The Holiday Gala

Quaffing:  Cheese with fruits, spreads & breads; Blue cheese stuffed mushrooms.  

    Wines:  2012 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc WE 90,   2011 d'Arenborg the Hermit Crab Viognier/Marasanne, WS 90; 2010 Dry Creek Zinfandel, WS 90;  2011 Lapostolle Canto De Apalta    Carmenere/Merlot, WS 90

1st Course: Tomato lobster & seafood Bisque (topped with a crisp soft chese and crab gratin)   Wine:  2010 Olivier Leflaive Rully 1er Cru White Burgandy

2nd Course:  Small Thunderbird salad.   Wine:  2012 Hendry Albarino

3rd Course:  A choice of  a 6 Oz Beef Wellington with a classic Hazelnut, red pepper and tomato Romesco sauce, served with shaved grilled Asparagus, and crisp spheres of Butternut Squash ...... OR....Duck Leg Confit over a creamy aged cheese risotto with pineapple sage & Mission figs. Paired with a puree of Butternut squash, grilled shaved Apaaragus, & a Red Wine and duck stock reduction:     Wine: 2009 Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, WS 91;   &    2011 Cervantes (Chappellet) Cabernet/Sarah/Merlot/Petit Sarah

4th Course:  Bananas Foster served over a spiced bread pudding and vanilla ice cream.   Wine:  2012 Domaine La Tour Vielle Banyuls Desert Wine

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ .... 35 people (including 5 guests) attended this gala event.   In addition to a gourmet meal and fine wines we were entertained by the Stan Spurgeon Qurtet.  The music was great for dancing before, during and after the dinner.   We had the whole dining area to oursellves, and it was beautifully decorated for the holiday season     The wines were very well paired for each of the courses.

...There were many positive comments about the overall experience of the evening.