Urban Farm-to-Table Feast

portrait, girl with mayo

posted by Melissa

I finally made my own mayonnaise!  I absolutely love mayonnaise, but I had never made my own before.  I was making some deviled eggs for a cookout we had here at the apartment building, and I needed mayo.  Since it is homesteading month, I thought, why not make it myself.  It was super easy (see recipe below) and tastes really good.  Since I woke up this morning I have been pondering, what can I eat with my mayo today?

The set table, right outside in the city.

The weather was gorgeous yesterday in Seattle and we decided to have a cookout.  We set up a table in front of our building and brought out the grill.  As soon as Amy laid out the tablecloth, I knew it was going to be special.  Next she brought out a catering set with white ceramic plates and silverware.  Who has a catering set?  I was glad she did.  It totally transformed our small yard in front of the apartment building into a farm-to-table like setting I have coveted in photo spreads in many fancy food magazines.

I made a marinated kalbi (a special cross-cut of beef short ribs) and seriously, they were the best thing I have ever grilled, ever.  You really have to try this recipe yourself.  I also made a kale caesar slaw, a side dish of zucchini, corn and basil, the blackberry buttermilk cake I mentioned yesterday, and of course, the deviled eggs.  Others brought homemade sauerkraut, chicken, steak, vegan hot dogs, a beautiful salad with edible flowers, honey from Bob's Urban Bee Company and veggie kabobs.

We all savored the food, the company and the opportunity to laugh among friends.  The kids climbed a nearby cherry tree.  The adults sipped wine and sparkling juice.  And when people passed by and smiled, we joked about how we were finally the cool kids on the block.

After the feast was over and plenty of wax was left in the candles, a few of us stayed outside and played a game of poker.  Yes, we still keep poker month alive from time to time, with an impromptu game of Texas Hold 'Em.  I think for the first time, last night Bob didn't win.  Amy did.  I still have not won.

Best meat ever, kalbi.  

Recipe for Homemade Mayonnaise
from Ad Hoc at Home by Thomas Keller


4 large egg yolks
2 cup canola oil
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons kosher salt

Put the egg yolks in a food processor and process to combine.   With the motor running, begin adding the oil very slowly.  Blend until emulsified and thickened.  Add the lemon juice and salt.  Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 1 week.
Makes 2 cups.