from Winchester, Virginia” guy. That’s me, Juergen Haber, and – yes -- I’ve been hooked by Café Germaine.

On The Record

2007-11-29T06:27:00.000-08:00

If you’re sprucing up for the holidays I want to pass on the name of the most gifted restoration painters in town. She and I go way back but lost touch because she was traveling the globe pursuing her career on one prestigious project after another. She saw my ad in “Baltimore Eats,” and contacted me.

Janet Pope restores and creates painted surfaces: furniture, murals, glazed, grain, marbled, and glided finishes. She just plain knows her paint. As a holiday gift to you, I want to pass on this information:

jpopebg@verizon.net

The Holidays & Gift Certificates

2007-11-28T16:13:00.001-08:00

I've just put the finishing touches on my annual turkey soup (buy now while it's fresh, or ask me to freeze some for you.) While I was cooking I started thinking about Dickeyville and the holidays.

Tomorrow night's oyster stew and stout is booked, although there was only one intelligent soul who actually responded with appreciation to the intense poetry of the pairing.

My point, however, is that from this point on the party begins and until we howl in the New Year, there will be no more free evenings. With this, cafe germaine cannot compete!

But I am in business and gift certificates are available, so stop by or drop me a line:
germaine.lanaux2@verizon.net

Closed Thanksgiving

2007-11-19T18:54:00.001-08:00

I had in mind to talk to you all about my concept of Thanksgiving, but the themes are hardly original or fresh – American Indians; Democracy’s Demise, etc. Instead, I’ve decided to tell you about being thankful (a page right out of Mark Twain or Garrison Keillor!)

A package arrived from a childhood friend (Louisiana Swamps) of Italian decent who has resided in Rome for the better part of her life. She was my closest neighbor out there in the Styx, and we did all that magical childhood stuff together . . . it has all become dada in my mind. At sixteen we began writing poetry in the girls’ locker room – that’s equivalent to reading Thomas Mann rather than watch “Survivor” in contemporary terms.

Diana, thank you for always sending me the color Yellow. Marilyn – you and your brother Jimmy live eternally in my heart; the best years, at that.

Let's give thanks for having the capacity to play with the concept of life and extend this invitation to others.

SAUCED

2007-11-15T18:56:00.000-08:00

Just about the time Mac Rebennack's version of "Mood Indigo" calmed the party down, we caught an AWOL guest dippin' in the toffee/chocolate sauce. That's my report this chilly, rain-soaked Thursday evening from the Gwynn Oaks glens. Good Night and good morrow!

East Meets West

2007-11-07T11:31:00.001-08:00

A neighbor of ours (though I won't be accused of dropping names) has invited out-of- town guests from the Eastern Shore for a tour of Dickeyville, cocktails and the Cornish game hen dinner! I have have my fingers crossed that the weather will hold, but hope to dissuade disappointment should the rain come. The fire is crackling and the bubbly is chilled.

Now this is the way Cafe Germaine is designed to be used. Netflix even delivered "All About Eve," should the guests decide a late afternoon matinee might be fun. Makes the thought of winter seem like a piece of cake, (that is -- when the pastry chef arrives!)

I also want to announce that I am in serious negotiation with our neighbors in Franklintown to open a gourmet carry-out/wine bar/bistro in the old Millrace Tavern. I haven't ruled Karaoke out -- maybe for Sunday a.m. brunch. See you there.

2007-10-31T13:40:00.001-07:00

Geeter's Turnip Stop

2007-10-25T05:37:00.000-07:00

There's talk of changing cafe germaine's name.
Hands down, the turnip fricasse stole the show at last night's New Orleans style red beans and rice dinner that also included a vegetarian variety. Turnip greens, corn bread, fricasse and only one balk (much to the chef's surprise) at organic sweet-potato pie!

Today's quiz (guest excluded): Who didn't take to sweet-potato pie? The award is an fresh-baked sweet potato pie.

Important announcements last night re: accommodations in Las Vegas, political endorsements and revelations of a top-secret critter laboratory in Woodlawn run by temporary scientists.

Tell your neighbors and tell your friends -- membership is crucial now! Plans have been solidified for an all Beethoven night with Katherine's (lead oboe at the BSO) woodwind trio!

New Theme Song Contest Winner

2007-10-18T04:45:00.000-07:00

THE BALLAD OF GEETER TURNIP

Come and listen to my story 'bout a woman named Geeter
a poor swamp child, a real turnip eater
one fine day she was huntin for some greens
when out of the blue she come up with a scheme

Cafe Germaine, hoi polloi, hi-falutin

The next thing you know ole Geeter's got a plan
she packed up her pot and she packed up her pan
she said Dickeyville is the place I oughta be
I'll learn those Baltimorons 'bout turnip fricassee

So you alls invited in to have a little toot
and to sink your pretty teeth into good ole turnip root

Geeter style, with bacon grease
y'all set down now
_________________________________________________________________________________
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Martin Lanaux is a true bibliophile, and a gentleman bookseller. He serves on Fairhope AL library board, and is a beacon on the literary landscape. The telephone number is the same, 251-990-7980, and the bookstore is open everyday except Sunday. Everybody is invited, and encouraged, to check in at Over the Transom to see what’s going on in the book world, or to shop Martin’s eclectic titles, which can also be viewed on-line at abebooks.com.

FINALLY FALL

2007-10-11T08:22:00.001-07:00

Which came first -- hot soup or fall? Okay -- you guessed it--the hot soup! Today's weather, however, proves that if you make it, it will come! How many of you are already dreading winter's icy grip? Fear not, many more soups, stews, and pot roast where this soup came from. Thank you new members for your savory conversation!

Tapas y Vino

2007-10-04T12:03:00.000-07:00

Cafe Germaine was christened by a small but intimate group of food and wine connoisseurs on a muggy October night in Dickeyville. A flyer is going out today to refine the cafe's concept as I realize I have confused many of you. If you think you're confused, you should see the world from my eyes. An evening with good food, people and conversation certainly changes my perspective (for the better!) Viva Dickeyville! Please feel free to invite friends from outside the village.

The Doors Open

2007-09-24T14:12:00.001-07:00

* All items per person unless itemized as (for 2) or (whole).

STARTERS
Onion Tart (for 2) $15.00
Caviar of Eggplant 8.00
Butternut Squash Soup 8.00
Chicken Liver Pâtè 8.00

MAIN

Rib-Eye and Roasted Tomato Sandwiches 15.00
Italian Shrimp Risotto with Saffron 18.00
Coq au Vin 18.00
Pot Roast Provençal (for 2) 26.00
Spinach Quiche (whole) 18.00

DESSERTS

Pecan Pie 20.00
Lemon or Chocolate Crèpes 8.00
Almond Tart 20.00

Also Cater Private Parties
Available for personal shopping ($15 per hour)
germaine.lanaux2@verizon.net
410-448-2618

Geeter's Gibber

2007-06-12T12:12:00.002-07:00

Trash Fish came floatin right up to my back yard. I never seed a thing like it. It ate my neighbor, the cripple one, and a couple of my cats. I guess this is generic mutation, or viral pollution. It swam on out when the high tide come in.