PHOTO BY DANI EL LIPPITr

celebrate!

M

ost successful hosts are
naturals. They just
have that certain
"something" that com-
bines a festive atmosphere, good food
and inviting spirit to make guests feel
comfy yet special.
Miriam and Isaac Barr are just such
hosts.
When the Barrs moved to their
Bloomfield Township home from Israel
in 1971, they hit the entertaining
ground running.
"I've always loved to cook and have
friends over," says Miriam. "I don't

thing — different foods, different china,
know if I do such a good job, but no
everything," she says.
one has complained."
The Barr house is always brightly lit
But if reputation means anything, Miri-
am Barr is the consummate hostess. Mi riam Barr when she entertains. "My dining
room is flooded with light — I've
sets an
"I do all my own cooking, my own
flowers and the decoration. I love to ele gant table. seen enough darkness in my life."
Ms. Barr specializes in the sit-down
set a beautiful table," she says.
dinner. "I prefer the ceremony of a long
It helps that the Barr home is a virtual
table. I like to set a nice table ... with nice
museum with every square inch of wall
dishes, candles, all my fancy stuff. And I
hung with paintings and tapestries and
find that sitting at a table makes for better,
each table surface and cupboard over-
warmer, conversation."
flowing with crystal, silver, ceramic and
When it comes to food, Ms. Barr bor-
porcelain.
rows from her own eating experiences.
But Miriam Barr is modest "I'm a
"I cook some foods in an Israeli style and
great improviser. I mix and match every-

copy other things that I see at parties and
restaurants. I never know exactly where
I saw them and they become my own
recipes.
"And I love salads. I usually start my
meal with three salads, serve a fish and
chicken and end with desserts and, al-
ways, fresh fruit"
Ms. Barr is careful about menus, espe- —7
cially with fatty foods. But she is a firm
believer that you shouldn't be over-cau-
,
tious when going out because "a good ca
meal is more than water and spices. The "-
most important thing is tam (taste)." ❑ c33

ti
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