Our Second High Table

Compare, contrast . . . well first, yesterday was a gorgeous, sunny mild day. And when I heard the bells ringing joyously throughout mid-afternoon, I wondered what the occasion was. Seemed too early for Kate to have had her royal baby. Upon asking, I was informed that it was St. George's Day, patron saint of England. The Evensong service yesterday evening also payed homage to the saint, and we had our socks knocked off by some gorgeous choral pieces.

As it turned out, I did not need to feign laryngitis. The participants of last night's High Table, while extremely advanced in their fields of study, were sociable, friendly and kind. And many of them  quite young. At Second Dessert, Greg and I were the oldest people there by far. It was once again a really fun evening! A tad less formal - the men just wore jackets and ties, Greg once again looking smashing (yes, I'll have to get a picture for posterity). But dinner was alot more interesting last night! Sunday's meal was pleasant but unremarkable. But here is last night's menu:

The Soup Course

A tiny, almost demi-tasse of cream of asparagus soup, with a delicately crispy

medallion of a lacy cheese "cracker" on the side.

The Salad Course

A delicious, also petite, crab salad, sitting on very thinly sliced cucumbers, with halved grape tomatoes for a splash of color. Really yummy!

The wine pairing for the above: Chablis Alain Bretin 2011

The Entree

A sort of Pork Wellington, but imagine the pastry part being almost like a mullioned window - it wasn't solid, but rather like my fishnet stockings from the other night. Except pastry. Curious comparison, I know, but it's the best way I can describe it! Accompanying this were tiny peeled baby potatoes, and a lovely mix of grilled zucchini (called courgettes over here) and diced butternut squash. 

The wine with dinner: Gigondas Les Pierre du Vallet 2010

Dessert

Mango & Coconut Sponge with Chilled Vanilla Cream Sauce

It was all really delicious. And again, such interesting people. We could get used to this, but alas! one thing I learned yesterday is that you can only be a Visiting Fellow here but once. So we will just savor it as much as we can. Carpe diem.