Rocky Neck Mug Ups were always a great time, but I think the quaintness of Annisquam and close proximity to Christmas made this holiday Mug Up extra special. The turnout was great, and people brought some amazing contributions to the fare. Paul Morrison’s bluefish pate was the best he’s made yet; Kim Smith’s truffles were to die for (well not really die, but they were incredible), Donna Ardizzoni made this cream cheese and chocolate chip ball with ginger snaps to spread it on, which didn’t sound immediately appealing to me, but was so delicious; Wendie Demuth baked Christmas cookies, as did others, but I didn’t see who brought them; Jenn Cullen brought some great Sugar Magnolias muffins, Fred Bodin brought some great treats from Plum Cove Grind and Marit from Bayview made an incredible tomato pie (see picture); Pete and Joyce Chamberlain brought a delicious cheese pie; Schooner Adventure’s Joanne Souza came in with something, but I didn’t see what. There were many other things that appeared on the table, but I don’t know who brought them, so don’t know who to acknowledge and thank. Henry Allen was in the house, as was Alicia and Mike, Father Green, of course, Ed Collard, Marty & Barbara Luster, Greg Bover, Sue Lovett, Val, Judith, and our beloved Joey made the long trek over from the dock. Some visitors from Annisquam included Cynthia Kennedy Sam, Martha Bentley, Sarah Hackett, Tom O’Keefe (who was the last to leave, staying to help me clean up – thanks Tom), Kris Bengston. There were more people, but I’ve already lost track. It was a great time and a wonderful way to share the holiday season with a bunch of really great people.
I want to send a special thank you to those of you who made purchases while you were here. I greatly appreciate your support.
Don’t forget about the GMG Christmas Party this Saturday, December 17th at 7:00 pm at Bodin Historic Photo, 82 Main Street. Joey is providing the pizza – BYO beverage of choice and anything you might like to contribute to the party fare.
E.J. Lefavour
Good Morning Gloucester 
“Paul Morrison’s bluefish pate was the best he’s made yet”
If you like the taste of dog balls it was.
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What a great time… Thanks E.J.
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I can’t believe I missed Kim’s truffles- darn! But I did get some of that delicious smoked bluefish pate (woof woof) and unbelievable tomato pie. Thanks for hosting an outstanding mug up. I heard Donna say she wanted to host one soon. Thank you EJ.
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Sorry I missed it… not enough hours in a day this time of year to fit everything in! Had to get the kids Christmas photos taken today. looks like another fun Mug Up!
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It was alot of fun and great to see everyone and meet some new people. Can’t wait to see Paul Morrison’s photographic take on the food table – I think he said it would be up Monday at 2:00. And we won’t let Donna forget that she volunteered to host the next Mug Up after the holidays. Just curious Joey – how do you know what dog balls taste like?
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I had to go and tell Joey that my girl dog Stella (she has no balls to lick) stuck her head in the bag and licked the saran wrap covering the bluefish páté. Who knew Joey was so squeamish about a little dog lick?
Good question EJ. Only a dog ball gargler could know what dog balls tastes like … ;-O 8)
I missed Kim’s truffles too so she has to bring them to Donna’s mug-up. I thought I tried at least two of everything but if I went back to the table again I would have exploded. I had to skip lunch and no snacking during the Patriots win.
And yes, animated GIF of the table of food disappearing should be up in my 2PM time slot Monday.
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Now I understand. I walked back into the kitchen and overheard a conversation about a dog’s mouth being clean and antibacterial, but didn’t know the context. You probably shouldn’t have told Joey. He gets squeamish about 2 day old cookies. I still think it was your best bluefish pate yet.
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Thanks for a great ‘mug-up’ E.J. I had to make sure that Joey would pass up on the pate by feeding to his fears…great pate Paul!!
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I’m considering selling my pate down on Bearskin Neck. I have a guy Richard Shwetty who has a production line which ends with a large ball of bluefish pate wrapped in saran wrap.
Thinking of a name …
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As Marty pointed out at an earlier mug-up, Stella is usually very polite. Here she is asking, “May I have some bluefish pate on that muffin top?”
https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2011/11/06/stella-loves-these-mug-ups/
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It was great! And the tomato pie, the pate, and the truffles all made it onto my plate at one time or another. Delicious!
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You could sell it on Rocky Neck too, along with your smoked bluefish pate pottery serving (and/or nut) bowls.
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