They arrived in the torrential rain, but Westonites who attended an "Evening in Casablanca" at the Wilton Grange last week were movers and shakers. They were seduced by the sensuous rhythms of Moroccan music and had the opportunity to try belly dancing as part of the Weston Newcomers and Neighbors Club (WNNC) Fall Social.

The mystery, the extravagant architectural props, lavish cuisine, opulent presentations, and low seating set the stage for a successful evening. Tables set low to the ground were aglow with candles and laced with abundant rose petals. Authentic Persian carpets and pillows scattered about the floor warmed the Bedouin tent shimmering in golden fabrics. Exotic music floated throughout the room as did sheiks and an 8' custom designed camel. "Sumptuous, opulent, delicious! From the authentic Persian rugs to the outstanding cuisine, it was a memorable 'midnight at the Oasis'," reflected Brenda Richards and David Macfarlane, newcomers to Weston.

As the guests arrived, they were greeted with silver platters of Moroccan Mezze of spicy adana skewers, Tangier potato cigars and Mediterranean spanakopita. They were introduced to the Moroccan custom of cleansing their hands with rosewater before dining by a lovely rosewater girl named Shari.  Click here to see the menu.

Weston’s own Michele Liguori of VIP Chef was chef de cuisine along with a visiting colleague from the region, who left their spectacular culinary signature producing authentic Mediterranean selections including the celebrated lamb tajine, Kazbah chicken with preserved lemon, couscous, vegetables of all kinds, and sweet pastries, surprising the guests with a magnificent buffet imitating images of the Kasbah. "Hats off to the chefs! The food was outstanding--better than many restaurants in Fairfield County. As for the ambience--I forgot that I was in a New England Grange. It was a memorable evening with friends and neighbors," said Monica McCall.   

The evening’s "Moroccan" Social Committee, Kim Eddy & Michele Liguori were dedicated to having an experience worthy of celebrating and creating friendships inspired by the last line in the movie, Casablanca, this could be "the beginning of some beautiful friendships."

The party’s success also involved the tireless efforts of WNNC’s volunteers, Peter Liguori, Peter Eddy, and Dak Harris. And the magic would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of Asghar Fathali of Bijan Rugs, Katherine & Roger Essaghof of Table D’ Art, Maureen Dunne of Designer Consigner, MaryJo McCann of Chelsea Gardens, Rita of Calico Fabrics, Beth & Richard Zucker, Dave & Brenda MacFarlane, Kassandra Strassmore, Weston Gardens, Caraluzzi’s, Ring’s End Lumber, and Walmart.

"We thoroughly enjoyed the evening. It was complete with fabulous food, great company, an intriguing atmosphere and exotic bellydancers," said Linda and Neil Guller.

Since 1977, The Weston Newcomers and Neighbors Club has welcomed new residents to town. Yet unlike many other welcome groups, WNNC has maintained a large membership of longstanding residents as well and offers social activities ranging from playgroups, movie nights, dining out at local hotspots and family events to sample at your leisure.

For more information on WNNC or future VIP Events, contact Michele Liguori at 221-7711 or spectacularlife@snet.net