Dickeyville in the News 1935

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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!