16 Comments
Jun 13, 2023Liked by Evan Kleiman

I loved this story! I also loved reading your note "How ridiculous it is to stress over what to feed guests. When hospitality is a performance, it’s not hospitable." We have a bunch of foodie friends that we never want to have over because we just cannot cook. Maybe I will grow a pair and invite them over ;)

Expand full comment
Jun 13, 2023Liked by Evan Kleiman

Thank You and Yes, “*Foodies” come down off our thrones...it’s only the love that matters.

*whatever that is

Expand full comment

Love this--it made me think too, especially your conclusion. Changing my habits, Right Now!

Expand full comment
Jun 14, 2023Liked by Evan Kleiman

This was a great evening -- filled with laughter and love. Just talked to G about it this morning b/c people want to try Pasta ala Panza...maybe a pop-up at Alta Baja next year! LOL

Expand full comment

A semi-homemade dinner party is no easy thing to pull off. But Gustavo can and will do it, especially equipped with the Fervi chocolate. And with Delilah’s birthday blessings. 💕 this.

Expand full comment
Jun 13, 2023Liked by Evan Kleiman

Love this!

Expand full comment
Jun 13, 2023Liked by Evan Kleiman

Great story!

Expand full comment
Jun 13, 2023Liked by Evan Kleiman

Thank you so much for sharing this story! You have allowed us readers to join the fiesta! Also, lots to "chew on" and "ruminate" here.

Expand full comment
Jun 13, 2023Liked by Evan Kleiman

I love it. Great story

Expand full comment
Jun 13, 2023Liked by Evan Kleiman

How beautiful, lovely, creative and romantic! I loved this story Evan!

Expand full comment
Jun 13, 2023Liked by Evan Kleiman

Thank you for sharing this lovely story. And thank you for reminding me: When hospitality is a performance, it’s not hospitable.

Expand full comment
Jun 15, 2023Liked by Evan Kleiman

This story reminds me of a dinner from the late 1970s. Friends were moving out of LA, and Dorothy Healey (yes, socialist/communist leader Dorothy Healey) wanted to have us all to dinner. Dorothy was well-known for not cooking, or even caring much about food, so we accepted with some trepidation. She served ham (and we later learned she had called another friend asking about the cloves listed in the recipe - what were they?), Brussels sprouts served plain, and I think beans from a can. Dessert was likely store-bought cookies, though I don't really recall. Despite, or because of, the food, it was obviously a memorable meal!

Expand full comment
Jun 15, 2023Liked by Evan Kleiman

And the playlist is so good! 💗💗

Expand full comment

What a terrific story, especially for those of us who become basket cases when we invite people to dinner. Gustavo rocks--and so do you!

Expand full comment