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 268th 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