It’s the most wonderful time of the year, is not entirely an expression that most in the hospitality industry would concur with. It’s certainly the busiest time of the year for most, and there is hardly time for time off or even a break as we lay tables time and time again, cook and cook some more, and endlessly wash up. However many have childhood memories of Christmas’s past, magic – secrets and surprises.
It was with this in mind and before the season started in full swing Gastronomes were offered the chance of The President’s Mystery Christmas Luncheon. A central London venue with a full four-course luncheon at a price that suggested excellence. In the spirit of Christmas and the objectives of the Gastronomes “To wine and dine and to discuss matters of common interest.”
A limited ticket allocation on a first-come, first-serve basis, offering eager excitement to discover the venue and the fare.
The booked attendees did not learn of the venue until three days before the event, so we gathered.
The venue the iconic Brooks’s Club in the heart of Mayfair where they have been since the 1700’s existing in sweet anonymity. Our host the Club Secretary and fellow Gastronome. Some had been to the Club in September 2019 attending the Annual Grouse Supper but several had never been – so excitement and enthusiasm abounded.
We were not to be disappointed. Greeted in the lobby and directed to the first floor. Our dining room laid. One long table to accommodate the 22 attendees. A glass of the House ‘Bubbles’ were offered. Brooks’s English Sparking Wine, Blanc de Noirs – made by the Balfour Winery in Staplehurst. So we gathered and had our palates tickled further with Welsh Rabbit, Slices of Sausage Roll with a Sweet Conserve and Freshly Baked Crab Tarts. Glasses were topped up till we were summoned to take our places for Lunch. The President rose and welcomed everyone and said Grace.
Our excitement and culinary adventure began.
Baked Diver Scallops, Smoked Eel & Seaweed Butter
Pouilly-Fuissé ‘Terroir’ Domaine Sève 2022
Four beautifully seared Scallops sitting on a bed of chopped Smoked Eel and Seaweed Butter. Flavourful and unctuous yet light and delicious. The wine, – aromas of white flowers and citrus fruits with hints of minerality. Buttery on the palate with a good acidity.
Assiette of Veal,
Roast Fillet, Crispy Sweetbread, Braised Cheek,
Smoked Garlic Mash, Fondue of Brussel Sprouts & Bacon,
Crushed Carrot & Celeriac
Château Potensac 2015 Médoc 2015
The plate a sight for the eyes to devour, textures, colours, a confusion where to start but each mouthful exploding with more flavours and diversity. The wine, from the Delon family, owners of Leoville Las Cases in Saint Julien and Nenin in Pomerol. One of the showpieces of the Médoc, it had strong Cabernet flavours that gave both dry tannins and juicy black currant fruits. It had good minerality, deep blackcurrant and cherry fruit, medium body and a nice, spicy, earthy mouthfeel.
Goats Cheese & Autumn Truffle, Twice Baked Souffle
As this was delivered, you were immediately struck by the woody vapours wafting up to your nostrils from the Truffle Shavings. The combination of the Truffle and the light, fluffy Goat’s Cheese Souffle underneath again kept the taste buds aglow with excitement.
Christmas Baked Alaska
Château Rieussec, 1er Cru Classé, Sauternes, 2015
Without a doubt a triumph a classic combination with a twist. Ice Cream, Christmas Pudding and Crispy Meringue. Not too heavy, just enough sweetness and spice to warm you with the nostalgia of Christmas. Who could possibly not be delighted to sip this wonderful Sauternes evoking the sumptuousness of the occasion.
Coffee and Mini Mince Pies
Taylor’s 10 Year Old Tawny
As the afternoon lingered on with vibrant conversations and memories a few words of ‘Thanks’ to our host for the delightful repast and hospitality. Flagged as a true example of our beloved industry at its best. A last drink in the Library allowing our dining room to be relayed for an evening dinner for 90. Then, into the chill of St James’s seeking a further ‘one for the road,’ We were all of good cheer, and yes, ‘We must do it again next year.’ Another ‘Mystery Christmas Lunch’ The gauntlet has been laid.
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