Las chicas que comen our first Lunch together.

A hidden gem directly overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean, La Paillotte, off the Calpe Road, was an enchanting setting for the first gathering of Las Chicas Que Comen. The beautifully landscaped garden was drenched in sunshine today as no less than 23 ladies arrived to enjoy a welcome drink and aperitivos together.

The brainchild of Shirley Behr and Lynn Clark, the group’s debut luncheon was a smashing success, owing in no small part to the cheerful and efficient organization of these two clever women. Identifying a need within the U3A community for a women’s luncheon group, their foresight and willingness to facilitate the event paid dividends with enthusiastic participation.

Meeting new people as well as renewing friendships shared equal billing with discovering a new dining venue. La Pailliotte will undoubtedly receive return visits after serving today’s fresh and pleasant menu.

The meal commenced with generous platters of colourful salad followed by tender pieces of lightly battered fish, preceding the main course which had been pre-ordered by each attendee. Salmon with a flavoursome sauce was served with boiled potatoes while, chicken breast was accompanied by chunky wedges of roast potato.

By the time the puddings choices arrived, conversation was lively and convivial, with many of us making a variety of future plans with new friends and old.

Shirley and Lynn encouraged group feedback in order to determine the best way forward for future gatherings. The general consensus was that today’s format of choosing coloured slips of paper and then sharing the meal with others who’d chosen that colour, worked very well. This system enabled all of us to chat with other ladies we might not have had the chance to meet before.

As most of the women prefer meeting on a Wednesday, the format will be two Wednesdays followed by one Thursday. The next luncheon will, therefore, be the second Wednesday in April. The May luncheon will fall on a Thursday, while June will see us gathering on the second Wednesday. At that point, Shirley and Lynn will discuss whether a July lunch will be feasible or not.

Many thanks to both of our organisers for getting this new group off to such a positive and well attended beginning. We look forward to details of the next meeting of the Ladies Who Lunch.

Buen Apetito till then! Carol Corke 12.03.14

See photos below.