Dinner following the Annual General Meeting – National Liberal Club, Monday, 9th March 2020
The National Liberal Club (NLC) is a private members’ club, open to both men and women. It was established by William Ewart Gladstone in 1882. The Club’s Italianate building is in Whitehall Place and is on the Embankment of the river Thames. More information on the Club can be found at: http://www.nlc.org.uk
Champagne reception
Members were welcomed to a Champagne reception in the Club’s Smoking Room, by Club Secretary, and Fellow Gastronome, Simon Roberts.
Champagne Beaumet Cuvée Brut NV
Refreshing, complex and traditional style of Champagne made from a blend of the three main Champagne grapes.
Smoked Eel, Swordfish and Tuna, Apple and Celeriac Remoulade
Very tasty selection of smoked fish set of nicely against the refreshing apple and celeriac roulade.
The Hermit Crab, Viognier, Marsanne, D’Arenberg, McLaren Vale, South Australia, 2018
From the Adelaide Hills, this pale gold coloured blend of the white Southern Rhône grapes, Viognier (84%) Marsanne (16%), came with floral and flinty overtones and a dry fruity finish. The Hermit Crab name reflects the free-draining soils of the vineyard, underlain with limestone, formed by the calcareous marine remains. ‘Hermit’ is also an abbreviation for the French appellation of Hermitage.
Saddle of Rabbit stuffed with Tarragon and Spinach, served with a Dijon Mustard Sauce, Anna Potatoes and Assorted Root Vegetables
Splendid, well executed example of proper food, with the sauce presented on the table in individual boats for guests to help themselves. Every plate on the table was empty at the end.
Mercurey, Vieilles Vignes, Domaine Theulot Juillot, 2016
Luscious and concentrated flavour expression of dry 100% Pinot Noir wine from the Côte Chalonnaise.
Kirsch Soaked Cherries, Mascarpone Cream, Brandy Snap and Chocolate Soil
The gorgeously tart, Kirsch infused, cherries offset the indulgent cream filled brandy snaps. It reminded many of us of the brandy snaps we had as a childhood treat.
Château Jolys, Cuvée Jean, Domaines Latrille, Jurançon, 2016
Great example of a luscious and balanced dessert wine from the Petit Manseng grape, made by Domaines Latrille in South West France.
Harlech Cheese Soufflé
Rich and flavoursome cheese soufflé served butler (royal) style with members helping themselves from the large soufflé dishes. Made by Abergavenny Fine Foods, this Welsh strong creamy cheese is blended with horseradish and parsley. It takes its name from the Welsh Warriors of the Middle Ages.
15 Years Old Malvasia Henriques & Henriques
Malvasia Malmsey is the richest and sweetest style of Malmsey Madeira, made from the white Malvasia grapes.
Coffee and Chocolates
Taylor’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 2014
Ruby style port with 20% alcohol and a deep dark ruby red colour, a complex nose and a powerful and elegant taste, with balanced sweetness and a light tannic bite
The Loyal Toast was proposed by the President, Alison Frith, who also proposed the santé du chef et du service. Appreciative thanks were given to Chef Ken Milne and his team and Laura Simkute and her service team in the room.
Grateful thanks were also given to Club Secretary and Fellow Gastronome, Simon Roberts for hosting the event.
Pictures by Demir Ozyurt, text by Gastronome John Cousins