Hi all,
It's very ungentlemanly to say it aloud, but SWMBO (AKA 'er outdoors') is
shortly (18th June) to celebrate her official entry into old age.
To celebrate this event, we're having a little party at a local Hotel, where
our friends Alain & Claudine have agreed to put on a special meal on
Thursday, which neatly splits our birthdays (I'm the 16th). Reading Bill's
account, inspired me to tell you what's coming up. Actually, Jacquie thinks
just the two of us are invited there by the owners, and the party is a
surprise for her.
Champagne Franck Pascal Cuvée Prestige '93 (A small producer and friend with
only about 3 Ha. His wine was VERY highly marked by Guide Hachette when
entered for the first time - this champers was one of those which reconciled
me to the genre.) This will be served to our guests while they gather before
our arrival.
Champagne Bollinger Grande Année '90 Magnum. When last we tasted this at
christmas it was in perfect condition. Apéritif when we arrive, and will
carry over to (not) go with the soup.
Potage Crème Dubarry (cream of cauliflower soup)
Fillets of Turbot with sauce au gingembre (I've asked for this to have the
lightest touch of ginger, to go with the wild turbot, Jacquie's favourite
fish, and mine too!). Served with Meursault-Charmes 1996 Millot-Battault.
He's a small producer, whom we've known since the late 60s. He's retired
now, but in '96, was at about his best.
We then move into a hot entrée of a Ballotine de Dinde, farcie aux Morilles,
petits légumes printanières. This is similar to veal olives, but with free
range turkey escalopes, wrapped round a morel stuffing, and served with a
brown reduction sauce, and little seasonal vegetables. Nuits St Georges Les
St Georges '89. Henri Gouges. "Tasting a Domaine Gouges wine is like a
liquid lesson in the appellation" - Serena Sutcliffe - 'wines of Burgundy'.
I've asked for the portions to be small, but if we seem to be flagging,
we'll then have a classic Trou Normand with a tiny glass of ice cold
Calvados De Ribaucourt.
Then comes charcoal grilled lamb chops, with ratatouille, and a couple of
other vegetables as a garnish. I'm taking a slight gamble in the wine being
up to scratch. Côtes de Bergerac Moulin des Dames (Ch Tour des Gendres)
1996. As it's a bit young I'll decant it 2 hours earlier to give it a chance
to expand. Luc de Conti is the best producer in Bergerac, and the Moulin '96
was his best wine, up to then.
Salad & Cheese (the salad lightly dressed with balsamic)
The dessert is obligatory. A birthday cake of a plain génoise (sponge cake)
with a praliné butter cream icing. and that will be served with the
excellent Bera Moscato d'Asti 2003, that we discovered in Lyon a couple of
years ago, and bought this January.
Coffee and tisanes to finish.
Should be fun, and hopefully an agreeable surprise for Jacquie on Thursday.
--
All the Best
Ian Hoare
http://www.souvigne.com
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