Wed, Jul-31-02, 09:40
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Registered Member
Posts: 368
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Plan: Atkins
Stats: 238/190/155
BF:
Progress: 58%
Location: Maple Ridge, BC
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Simply Great
Another enjoyable evening! There was a harmony of elements that made it seem like the universe was in partnership with Karen on this one.
The evening started with a beautiful white wine on the deck, overlooking the tennis courts. The sun was playing tag with a few clouds, making the evening pleasantly cool. Perfect for sipping wine and mingling with people from all over. There is nothing better than having an interesting conversation on a veranda with a beautiful glass in hand and watching others sweat below. It seems so civilized. Oh, the food?
Karen likes to start things off with a punch it seems. The chilled vegetable soup was unexpected. It had a depth and earthiness that quickly settled me in my place. I was expecting light and airy and was secretly wondering if the white wine was going to have a fight on its hands. The beefiness of the stock simply changed the direction of the evening, avoiding any clash. And the Cinzano Rosso that went with the dish added a sweet herbal note that completed the spectrum of taste.
The Salad continued the earthy notes with the warm Chevres coating the mouth like a soft blanket. This is comfort food and you could see the table relaxing. The greens with a very light balsamic dressing served to keep the cheese from being too overwhelming. They held it in check, but didn't detract. The Blanc de Noir worked a cleansing magic on the palate, making each bite a new experience. Here is a good tip to bring home!
Recent experience made me a bit nervous about the upcoming entree. Few things are worse than overdone tuna. (I should know, I served some to guests recently and had to throw it out and cook something else) But, when I order Grilled Tuna, I don't want to be presented with seared shashimi and an attitide from the waiter that says " Just try to send this back, buster!".
I needn't have worried. The Tuna was perfect, and a quick glance around the table showed that everyone else had the same experience. The herb crust caught me off guard. I expected the pungency of the garlic, but the mint put a refreshing note to the dish. ( At first I thought it was basil.) It was this that began an intriguing dance of elements that was carried on by the accompaning salad. Earth, sea and sky were evident in the play of taste and texture. (Was there a drop of truffle oil in there, or was that my mind running off in creative directions?) The wine played a supportive role and didn't try to bring in anything that would detract from the plate. The rose kept things light , but also kept a note of heartiness to the experience.
Nature was dancing in step with the dinner and a refreshing shower (the only kind we have in Vancouver) came along as dessert was presented. Nuts, cheese, berries and chocolate; worked into a piece of art. What else could you ask for? Well how about a glass of port with a fresh breeze drifting in from the veranda and pleasant conversation with like-minded friends? Oh so civilized!
We missed you Wa'il.
Colin
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