Ladies Who Lunch

The tradition of a ladies lunch dates back to my childhood when once a year, it would be my mother's turn to host the bridge club. I think the ladies always had the same luncheon -- chicken salad! I don't think all of the ladies had the exact same chicken salad nor the exact same side dishes although the meal always included a fruit salad and bread as well as a chicken salad. Desserts were where the ladies showed their culinary skills for they were often over the top!

I love having ladies at Linderhof for a luncheon. If it is only 4, we eat in the breakfast room overlooking the garden. If it's more, we serve them in the dining room.
For memories, I love the chicken salad/fruit salad plate. A muffin, a savory madeline, or my favorite -- banana bread accompanies the salads.

I have my favorite chicken salad which is an adaptation of my mother's and which I call Linderhof's Chicken Salad, but I am always eager to try new recipes.
A favorite place in the city is the Nelson Gallery. A much beloved place from childhood on. I was thrilled when they put a roof on Rozelle Court and created the most European of dining spots outside of the Continent. Their chicken salad is to die for and I was lucky to receive the recipe. It does have a "secret" ingredient which is what makes it so special.

The ladies had a grand time and the afternoon passed all too quickly. Unlike my mother's luncheons, there is no bridge involved. Just good food and good conversation.

Rozelle Court Chicken Salad

3 pounds chicken breasts, poached, cooled and shredded into bite size pieces
2 cups mayonnaise
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce for chicken (see note)
1 1/2 cups black olives, sliced
1 1/2 cups celery, small dice
1 1/2 cups water chestnuts, chopped
To taste - salt and pepper

Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, sweet chili sauce, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Add shredded chicken and mix well. Taste and adjust seasonings.

NOTE: You can find the chili sauce in the Asian Market -- it's from Thailand and called Maeploy.

NOTE: This makes a ton of chicken salad, I usually halve the recipe when I make it and it still makes plenty.

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NOTE: You can find the chili sauce in the Asian Market – it’s from Thailand and called Maeploy.

This makes a ton of chicken salad – I used half the receipt when I made it and it was still plenty!