Once upon a time in the 70’s, there were three, almost inseparable, girlfriends: Zacki, Melody and Ginny (pictured left). Ginny (affectionately known as Ginger) was one of the first women on Wall Street. Melody went from being an art teacher in Connecticut to Wall Street and living with Zacki in the city. They found common ground in meeting at Jim McMullen’s Restaurant, where Jim (a Ford model like Zacki) never let "the blonds" buy a glass of wine.Later, another investment mogul, Bill Fleckenstein, known today for his book, Greenspan's Bubbles: The Age of Ignorance at the Federal Reserve came in from Seattle and whisked Melody away to a life of horses, tennis, an investment in a vineyard and 26 years of marriage that produced Jacqueline, Ginger’s Goddaughter and Nicole, Zacki’s Goddaughter.Fast forward to the present: Last weekend, with Hurricane Danny being a nuisance, everyone is gathered in Remsemburg, Long Island, NY at Ginger’s fabulous country home for Mel’s 60th birthday and a reunion.
Below: Ginny's country home and table setting of hydrangeas from garden; Family Circle magazine photo shoot taken at Ginny’s house and styled by Zacki Murphy
For Starters, Zacki made:
Roasted Shrimp with Fig Chutney and Shrimp Cocktail with Zapper Sauce
Fresh Cantaloupe with Prosciutto
Toasted Baguettes with Goat Cheese and topped with Zacki’s Tomato/Ginger Jam
Local Cheeses and Grapes
Smoked Salmon with Honey Mustard/Dill/Lemon/on Whole Wheat
Ginny's Mom's Cheddar Cheese Wafers with Rosemary
Below: Brie & local, toasted baguettes/goat cheese/tomato and ginger jam, roasted shrimp with fig chutney
For the Main Course:
Ginny, with grill maser Bill, made Chilean Sea Bass that had been marinated in a Sesame/Teriyaki Sauce
Ginny, with grill maser Bill, made Chilean Sea Bass that had been marinated in a Sesame/Teriyaki Sauce
Ribeye Steaks that were manna from Heaven
Roasted Corn/Tomato side (now on my menu this week)
Tomato/Mozzarella/Basil Salad
The Grand Finale:
To finish this meal off with a bang were the most beautiful Peach Pies I have EVER seen. A local farm stand prepares a baked Crust with Whipped Cream/Custard and tops with dozens of slices of fresh local peaches with a glaze. They were a mile high!
We had more wine, Champagne and then “roasted” Mel with a skit of our beginning of lasting friendship and mostly staged, where else, but McMullen’s Restaurant. It was a wonderful gathering of old friends, Godchildren, memories and new remembrances.
To finish this meal off with a bang were the most beautiful Peach Pies I have EVER seen. A local farm stand prepares a baked Crust with Whipped Cream/Custard and tops with dozens of slices of fresh local peaches with a glaze. They were a mile high!
We had more wine, Champagne and then “roasted” Mel with a skit of our beginning of lasting friendship and mostly staged, where else, but McMullen’s Restaurant. It was a wonderful gathering of old friends, Godchildren, memories and new remembrances.
Above: Melody and Paul Perkins aka "Preppy," Bill Fleckenstein and my beautiful Goddaughter, Nicole
