Holiday Dinner Party

On December 12, 2021, thirty seven members and guests gathered at Corral de Tierra Country Club located in the heart of John Steinbeck’s Pasture of Heaven area just east of Monterey for our annual Holiday Dinner.  This was our branch’s 268^th event.   The country club and dining room were beautifully decorated with holiday decorations.

Our hosts Frankie Appling and Max Jamiesson oversaw a magnificent event with exquisite French inspired appetizers and courses prepared by Executive Chef William Bennett and wines selected by Peter Tansill, sommelier.   As we’ve enjoyed many times in the past at our annual Holiday event, Juli Alexander filled the dining room with beautiful harp music.

Champagne reception - Marie de Moy Grand Cru

Aged cheddar gougere

Celery root soup, black truffle

Duck liver toast, wine gelee

Chilled oyster, ginger mignonette

First course:  Antinori Guado a Tasso Vermentino

Diver Scallop crudo, meyer lemon, cauliflower, kaluga caviar, scallop chip

Second course:  2013 Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay

Salted brown butter lobster, sauce maltaise, fennel, kumquat, pink peppercorn

Third course:  2017 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley

Date and spice glazed duck breast, turnip, chestnut, burnt orange

Fourth course:  2018 Chateau La Gaffeliere Grand Cru

Beef wellington, wild mushroom duxelle, savoy spinach, red wine reduction, chicory and herb salad

Dessert course:  Taylor Fladgate 20 year Tawny Port

Caramelized fromage blanc tart, toasted hazelnut, vanilla pear butter, compressed pear

mignardise

Assorted chocolates, cookies and treats for the table