Culinary Creativity with Chef Ralph Motta

This morning members of Ha’Penny Beach Club gathered for an unforgettable cooking class with the talented Chef Ralph Motta. The focus? Dips that are as delicious as they are entertaining-friendly. Attendees left inspired and equipped with recipes sure to impress at any gathering.

Chef Ralph guided members through a series of delectable creations:

  • Artichoke Leek Dip: A savory blend of creamy goodness and subtle sweetness from leeks.
  • Creamy White Bean Dip: Smooth, hearty, and a versatile favorite.
  • Whipped Feta with Carrots Dip: A perfect combination of tangy feta and natural sweetness.
  • Hot Crab Dip: Rich, indulgent, and a crowd-pleaser.

Participants enjoyed sampling each dip while picking up tips on presentation and pairing. Thank you, Chef Ralph, for sharing your expertise and creativity! Stay tuned for more culinary adventures at Ha’Penny Beach Club.

A Delightful Evening: Jan 7th at Ha’Penny

This past Tuesday, January 7th, Ha’Penny Beach Club hosted a memorable evening of fine dining, setting a high bar for the new year. Members and guests gathered for a delightful meal that showcased fresh, seasonal ingredients and impeccable culinary craftsmanship. Here’s a recap of the exquisite menu and the warm camaraderie shared that night.

The Culinary Journey

Appetizer
The evening began with a beautifully plated starter of Art Farm greens, paired with roasted strawberries and dressed in a delicate champagne vinaigrette. The fresh, crisp greens and the sweetness of the strawberries set a refreshing tone, perfectly balanced by the light tang of the vinaigrette.

Main Course
Guests chose between two exceptional main dishes:

  • Scallop Grenobloise
    A masterful dish featuring seared scallops atop a silky celeriac purée, accompanied by vibrant seasonal vegetables, pickled Asian pear, and delicate microgreens. The combination of textures and flavors made every bite a delightful surprise.
  • Cold Smoked Duck Breast
    For those seeking a richer option, the cold smoked duck breast did not disappoint. Served with crispy roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and a luxurious apple brandy caramel sauce, this dish was both hearty and elegant, with the micros adding a touch of freshness.

Dessert
The meal concluded with a dessert that was as visually stunning as it was delicious. Poached pears rested atop a bed of mascarpone cream, accented with a fragrant cardamom crumble and finished with a delicate tuile. The balance of sweetness and spice made it the perfect ending to the evening.

A Night to Remember

We thank everyone who joined us for this extraordinary evening and look forward to many more shared meals and memories throughout the year.

Mark your calendars for our upcoming events this January—there’s plenty more to look forward to!

This Week at the Club

Here’s what’s happening at Ha’Penny Beach Club this week

January 7th – Tuesday Dinner
Gather with friends for a delightful evening of food and conversation. A perfect way to start the month!

January 9th

  • Cooking Class at 10:30 AM
    Learn to make delicious dips with our talented chef.
  • Lunch & Games
    Stick around for lunch and enjoy some friendly competition with our games lineup.

January 11th

  • Annual Meeting at 11:00 AM
    Stay informed and engaged as we discuss club updates and plans for the year ahead.
  • Lunch at 12:00 PM
    Refuel after the meeting with a tasty meal.

HaPenny Club: Where Community Thrives

At HaPenny Club, we believe life is richer when shared. Our gatherings are all about fostering meaningful connections, celebrating friendships, and creating unforgettable moments of joy. Whether it’s a casual meet-up or a festive event, the HaPenny Club brings people together to enjoy the simple pleasures of camaraderie and fun. Join us and be part of a vibrant community that cherishes togetherness and good times.

Let the laughter and memories begin!

A Bright Start to 2025: New Year’s Day Brunch at Ha’Penny

Ha’Penny members welcomed 2025 in style with a delightful New Year’s Day Brunch on Wednesday, January 1st. The festivities began at 11:30 AM with a complimentary Bloody Mary and Mimosas bar, setting a celebratory tone for the new year.

The buffet featured a sumptuous spread, including Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Maple Syrup, Eggs Florentine, and a flavorful Mushroom, Leek, and Salmon Frittata. Hash Browns and Roast Pork added heartiness to the meal, while a vibrant Sliced Fruit Platter brought a refreshing touch.

Dessert was a perfect finale, with White Chocolate Blueberry Scones served with Clotted Cream and a luscious Lemon Chiffon Cake topped with Strawberries.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special brunch. It was a joyful way to start the year, surrounded by good food and great company. Here’s to a fantastic 2025 at Ha’Penny!

