Introducing an Armenian dish to an otherwise very American picnic

Picnics are a way of life in South Florida from autumn through springtime. Forget the summer – it’s way too hot and rainy to be outside for any length of time.

Jan Norris,(on right in photo; I’m on the left) is a true southern gal with a passion for food. She is the former Food Editor of the Palm Beach Post Newspaper, and Doug’s former colleague. In retirement, Jan is busier than ever. In addition to her own blog, Jan Norris: Food and Florida Online, she writes for at least 5 other publications. How does she find the time?

Jan decided to put together an impromptu picnic for retired Post employees and their families. The event was held at a lovely park in the northern part of Palm Beach County, straddling the intracoastal and the ocean. Jan, a grand-organizer, rented a pavilion, arranged to have BBQ chicken and ribs catered, with guests providing side dishes and desserts – a very American get-together.

There was an abundance of potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, pasta salad and then, my contribution – tabbouleh (Sarma Gurgood, made according to my grandmother’s recipe).