I was very pleased to invite a charming group of friends to my home last weekend to support my endeavors to raise valuable funds to support the OPEN HAVEN charity. Open Haven support women and children escaping domestic violence...who are in dire need right now with service demand through the roof :( . The numbers of women in need continue to rise as COVID puts even more pressure on families. It is a heartbreaking circumstance but it was rewarding personally to help in some way. Our My Giving Table dinner was a lovely way to assist.
My famous seafood bouillabaisse was the culinary centre piece of the evening. I first enjoyed this wonderful dish on my travels to the French Riviera. Cooking my favourite Bouillabaisse always brings back joyful memories of wonderful travel adventures. Guests were also treated to a delicious "tomato tarte tartin" prepared by Kev Collins of Fish D'vine to start us off. Delicious macarons from Mademoiselle Macaron Noosa were a beautiful treat to finish.
I invited friends to enjoy a night with me dreaming of the FRENCH RIVIERA and immersing into the theme with food, wine and music, from this beautiful slice of the world I have visited on many occasions. As a travel expert who specialises in wonderful bespoke adventures it has been a challenging time to not be travelling, with international travel off the cards, but we can all dream together at least and enjoy travel stories and wonderful food that brings back joyful memories.
The guests were an eclectic mix with my long time neighbors from Madrid; Elaine and Bruce from Ireland and the UK, Carol from Atlanta, Georgia; Amanda and Phillipe from France; Bruce from Texas (Qld that is!) and the lovely Kathryn all the way from Indooroopilly. The lively chatter didn't stop from 6 to midnight and we shared in a beautiful meal and lots of laughter and telling of travel stories, which I love after my 37 year career in the travel industry and miss so much with the hiatus in our ability to leave Australia of late.
I really enjoyed my experience hosting a dinner for friends and contributing valuable funds to women in need in our community.
Thank you to My Giving Table for an easy and fun way to host events with purpose and a big thankyou to my guests for attending and sharing a delightful evening together.
Nicole Beasley xx