Thoughts about Grand Tradition's history

As I was enjoying watching the crowd at the jazz and wine party, I thought back to over 25 years ago when three married couples, who were neighbors, enjoyed speculating and improving property for resale. My wife and I were one third of that group.

One of those properties was the 16 acres where the Grand Tradition is located. Then, it consisted of an old house beyond repair, a swamp filled with bamboo and a root-rot infested avocado orchard. No one could figure out what to do with it.

One night, Beverly McDougal said she would like a permanent spot to cater parties. We all agreed that to be suc...