Well today, day 5 of fluffy hair, I have raised a total of £5,000 myself, with a further £2,000 from Katie Wilson who joined me on the day. An amazing achievement - thanks to everyone who has donated.
Last night I attended Michael Cox's last dinner as Master of the Vintners (
www.vintnershall.co.uk) This dinner shall forever be known as the Silence of the Lamb! EDF had an emergency in the area and had to turn off all power. Luckily we managed to plug into the neighbours generator for light but the kitchen was not so lucky. Unfortunately the Lamb main course was un rescuable, but they did a great job of sourcing enough cheese for 150 people!
The menu was Lobster Panna Cotta (absolutely delicious wonderfully soft and creamy, still chilled even with no power),
Cannon of spring Lamb, Spiced Chicken empanada (a reference to the master's day time job of head of wines of Chile), Poached peaches with violet ice cream, and a "last minute selection" of cheese. These were accompanied by an aperitif of Bollinger Special Cuvee (NV), with the colour and flavour of a beautifully mature vintage I was reliably informed of its approximate age as it was in the "old style" bottles! Then 2008 Meursault Cuvee Tete de Murger Domaine Patrick Javillier, another perfectly mature wine, with lots of life, but wonderfully nutty and rich. 1996 Chateau Calon Segur, well decanted to provide a very drinkable wine, it was very special to see the evolution of this wine, and to know that it will still be drinking in 10 or more years. 2001 Chateau Suduiraut, wonderfully truffled and too young, it developed beautifully in the glass. The 1970 Graham was a delight - a pointe. As I had to drive at 2am (on my return to Bristol) I skipped the 1967 Grande Champagne landed 68 bottles 86, but when I do drink the wonderfully mature cognac's at the Hall, they are always honeyed and complex and easily approachable for a non spirit drinker like myself.
