Kat's Cookin' . . .

April 25, 2008
    The other evening, I sat down with another person suffering from the same illness that I am. He is a caterer/restaurateur. Of course, we visited about the "biz" and he revealed that "having an eye" for detail is some kind of curse. I have to say, the guy's a genius 'cause it IS a curse. Of course, the other night in Jacksonville's seemingly #1 dining/drinking establishment (can they sue me for printing their name? don't want to get sued, you know) I didn't need an eye for detail. The lack of attention to the details basically hit me over the head. Sent me running for home. Maybe I'm one of those phobic people who never go out into public. Nah, can't be 'cause we also discussed that the other night. We LIKE the public!
     I do know an eye for detail makes it HELL eating out. During this recent experience, our party enjoyed the attentive services of a young lady who had never heard anyone say the words "medium rare". She stared in disbelief, as if the diner were from another planet, talking from his eyeballs. Even before that, a near riot erupted just a couple of tables away where two women were trying to enjoy their meal. One was being repeatedly punched by a child in the adjacent booth and when the women said something about the situation to the adults in the group, they were quickly the bad guys. The answer from the 'mother' about why the little girl was hitting the woman? "She didn't know better". OH MY GOSH, is that not the PROBLEM? The mother's defense was that she had not taught this little girl to NOT hit people. The tot was nearly mowed down twice by waiters carrying trays so big she wasn't seen. The adults? Happily sipping away at their margaritas, trying to keep their Celina earrings from tipping the scales in the wrong direction and drowning in their seemingly VERY intoxicating beverages.
    Yea, I know why you don't want to eat out. That's why I'm dining at home this evening and lots of lots of happy people are enjoying their Larissa House At Home entrees and sides they picked up today. Eric and I? King Ranch Chicken tonight. What are you having? AND WHERE are you having it?

April 18, 2008
I guess that blur that just swept past me was the past 15 days. A trip to Florida and several private parties have kept us hopping! That, and it's SPRING and there's a Master Gardner's Tour coming and we're kicking into high gear. A wedding the weekend after the Gardner's Tour, then Mother's Day (menu out next week...are YOU on our email list?) and more.
We've been especially grateful for your response to the Drive Thru idea. We'll try three days next week: Monday-Wednesday-Friday. Hope everyone takes advantage of them.

April 3, 2008
WOW! We just had another "Drive Thru Special" and it was B U S Y! We sold out of one of the specials, so we're thinking people are really liking the convenience of driving through for our delicious foods. If you don't get the Drive Thru Special emails, you need to join our email list....just go back to the homepage and click on the "Join Email" button. We won't sell your name to anyone else and we won't be a "pain in your inbox". We just want to let you know when there's something tasty going on over here.
    Spring is official and it seems that way today, for sure. Windy, clouds, then sun. One of those days you wish you were outside. When the restaurant was open daily, I would look out the window, wishing to be out there rather than strapped to the kitchen or the business. Now, today, we're actually realizing just how wonderful the change we've made is! We did the Drive Thru Special today and are now through. There's a bride on her way for portraits, but they don't really NEED us to be around so I'm headed out to the garden and Chris is (no doubt) on the way to wash his car. He loves his car. Wish he'd wash the suburban.
    We'll be out of pocket for a few days. Another reward of changing the way we're doing business. Some of you know that I'm an aspiring pilot (currently a seemingly perpetual student). We have some friends who have asked if I would like to go with them to Florida. The event is Fun N Sun and it's the biggest fly-in in the US. I'll get to see old warbirds, new technology, meet pilots, see some great flying and maybe even take a nap or two. I get to cook, soak up some sun and generally just enjoy myself.   I'm SO EXCITED!

