While some escape to sunnier climes at this time of the year, those left at home to enjoy a glorious English Summer. Sometimes cloudy, sometimes sunshine, and even the occasional rainy spot; nevertheless, we never miss the opportunity to have a day out enjoying genuine hospitality when we were given the opportunity to attend a luncheon at Phyllis Court, Henley on the Thames. Our host, Reunion de Gastronome member Chris Hogan, Chief Executive and Club Secretary.
Members of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London also joined us at the President’s kind invitation.
Chris had organised the day. We were to arrive at 10:30 for morning coffee, served on the upper deck of the pavilion on the Riverside. Everybody arrived in summer outfits, hats, and sunglasses, which were not needed. We took coffee and then duly invited to board the Mississippi ship that was moored on the quayside for our entertainment. A gentle cruise on the river and the delightful sound of two musicians playing on the stern. The weather was a little inclement but did not deter us from lively conversation tickled by the bubbles of Charles Heidsieck Champagne, Brut Reserve. NV supplied by Liberty Wine Merchants, both members of the Reunion des Gastronomes and the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London intermingled, delighting in each other’s company.
As we meandered down the river, we enjoyed looking at the enormous houses with their manicured lawns, which presented themselves sometimes just barely being seen through mature trees. Eventually, it was time to turn and meander back to the club.
We arrived at the quayside and made our way back to the upper floor of the pavilion to imbibe more Charles Heidsieck Champagne or soft drinks and presented with delightful Canapes of Mini Welsh rabbit, Wasabi Lime Watermelon, Warm Spiced Beef on Crouton with Horseradish.
Our next destination was the dining room, a light, open-air space on the riverbank. Its panoramic glazing offered breathtaking views of the Henley on Thames Bridge, the Leander Club across the river, and remnants of the recent Henley Royal Regatta. The picturesque setting added a touch of elegance to our luncheon.
Our luncheon started with a welcome from the Reunion des Gastronomes President, Bill Brogan who invited members of the Reunion to introduce their guests. Gastronome Member Paul Wenham, the Clerk of the Glass Sellers Company, gave a brief outline of the Glass Sellers and its connection with Henley on Thames. George Ravenscroft having a Glasshouse which he’d set up in the 1670s blowing glass vessels. The Glass Sellers had agreed to purchase all that he made. The Glasshouse was thought to have been at Bell St. Henley. The Clerk then introduced the visiting Glass Sellers. The Master Glass Seller, The Mistress Glass Seller the Master Mariner, and the other company members.
Chris Hogan, Chief Executive of Phyllis Court, did a brief club history and the services they provided and wished everybody a pleasant day and hoped they would all enjoy the experience. Grace was then said by Gastronome Gaye Billard, and luncheon was served
Baskets of local Sourdough with whipped butter arrived, complementing our Amuse Bouche of Wild Mushroom Velouté with lightly whipped Truffle Cream served in demitasse.
The culinary journey continued with a duo of Smoked Salmon Tartare and Trout Rillette accompanied by a Pouilly-Fume, Domaine de Bel Air 2023. The delicate flavors of the seafood and the crispness of the wine danced on our palates, setting the stage for the rest of the meal.
Moving on to plates of Barbary Duck Breast, Sweet Potato Fondants, Confit Endive, Edamame, and Sour Cherry Jus, delightfully paired with a Pinot Noir, Tinpot Hut, Marlborough, NZ 2020, a light, beautiful red wine ably complementing the Duck Breast.
A slight pause and dessert arrived: a Strawberry Macaroon filled with Sliced Strawberries, Strawberry Curd, and a Mint Pesto, a treat, glasses of chilled Chateau Delmonde, Sauternes 2022, sweet on the palate yet cleansing and delicious.
If this was not enough, we were entertained further with Cheese platters. A selection of Bix Soft Cheese, Witheridge in Hay and Highmore served with Millers Crackers and Homemade Chutney, Celery, and accompanied by Offley 10-year-old Tawny Port. Coffee and Petit Four were then served.
The customary toasts followed ‘The King’: a toast to the Guests – Gastronome Chris Stern, a toast to the Town Members of the Gastronomes, Gastronome John Hyde CBE, a toast to the Country Members of the Gastronomes, Gastronome Paul Wenham, a toast to the retired members of the Gastronomes, Gastronome Richard Hannay, and a warm toast proposed by the President welcoming members of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London.
The President then raised a toast to the staff Santé to Chef and Service and all rose to thank the staff.
The President wished everyone farewell and safe journeys home
The afternoon had sped by for many, it had been a full afternoon, and the time had passed rather more quickly than expected. Some of them were to gather later in the evening for an early evening supper whilst staying overnight. Others made their way to stations and awaiting cars taking them homeward, no doubt falling asleep on the way, after a very satisfying and enjoyable Summer’s Day out. The Gastronomes and the Glass Sellers had enjoyed each other’s company, made new friends, and engaged with others they’d known for some time.
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