All the prep, all the cooking, all the cleaning, all the -- let's face it -- hassle, and what do you get?

First course: barszcz (beetroot soup) with "ears" (wonton-like dumplings)

Second course: wild mushroom soup.

Third course: pierogi (somewhat larger dumplings) filled with sauerkraut and mushrooms.

Fourth course: fried sauerkraut and onions.

Main course: baked salmon, served with roasted potatoes, scallops, and asparagus.

And after dinner, gifts, including a new book for L.