March 28, 2008
    First, Happy Birthday to baby sis, Alyson. Not such a baby, really. We're only 17 months apart, but she's the baby of the family so...................have fun kiddo!!!
    We had a drive thru dinner special tonight and it went really well. Folks seem to like the convenience of being able to phone and pick up some great food for dinner (hot and ready...fresh cooked) AND a couple of items for the weekend like Chicken Salad by the pound and gallons of flavored teas. Thanks to all of you who took advantage of the special today. More to come, we promise!
    The arugula I planted out in Fred Sanford's Garden (that's what it looks like) is beginning to grow. I L O V E arugula! There's dill, red leaf lettuce and more. Kinda cool.
    Hard to believe March is about gone, huh? It was a fast month!
    More soon.................
March 18, 2008
    Well...here we are, one day after St. Patrick's and spring seems to be in full swing. That WAS a spring storm that just passed through...it MUST have been because the cool breezes blowing through the open windows of our old house smell clean and wonderful!
    The Lucky Day for the Relay Buffet was a great time. We didn't book the house full, but I'm the paranoid type...didn't want to run out of food or have people have a plate full of food and wait for a table. I'll do Easter better, promise.
    Tonight, we enjoyed the Taste of Tyler at Harvey Convention Center. Edom Bakery served a KILLER Tres Leches cake. We also enjoyed the Crawfish from Fat Katz and the chicken from Potpourri House. It was a fun night out with Eric....I'm still busy pinching myself that I don't have to be tied down to the restaurant every day and every night. Good grief, it's been over a YEAR since we closed at night and I'm STILL in shock about that....my feet are happy though.
    Tomorrow, a half day in the kitchen and then some more outdoor time. I can just imagine the weeds after this rain....they were plentiful enough before it rained. Maybe Eve will come...she helps me know which are weeds and what to NOT pull...I'll learn.

