Dining in Historic Richmond (1977)

Cecil’s Cucumber Soup

Butter and/or olive oil (tablespoon each or slightly less)
2 cucumbers peeled, seeded and chopped – to seed, cut lengthwise and scoop out seeds with teaspoon
1 large white or Vidalia onion, chopped
Splash or two of white wine Worcester sauce (aka chicken marinade)
Two cups chicken broth, low salt/non-fat (can substitute veggie broth)
Pint sour cream
Cup or more buttermilk (either low fat or regular)

Melt butter and olive oil, add cucumbers and onion, splash with couple dashes Worcester sauce and sauté for five to ten minutes (stir and do not brown). Add chicken broth, simmer fifteen or twenty minutes. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight. For a smooth soup, use stick blender or blender to turn into smooth consistency. Add sour cream and thin with buttermilk to taste and consistency desired. Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to blend. Add salt and white pepper to taste. An excellent summer soup.

It is unfortunate that one of the last “social club” institutions has fallen, especially in our backyard, and doubt it will ever reemerge in the same format. Clubs like this were created in the “Mad Men” era and before, when business was talked over lunch, cigars, and cocktails in suits… not Skyped and in shorts and flip-flops.
The Bull & Bear Club shut its doors in 2015 after nearly a 50 year run with a similar explanation: “The business climate has changed.” “People are more casual. Things are emailed. There are not as many face-to-face meetings. The culture has changed, and people have adjusted their lifestyles.” The Downtown Club was another long standing institution of 53 years that shut is doors in 2006. About the only non “country club” one left is the Commonwealth Club.

Rules of etiquette and formality of social graces have fallen to the wayside over the years, which also contributes to these formal gathering places to fail today. A sad state of affairs.