Once more I return for yet another edition, if not the last in Lisbon, of dinner at Sugarbilly’s. The day starts early for a Saturday (that would be about 11:00 a.m.), and I start clearing the house to prepare the party. It’s one of those days that I want to get by quickly, just so I can sit down and have a glass of wine in peace, before anybody arrives. My heart fills with joy when a cooler breeze comes around, and the rays of light lose their profusive radiance. Substitute the electric for the candle-light, and it’s simply delightful.

We’re about seven people, so I decided not to make a main dish, just a few things. A cold plate with smoked salmon, cream cheese, herbs and lemon; a turkey meatloaf with spinach; raw carrot and zucchini salad; and some home-fried olive oil potatoes. Bread, crackers, cheese, fruits and chorizo always come in of course! As for dessert, that’s always a different story with old Sugarbilly. I haven’t made any desserts with chocolate lately, so I made a flourless chocolate cake (magnificent recipe from Fine Cooking Magazine) and some créme fraiche with mint to cut the richness. Imagine making a career out of giving dinners to friends… Isn’t that just too alluring?

Photos will be taken later and some recipes posted, so stick around!