Mixed Lunch 19 April 2016

Our Chef of the Day, Gary Linnane, attracted a large contingent of 48 members and guests of both genders for his Elizabeth David inspired lamb and aubergine stew. He was ably assisted by Mark Bradford and with co-opted support of the two James’s Hill and Healey assembling the array of canapes.

Canapés. We were treated to not one, not two but three canapés hence a production line of assemblers for the large numbers. These were:

•             Smoked salmon and cream cheese on ryebread toasts
•       Southern France based onion and anchovy tart
•       Egg mayonnaise with tapenade on pumpernickel

 All three were snapped up amid a healthy background of frivolity and laughter

Aperitif wine. Paul Ferman provided a range of aperitif wines soundly anchored with the Marc Bredif Vouvray Brut NV sparkler. This went like the proverbial hotcakes. Also served were the Belgravia Apex Chardonnay 2010, the Denmar Chardonnay 2010 (both also much liked) and our regular Lustau sherry.

Main course. Gary’s lamb shoulder stew with aubergine and mint came to the table on brown rice which gave it a nutty accompanying flavour. On the table to go with it was a yogurt and cucumber mixture and a mango chutney. Comments from the floor about the tender flesh, flavours and presentation indicated that the dish hit the spot as a lovely autumn course.

The wines.

•          Domaine Anne Gros & Jean-Paul Tollot 'La 50-50'  2012 (Languedoc-Roussillon)
•          Eden Road The Long Road Syrah 2013 (Canberra District)
•          Chateau Teyssier Pezat 2010 (Saint Emillion Grand Cru)
•          Hugel Gewurztraminer 2012 (Alsace)

The first two reds were both mid-bodied wines which well matched the subtle flavours of the lamb dish. Opions varied as to the better match but neither overpowered the meal. Carignan was the dominant grape in the first wine from the Minervios region.

With the cheese there was a stark difference between the softer merlot based St Emillion and the fruity Gewurztraminer from that fine maker Hugel. That difference was reflected in the diversity of comments. Some felt that the white was out of place as a match for the hard cheese whilst some defended the match. Either way most enjoyed both wines no matter the match.

Cheese and coffee. James Healey presented the “king” of Italian cheeses, a Cravero Parmigiano Reggiano. James and Gary both bought their distinctive Parmesan cheese knifes to serve the cheese already dismembered. There was also honey on each table for those of that persuasion. The two old year cheese was beautifully moist with some nuttiness and was served with fruit bread. The 3 kg served was just a chip off the full 36 kg wheel that left Emilia-Romagno.

Coffee provided by Spencer Ferrier was Pearl from the Goroka region of Papua New Guinea. It presented with a sweet lighter flavour.

The President closed the lunch by thanking the large contingent of ladies for their company.