What could be better than food and friends? Maybe a weekend at the Alluvian Hotel in Greenwood with chef Robert St. John and watercolor artist Wyatt Waters (and wife Vicki) who happen to be friends of ours! Beautiful weather, good company and awesome food--not bad for a couple of days of down time. John and Melody Maxey, Ed and I left Jackson (in Melody's new Hybrid Lexus) and had lunch at Char--a good way to start a food weekend. The drive to Greenwood was pleasant and the leaf colors were pretty. That night we had a book signing party after checking in to the Alluvian with those wonderful down comforters and pillows (and beautiful purple chairs!)
We were given two copies of Robert's new cookbook and we bought Wyatt's new children's book for a Christmas gift. He spent some extra time remarking it for a special little boy!
After the reception we attended a Chef's Dinner in honor of Robert St. John. Let me just make your mouth water: Crabmeat stuffed prawns; mixed greens salad with fried asparagus (awesome) cherry tomatoes, smoked bacon, sliced shallots and a citrus-sherry vinaigrette; filet mignon with grilled red onion-white truffle whipped potatoes and black peppercorn-citrus compound butter; or pan roasted delacata with lobster risotto, micro greens and citrus sherry vinaigrette; topped off with bourbon pecan chocolate truffles and chocolate dipped strawberries. Have you died and gone to heaven yet!?!?!?! :) David Ferris is the Executive Chef at the Alluvian and he is young! This kid will go far in the food world.
After a good nights sleep, we had breakfast in the Terrace Room and went over to the Demonstration Center at Viking. WOW!! We're talking everything you'd ever hope to see and then some. Our seats were very good and the morning was terrific. 
I got so into it that I forgot to take pictures of the first two dishes. One was Crab Imperial (delicious and easy) and the other was Chicken and Andouille Empanadas. (good but spicy) The next two things were good and I thought CAMERA! 
Black-Eyed Pea Dip and Red Beans and Rice Spring Rolls. Those with the Crabmeat made a pretty plate. Dessert was to die for. You know how I love those sweets. Have you ever had Sweet Potato Brownies? Oh, yeah, they were good! And easy, and pretty, and did I mention that they were awesome good!
Now for some walking and shopping to get ready for the night session! Dinner! Bloody Mary Oyster Shooters (gave mine to Ed); West Indies Salad (light and delicious--very easy and fast); Roasted Silver Queen Corn and Shrimp Dip (AM I EATING AND WATCHING WYATT AND NOT PHOTOGRAPHING THE FOOD!?) 
That's easy to do. Watching him start a picture and bring it to finish is an amazing thing. It looks so easy. I mean he just used a brush, some paints and paper and a straw with water! Hmmmmmmm!
The Warm Crab Bread with Basil Tomato Concasse brought me back to reality--delicious!
This was a wonderful mixture of crabmeat, cheeses, butter, green onions, red peppers and a roux spread on French bread and heated. The addition of the fresh tomato/basil mixture was delicious.
I didn't know that Robert got his start with Nick of the wonderful "Nick's" restaurant (one of my favorites). The Paneed Red Snapper with mushrooms, green onions and creole cream sauce was good. He explained how the creole cream sauce could be used lots of ways on lots of things! I see this being a staple here at home.
He kept talking about dessert and I had saved room! Fresh Strawberries and Creme Anglaise!
As Sam would say, "Oh, yeah, baby!" 
I ate TWO and wanted more! I loved it.
Sunday wakeup and breakfast. The trip home was down Highway 49 to see the "yellow water flowers". 
(You do know that you can "click" on the picture to make it bigger! I urge you to do it on this picture of the "yellow water flowers". God is really struttin' His stuff!) A great ending to a great weekend. Thanks, Papa for taking me!
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