I have a group of 4 friends, I make 5. We’ve been friends a long time, some for over 30 years! Between us, we have 13 children. We’ve celebrated almost everything together: Babies, Holidays, Birthdays, Graduations, Weddings and Grandbabies. We’re always up for another party! (We have one more wedding we’d love to plan for! Wink, wink.)
Some of our children have dubbed us “The Committee”.
Until this month, we had a long lull in our celebrations. We needed to have a shower, (we’ve delayed it 8 months already), so we managed a Covid shower! It was outdoors in an enormous area with lots of space for distance and separation. Those who masked and wished to separate even more were encouraged to do so, so everyone was comfortable!
It was the first gathering I attended since Covid began. I felt a little strange, wonderful, and hesitant all at the same time. It got boiling hot behind my mask, but the good thing about the mask is no one can see your makeup/face melting off!! Seeing friends was fabulous. It was hard to stay distant, but proximity was better than isolation.
As you might imagine, over all these years of celebrations “The Committee” has pulled together recipes and favorites for large gatherings. We all have our talents and areas of expertise.
This time, we did something NEW!
We might have a few years on us, but don’t count us out!
We’ve got Gusto!
Our bride, who is South African, loves Mediterranean food, especially the restaurant Cava. If you’re not familiar, Cava is like Chipotle with Mediterranean food instead of Mexican. Like Greek Fast food, but way better than fast food! If you’ve never eaten Mediterranean, I highly recommend it. It’s one of my very favorites too!
We Decided to Copycat a Cava Bar!
We divided up the elements and each arrived to spread the bar on two 8 feet tables. We purchased bowls (see here) to serve in. One of “The Committee” has an event closet and decided they’d be a nice addition, since “bowl” entrees are popular.
In case you’re wondering, here was our menu:
- Basmati Rice
- Chicken (Mediterranean spices, check online)
- Beef (Mediterranean spices, check online)
- Roasted Veggies – Brussels sprouts, carrots, peppers, butternut squash
- Lettuce, Spinach, Arugala mix
- Hummus, 2 kinds (we purchased these)
- Taziki sauce (we purchased these)
- Calamari Olives
- Feta Cheese
- Avocado
- Corn
- Pitas
- Pita chips
- Greek Vinegarette
Usually rice starts as the base, but greens can also serve as the base for more of a salad. Recipes abound on the internet.
It’s a lot of food gathering, but honestly, not a ton of cooking. We served the rice in a rice cooker (to keep it warm) and the meat in crock pots.
We had a lot of fun celebrating our newest Bride And Groom!
We love being together: laughter, creativity, hardwork and productive defines “The Committee”. We can be giddy as school girls and spontaneous as teenagers. We can get a little crazy…. especially, on a dance floor! Knowing each other so well adds to all of us being ourselves; natural and easy. Celebrating no matter the occasion, has been part of our lives for a longtime. It’s more than wonderful having a “committee of friends”. We’ve shared lots of joy; also, many tears/prayers for each other and our families!
I hope you’ve discovered lifelong friends on your journey. If not, I hope some find you to share life’s joys and burdens.
Our joys are definitely doubled. Our sorrows are diminished by the care and love of our friendships!
We had RAVE reviews on our copycat Cava bar!
High-Five Girls For the WIN!!!
Opa!
Now I’m hungry,
Feel free to share with a friend(s).
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Elaine Stone 
What a wonderful gift you have with those five friends! I’ve always been more of a loner than a joiner and I have only one “dear to my heart” friend, Sharon Easterling. We’ve been friends since sixth grade and that friendship has never lagged, despite sometimes years of not seeing one another. I do envy that vulnerability and ability to open up to other women and I know that you realize that is a precious precious gift from our Father. Of course, it takes two to tango so you’ve done the work over the years as well in keeping those friendships blooming and growing. Thank you for your willingness to share the highs and lows of your life in this blog. I might not get to read everyone but each one I do read touches me. I hope all is going well with you guys. I think of you and your family often and the bountiful fruit you will be laying at Christ’s feet one day! Blessing friend!
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Thank you Kathy, what sweet words! I do know I AM blessed!! Of course there are many other things going on in all our lives, but these friendships and celebrations always remain … I am very very grateful to do life with all of them!! One or four friends … all enrich us! Blessings!
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