London Calling

For 3 1/2 years, my only brother, Andrew, has lived and worked in New York City. Today he packs his bags and boards a plane bound for British soil. Yes, London is calling. And so, of course, we had to throw him a proper farewell party.

The Culinary Couple took over my parents’ house last weekend and prepared food for 50 guests. We served a variety of dishes from both sides of the Atlantic and a sheet cake with a sugar coated British flag. There was a bar full of Newcastle Brown Ale and Boddingtons Cream Ale (from my old stomping grounds of Manchester, England). Family and friends shared stories about what Andrew will miss (Dad’s pizza pies and Penn State football) and what he will learn to love (The Queen, room temperature ale, and soccer). And at the end of the night we popped a bottle of champagne and toasted to the bachelor’s adventures abroad.

A September trip is in the works. Until then, we will live vicariously through him. Cheers, bro!

The menu:

• Clerkenwell Curried Beef Pies: Traditional meat and potatoes with a curry twist
• Bangers ‘n’ Mash: More flavorful than the original
• Five Boroughs Reuben Dip: A tribute to Andrew’s love for New York City and pastrami
• Overseas Creamy Crab Soup: Contributed by a lovely friend (recipe to come)
• All American Meatballs: The most simple combination of meatballs, grape jelly, and chili sauce
• Firehouse Pulled Pork BBQ: Straight from the ladies of Lancaster County

The visuals:

(the front of his postcard invitation)