you welcome in dream dinner partyWhere we ask dignitaries to describe exactly that: their dream dinner.
If you love nothing more than reading a good novel on a lazy summer day, consider this while justice sleeps. It’s “a top-notch legal thriller…fast-paced and full of surprises,” according to someone who knows a thing or two about page flicks, bestselling author Scott Turow. But it was not written by a repeat of the bestseller. It was penned by Stacey Abrams, founder of the voting rights group Fair Fight. Given how much she has to eat, enduring voter suppression by day and writing books at night, cooking for others is a fun diversion.
If you could have any three guests at the perfect dinner party, who would they be?
Octavia Butler, a brilliant science fiction writer. Lyndon Johnson, one of the most amazing politicians, who went from being a segregation frenzy to being a civil rights midwife. And the Star TrekCatherine Janeway, captain of the USS Voyager. She must muster her crew, work with her enemies, and maintain morale while on a seemingly endless journey to redemption.
You seem to love science fiction based on the guest list, but your own books include romance novels (written under a pseudonym), and you just came out with your first legal thriller. Is there anything you cannot do?
My mother once said I would be a jack of all trades and a lady of none. So I thought this meant that I needed to become a master of all trades. I totally missed the significance of her warning.
Where will this dinner be?
I used to do it in my house because I really like to cook and because the conversation can get loud. When you’re in a private room in a restaurant, people come in and out. I want to suggest “We are here in this safe place, there are no restrictions. Let’s talk.”
Is one of those conversation starter games breaking out?
No, LBJ was known for being a contestant. Janeway is not shy. will take its place. And then, from Octavia Butler’s writing, I can only imagine that she would ask really provocative questions that would lead to a strong and vociferous debate.
What is the aesthetic shape of the table top?
I have this great set of paintings that I think I got from Crate and Barrel. It is really beautiful in ombre style. When I have guests, this is what I use. I would runner as well. It makes the table look sophisticated without being too complicated. Then cute placemats that fit the runner, but aren’t stuffy.
what are you cooking?
I was making Romano Fried Chicken, which is a dish of fried chicken with Romano cheese and panko. Eat asparagus and a side of beans. For dessert, I’ll make a New York-style cheesecake.
Is there a secret ingredient in your cheesecake?
I learned to make cheesecake by reading the back of Philadelphia cream cheese Box. Over time, I’ve perfected my recipe by watching Julia Child. Pioneer Woman is already doing interesting things with her cheesecake. So mine is a combination of all three.
Where do you go to relax the day after dinner?
When I’m really in a festive mood, I go to below belowIt is an Italian restaurant in the Inman Park neighborhood of Atlanta. They do this strozzapreti with ragù which is the most delicious thing I eat.
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