Entertainment Tip: The Secret of the Nightingale Palace

Goldie doesn’t like to eat; she likes to dine. She’s not a food snob, however, and she can appreciate the value of a good McDonald’s hamburger. Mostly, though, she likes to entertain and be entertained by others. Because Goldie’s personality is based on that of my own grandmother, Rose, I’ll offer an entertainment tip that comes straight from her: Remember, your guests have a good dinner ahead of them. Don’t overwhelm them with lots of fussy hors d’ouevres. Instead, offer them a delicious glass of wine and scatter bowls of macadamia nuts in strategic locations around the room. The wine will make them happy and the macadamia nuts—which are the richest, most delectable nut you can find—will spur their appetite for the meal that lies ahead.