March 12, 2008
    A gorgeous early spring day today. I've gotten basil, two kinds of lavender (I'm determined this year!), arugula, parsley (curly & Italian), garlic chives and cilantro ready to put out. Lavender has died in two places around here so far....I'm in search of the elusive perfect spot.
    The veggies can't be far behind...tomatoes, squash and cukes. Good, local, wonderful, fun veggies!! Oh wow, it's too early to start thinking like that, I'll just get frustrated and buy something from some 3rd world country that doesn't legislate what goes into it's irrigation systems.
    Ok, my appetite's better now.   READ FOOD PANELS and learn. (Eric's tennis friend Mark taught me a little the other day. Fritos are better for you in some respects than are Sun Chips...I was embarrassed, but determined to do better.)
    I can wait.   We'll buy as much local this year as we can. It'll be a great spring and summer, no doubt.
    We did another Drive Thru lunch special today. Folks seemed really glad to get some Carrot Soufflé and Chicken in Pastry AND those homemade yeast rolls. I guarantee you...you'd be hard pressed to find food like that in any drive thru around!      It's fun, getting to say hi to all of ya'll. Eric's even around and that's REALLY fun for me!
    And THANKS for the return visits, guys, we're glad that you like what we're doing! If anybody reading this doesn't know about drive thru specials or dining events, like this coming Monday the 17th, you need to be on our email list! Join on the homepage and we'll send along a delicious email soon. -30-
    March 9, 2008
    WHERE is all my energy? Lately, with the change in routine, I've been feeling especially lazy. Seriously, that chair is HEAVEN! But I know, every time we have a day like today, that my time in that chair is almost over.
    We (I drew, Eric approved) some preliminary drawings for the space on the immediate east side of the house. We'll call the nice people up at Bullard for some more rock and off we'll go, on to the next stage.
    Rome wasn't built in a day. Mama ALWAYS said that. Tomorrow, we get back onto the veranda. The rest of the tables covered and arranged. Ready for March 17th and the Lucky Day for the relay. The menu's posted on the website now....hope you'll come see us....and sit under the veranda on a beautiful spring day!
March 3, 2008
     Happy Texas Independence Day (one day late). I don't know about you, but I'm really, really glad to be a T E X A N !   I'll go ya one better...I'm a JACKSONVILLE Texan...4th generation, to be exact!
    We drove down to Lufkin today...had to hit the Academy for tennis stuff and bargains. We ate at Ralph & Kacoo's. The service was really, really good. My seafood gumbo and hushpuppies were grand. Eric's plate was luke-warm and ho-hum. (have we RUINED dining out for ourselves?)
    Driving back into J'ville, I began to notice spring and how nice, seriously, nice, South Jackson looked coming in. We'd just had a rain so everything was shiny and clean and compared to what we saw between here and Lufkin, Jacksonville REALLY looked nice.
    I've taken an interest in trying to keep Patrolman Zimmerman Drive (aka Oak Street) free from trash from the corner of Bonner to Larissa. I already know one thing...whoever the guy/gal is who drinks the KEYSTONE LIGHT beers and then throws their cans out is a JERK. And, the person who habitually discards LOSING $5 lottery tickets...well, I guess that'd make them a LOSER!
    I'll admit, it feels pretty alone out there, picking up everybody else's trash. Don't like it a bit, BUT...when I drive down that little stretch of street, I DO feel alot better! Eric's going to fix a better stick to poke stuff with. If it works well and time permits, I might even expand my territory.
    Lots of cooking going on this week. Preparing for a reception catering and a couple of in-house events. Is there anything we can do for you?
February 27, 2008
"You'll be just as busy as you want to be....maybe busier than that!". My mom's words are sure echoing in my brain as I contemplate the upcoming calendar. She was right....we have everything from wedding receptions to luncheons and deliveries on the calendar.
    What's different on the calendar this year, different from the last 14 years, is that there are days marked off. These are the days I'm looking forward to....one of those bright, sunny spring days when we really will be outside, doing something we enjoy, instead of in the restaurant, wishing we were.
    Things are kind of settling in now. The phone isn't ringing quite as often...I guess everyone has gotten word of our changes. We do have people come by quite often, but for the most part, they've been really nice (although disappointed) as we describe the changes.
    Tonight, we'll have a dinner party for a local corporation that called and needed a place in J'ville for such a thing. We really do understand (and empathize) with the fact that there aren't many places for a business lunch or dinner in J'ville anymore.   One friend asked, had we known of the closing of other restaurants in town, would we still have made the decision we did. The answer was, of course, yes.
    It's quite strange, at least for me, that I'm not staring at some long list of things to do and feeling overwhelmed. This week is actually the first week since we stopped serving lunch daily that we didn't have stuff to do that required a 6 day work week.
   Lately, I've gotten to visit for a long time on the phone with Fredna West, who is now in Austin, recovering from a broken hip. We had a visit from my flight instructor and a pilot friend on Sunday....we served Chicken Salad Sandwiches on the veranda and talked and laughed and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon. I've played tennis, had lunch with a friend in Tyler....HAVE to recommend Downtown Soul Food Cafe on Vine St. in Tyler....get the candied yams! In other words, I'm trying really hard to recover from a decade long addiction to work.   All of this is new and different and relaxing. Color me happy.
February 21, 2008
    A rainy Thursday is better with one of Stephanie's Creme Brulee candles burning on my desk. I'm hoping for a little tennis weather this evening....hope it clears off!
    The freezer and fridge are almost fully stocked with items from our "At Home" menu (click on the fork to your right for the whole menu) and we're preparing for two dinner parties tomorrow evening. On Saturday, there's a luncheon for a special birthday and another dinner party.
    This is fun! We get to plan each dinner party, shower, luncheon and catering and spend lots of time on them. The phone still rings, don't get me wrong, but there are quiet times when we can get alot done too.
    After Valentine's, we had several guests request that we do a Dinner Night once a month or so. What do you think of that? It would be a set menu of one or two entrees, with sides, salads, desserts, etc. A fixed price and available by reservation only. Would you like that?
    Also, we've begun working on some new menus that incorporate healthier eating. Low fat and low carb foods don't have to taste like something is missing and we'll have fun over the next few weeks perfecting some of these recipes for you to enjoy.
    In the meantime, be sure to phone us with any special occasions you have coming up. You can host them here or we're happy to provide anything from Flavored Tea to Finger Foods, Casseroles to Desserts!

