MANCHESTER BRANCH AGM AND BLACK TIE DINNER
Alderley Edge Hotel 10th Feb 2017
As members of IWFS we are fortunate in attending a wide variety of restaurants. There is the anticipation of one`s first visit to somewhere new, and the pleasure of discussing the meal with each other. In contrast there is the comforting pleasure of returning to familiar surroundings where one can rely on the quality of the food, careful service, and ( appreciated by some of us ) easy car parking. Alderley Edge Hotel is one such place, where the Manchester Branch held its AGM on 10th of February. We were greeted in the Laurent Perrier Suite with an enjoyable glass of Oeil de Perdrix Rose NV before the formal meeting.
Our first course, a Salmon Wellington, was notable for its dramatic presentation. Large coils of crisp pastry surrounded the fish, served with charred leeks and maltaise sauce. The main course of Cumbrian beef with caramelised onion and black truffle jus did not disappoint. As one diner said "well worth the journey!" The accompanying Chateau des Arnauds, Lalande de Pomerol 2010 did not disappoint either and proved a happy match for the food.
After a selection of artisan cheeses we were charmed by a delightful dessert of baked apple Tarte Tatin, accompanied by a glass of Domaine du Durban, Beaume de Venise, a truly lovely vin doux. A final delight was still to come. With coffee came delicious chocolates. Here was the perfect liaison of bitterness and sweetness, a melt-in-the-mouth perfection of a confection.
Our Chefs and serving staff were thanked at the end of the dinner, which had been a delight from start to finish. Our thanks also go to Bob Lloyd for his inspired choice of wines.
Josephine Jackson