Happy New Year Ha’Penny

As we welcome 2025, let’s celebrate the shared moments, laughter, and connections we’ve built together. Here’s to a new year filled with joy, friendship, and exciting activities!

As we welcome 2025, let’s celebrate the shared moments, laughter, and connections we’ve built together. Here’s to a new year filled with joy, friendship, and exciting activities!

Important January Updates:

  • No activities on Thursday, January 2 – Take a moment to relax and recharge.
  • Cooking Class with Chef Ralph Motta – Join us on Thursday, January 9 before Game Day to learn delicious recipes and techniques.
  • Ha’Penny Annual Meeting & Luncheon – Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 11. The meeting begins at 11 AM, followed by a noon luncheon.
  • Book Club Gathering – Let’s dive into another great read on Thursday, January 16.
  • Beach Walk & Bocci – Enjoy the fresh sea breeze on Thursday, January 23, with Bocci on the lawn afterward.
  • Sunday Supper Buffet – Join us for a delightful evening on Sunday, January 26.

Looking ahead to International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8, start thinking about your guest list for our special luncheon. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate inspiring women in your life!

Join the Ha’Penny Book Club – Thursday, January 16

Looking for a welcoming space to explore captivating stories and engage in thoughtful discussions? The Ha’Penny Book Club is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow book lovers and dive into a wide range of fascinating reads.

Upcoming Meeting Details:

  • Date: Thursday, January 16
  • Time:
    • 10:30 AM: Book Club Discussion
    • 12:00 PM: Lunch
    • 1:00 PM: Optional Game Day

This month, Ellen Rusling will lead the discussion on An Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin. The book explores Doris and her husband Dick’s reflections on his notes and speeches from the 1960s, highlighting the legacies of JFK and LBJ. It’s a historically rich and insightful dive into a pivotal era.

Looking Ahead:

  • February 20: Gilgamesh: The New Translation by Gerald J. Davis, a foundational classic exploring themes of power and immortality.
  • March: Table for Two by Amor Towles (tentative, recommended by Claire Church).

Whether you’ve read the book or not, you’re welcome to join us! Discussions often extend beyond the book itself, covering broader themes and ideas.

Do you have a book you’d love to discuss? Share your recommendations with the group to help shape future meetings.

To help us prepare for lunch and participation, please RSVP to Molly Winkelman at mollyatsea@gmail.com or 312-953-2141.

We can’t wait to see you there for an inspiring conversation and a day of community and connection.

Join us for Ha’Penny Game Day

Ha’Penny Club Game Day is a vibrant mix of strategy, laughter, and friendly competition! Members gather to enjoy an afternoon filled with the clatter of domino tiles and the thoughtful tension of Bridge.

The Dominoes table is especially lively, with players showcasing their sharp math skills and playful banter as they outmaneuver opponents to claim victory. From classic draw games to Mexican Train, every round brings its share of surprising turns and triumphant cheers.

Over at the Bridge corner, the focus is palpable as teams delve into intricate strategies, bidding wars, and precision plays. Partnerships are tested (and strengthened!) as each hand unfolds like a story, culminating in an exciting tally.

Game Day reminds us that no matter the stakes, the real win is the joy of shared moments and community.

Game day is every Thursday—join us for new games and old favorites !

Photo credit: Molly Winkleman
Photo credit: Molly Winkleman
Photo credit: Molly Winkleman

January 2025 events at Ha’Penny

Welcome to 2025! We’re kicking off the year at Ha’Penny Beach Club with a fantastic lineup of events to keep you entertained, well-fed, and connected with our vibrant community. Mark your calendars and join us for a month full of fun, food, and camaraderie. Here’s what’s happening in January:

Ring in 2025 with Ha’Penny’s New Year’s Day Brunch

Kick off the New Year in style with Ha’Penny’s fabulous New Year’s Day Brunch on Wednesday, January 1st, starting at 11:30 AM. It’s the perfect way to toast to 2025 with good food, great company, and a touch of elegance!

Begin your brunch experience with a complimentary Bloody Mary and Mimosas bar, setting the tone for a celebratory feast.

Our buffet will feature a delightful spread, including Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Maple Syrup, Eggs Florentine, a flavorful Mushroom, Leek, and Salmon Frittata, crispy Hash Browns, and succulent Roast Pork. A fresh Sliced Fruit Platter adds a refreshing touch to the meal.

For dessert, indulge in White Chocolate Blueberry Scones served with Clotted Cream and a luscious Lemon Chiffon Cake topped with Strawberries.

Celebrate the start of a bright new year with this delicious and festive brunch. Reserve your spot and make it a New Year’s tradition to remember!