February 15, 2008

    Well, we survived Valentine's Night. We always do. It's fun to plan and then, it's excruciating to wait until those first reviews come in from the servers. "Are they happy?" "What are they leaving on the plates?" "Any comments on the desserts?" This blog is all about us being open about what we do so I'll confess, last night was not my best. In as little time as it has been, I felt awkwardly out of practice and my timing was off. I felt one table had to wait too long for their chicken dish to come to temp, but Brittany assured me they were fine. They're loyal guests, so I'll be sure to check with them.
    One great thing about last night that I have to share....it was the "A-Team". Our servers last night were the best we've ever had. Good friend and Larissa House creator (and you thought it was our idea!) Cathy Beall was here, along with Brittany Traylor (her 8th Valentine's Night with us as a server...she's SO competent!), Kathy Richey (former Daily Progress 'Best Server' recipient and 12 year Larissa House veteran) and Allison (Dement) Way, who brought us a gift as well as her talents. Allison was here during her high school years, then went on to a teaching degree and marriage. Last night, Randy (WAY) joined the family in a big way. He was right there with us, rolling ganache for the desserts and helping Eric with the dishes and depletion of several 'carbohydrate replacement beverages'...cooking is hard work. Eric manned the dish sink, and his back complained. Chris threw everything around on the stove and kept it all coming...he's an amazing young man. All told, we had a great crew and a fun time.
    Wonder if the wives who got Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and meals packed to go were happy?
    Tonight, we do it again, on a more limited basis. Tomorrow, there are two luncheons before a weekend off and several days R&R next week. Also on my desk are wedding reception folders, a menu to work out for a local volunteer group and of course, the accounting. The weather forecast calls for a couple of days of "desk weather" so I'll be (hopefully) getting it all done.
    Late next week, we'll begin planning the St. Patrick's Day menu (I know, I know, Chicken Fried Steak for Mark Kerzee and what else?) and the Easter menu. Spring is JUST around the corner! Have a great day ya'll!!!

February 11, 2008

    And to think, when Holly (Reed, our graphic artist) and I discussed a "blog", I really thought I'd have time for a few lines every day. DUH! We had dinner parties on Saturday night and again last night. Last night's was really fun with a group of husbands serenading their wives and presenting each with a rose before a little dancing by candlelight (literally) all over the restaurant. NEXT year, we'll dance on the veranda if the weather's mild like last night.
    Eve (Eric's mom) stopped by yesterday. She left instructions for what can be done in the garden and we'll get on those right away. Groundcovers are being planted around the water feature adjacent to the veranda and the Crepe Myrtle/Wisteria arbor was cleaned out. The baby daffodils are peeking through the ground now and the garden is all fenced in with some pilfered tin boarders. Eric drug piles of stuff out to the property in the country for a bonfire later on. This place is looking better all the time.
    Speaking of looking better, we're still looking for a house painter ready to tackle this grand old lady. Anyone you could refer would be wonderful...so many seem overwhelmed by the project!
    The Valentine's evenings are this week! I guess the thing I've been most inspired by is your response to these events. It really does make us want to do more of them....maybe we'll do an evening by reservation sometime in early March.....or a Saturday lunch buffet....honestly, with the flexibility of our schedule now, almost ANYTHING is possible! Now, it's time to run. Errands, inventory, Valentine kitchen cook schedule and a pie for Mrs. Carroll are on the list today. Enjoy yours!

February 7, 2008

Are you on our Email list? Send your email address, along with your first and last name to us: GoodFood@LarissaHouse.com.

    We've been pretty amazed by the reception of our "At Home" menu by our guests....WOW...you've blown us away! THANK YOU for using this service that we're so happy to provide. Don't know about "At Home"? Just click on the fork on the right and learn all about your delicious options.
    Today was another one of those "production" days....among other things, we've got two gorgeous Italian Creme Cakes ready to go downtown tomorrow to a bake sale. Our friend Katie asked us to bake them and we were more than happy to oblige. Later this afternoon, while Sis Alyson gave me a haircut, she said that she'll be heading up a bake sale at the Methodist Church to benefit the building fund. Wonder what we should bake for that one?
    It's alot of fun, tooling around the kitchen, organizing and cooking and planning and cleaning. In the midst of it all, we answer the phone and take your orders.
It's been so nice to hear from so many of you already. Talked to an old high school friend who's scheduling a reunion here. A couple of birthday luncheons are on the planner as well as a shower, several rehearsal dinners, a wedding and a few receptions as well. These are alot of fun for us...we treat each event as the unique celebration of life that it is.
    Just yesterday, it was so great to see Princess Pattie FINALLY made a "queen", if only for a day, surrounded by friends in tremendous red hats who love her so. A red boa down the center of the table set the Valentine mood as the Ripe Tomatoes crowned their junior queen and ate pink cupcakes. What fabulous women they are.
    Now it's late...tomorrow is another day. Confirmations for the events I've mentioned are on the list as well as stopping by Claudia Steed's extra cool candy and candle kitchen in Bullard (Claudia is a former guest with her own business now...she's kind enough to help us with "At Home" packaging development). Then on to Tyler to a truly unique venue....the Goodman Museum, where we'll cater a Rose Growers event in the spring. Later, I'm hoping for a little time on the tractor...........see ya soon (I hope).

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