Chicken soup and galas

Chicken soup with broccoli rabe and spinach.

Cold morning are made for chicken soup. I pulled out a packet I had in the cabinet:

I always have hope for these dried soup mixes that are ready in minutes but sadly this one really missed the mark.

Most of the flavor came from the canned chicken broth I added and the spices in the packet left a very odd aftertaste. 

I ended up just drinking the broth and fishing out the broccoli rabe and spinach((

But on a better note - here are some shots of the gala dinner:

Tyler Florence doing his cooking demonstration.

Salad with blue cheese, pears and walnuts.

Filet Mignon.

Dessert.

Brunch the next day was at a lovely location. This was the view from the restaurant patio:

A bunch of people headed over to the Ferry Building which was just down the street.

Stonehouse Olive Oil.

Who can resist tasty salted pig parts?

I was very excited to try the Cowgirl Creamery grilled cheese sandwich.

Yes, I know I just finished brunch but people rave about this sandwich - and I did share it with four other people so I just had a taste.

The Lancashire cheese had a custard-like texture with a nice lemony tang. I was on the fence about whether I liked it or not - but when I got a bite with the bacon and cheese all in one go - the flavor was sublime so it gets a thumbs up from me.

Chinatown.

Wow, I can't believe it is almost the end of the week!

Night, all!