OFFICE PARTIES

The office party is a strange bird. Often political maneuvering and playing to the boss can dampen the spirit and twist the intention of the gathering. Last night at our "office party," so to speak, neither occurred.

Actually it wasn't an office party at all. Yes the bar was well stocked and the drinks flowed, the food was very good, weather-perfect, music-OK (our "Boss" tends to sneak in some new-age country music now and again- but we love him anyway), but really: the people made it. Fifty colleagues with varying points of view, diverse backgrounds, old friends and new all congregated under the stars, left the office at the office and ate, drank and laughed well into the night.

Build-your-own cedar plank salmon tacos / burritos, chips and salsa and rice and beans made up the menu. The salmon cook deserves kudos. The well seasoned, caramelized skin-side and moist, perfectly cooked fish resulted in a great preparation. Nearing the end of the evening, out came cheesecakes. Ok, that was bold and a crowd pleaser. Only amongst friends can tequila segway into salmon tacos and finish with heavy duty cheese cakes.

Maybe the "Office Parties" revisited on the hit TV drama, Mad Men, are a relic of a different era, however, one thing remains: People make The Party a party. Perfectly cooked salmon and an open bar can't hurt though.

Cheers