Lunch at the C.I.A.

Assisted Living once again organized a trip up to Hyde Park to take advantage of the prix-fix lunch offered at the Culinary Institute of America, about one hour north of the Knoll. Ms. Kathy Brophy drove one van with Brothers Kevin Dargan and Jude Conniff, and Fathers Mike Simone, Jerry Nagle, Jack Keegan and Yours Truly. Ms. Terry Mierswa drove the smaller SUV with Fathers Lawrence Flynn, Bob LaFebre and Dick Smith.

Only four of us got into the French Restaurant, having made our reservations early, as the place filled up fast. The others divided themselves among the Italian and American Restaurant. Things were progressing nicely past the salmon paté appetizer when the fire alarm went off. The maitre'd shepherded the incredulous patrons out the door and into the plaza to make room for the firetrucks which arrived about five minutes later.

Such an interruption can wreck havoc on mussels in wine sauce. We were allowed back in about 25 minutes later and I played the part of the outraged customer, taking high umbrage at this unseemly break in protocol and politely suggesting a complimentary dessert would go along way in convincing me to take down the pictures of the firetrucks which I had posted on Facebook.

It worked. We were treated to a complimentary serving of Strawberries Romanoff which is prepared at the table; butter melted over a gas burner with course sugar and then mixed with fresh strawberries before adding Cognac which then flames up. Ironic, no? This confection was then served with shortcake over a HUGE scoop of sour cream/ice cream. It was delicious and the wait staff, graduating this Friday, learned how to placate picky customers.

Upcoming Events @ Mother Knoll

Friday, September 18 International Film Festival Maryknoll presents the next film in the on-going series: Life through Death: Change, Suffering and Living into More Abundant Life.

Tonight's show: Eat Drink Man Woman.

7:30 p.m. in the Asia Room

Open to the public, free of charge.

Introduction by a Maryknoller (Usually Fr. Larry Lewis) and discussion to follow.

Saturday, September 19th Celebration marking Fr. Mike Duggan's 50 Anniversary of Ordination Special Mass at 11 a.m. in Queen of Apostles chapel followed by an outdoor luncheon in the Quadrangle. By invitation only.

Sunday, September 20th No special events (other than 9 a.m. Sunday Mass) at the Knoll, but it marks the last day of the San Gennero festival in Little Italy. That's a good time to go, because vendors give last-minute discounts to move there merchandise. So if you can tell a calzone from a cannoli, get your butt down to Mulberry Street. Of course, if the blood of San Gennero failed to liquify Saturday (his feast) than all Napolitani are expected to drink the Kool Aid like proper paesani.

Tuesday, September 22 A special trip to the C.I.A. (Calm down, it's the Culinary Institute of America) for fixed-price lunch for those who pre-registered (in the dining room). The French restaurant is already full, so guys registering late choose between the Italian and American restaurants. Departing from the back parking lot at 10:30 a.m. and returning by 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 24 A preemptive Chusok (Korean Harvest) Festival from noon to 2 p.m., featuring authentic Korean foods (Yes, of course there will be kimchi—and pulgogi!), music, singing and decorations. Many of the veteran Korean Maryknollers (Fathers & Sisters) will be dressed up in their traditional Korean costume 한복 (pronounced "Han Bok"). Raffles throughout the event will help keep people from running away early, despite the kimchi. You must be present to win!