For this week, prep time was at a minimum, and our trio could not all be together, but Monday Night Dining, like “the show” must go on. For our pre-Thanksgiving MND, we have invited Jennifer and Virginia to join us. The menu this week was partially inspired by the cooler weather and partly because we had a pheasant in the freezer. So maybe the theme is soups and stews, with pheasant…. Or maybe just comfort food.
Our guests arrived with wonderful wines, to go with the meal. We had a bit of a catch up, while sipping on Astoria – Prosecco Doc, which also paired with our first course, Fresh tomato soup with garlic crostini and basil.
The tomatoes, and basil, were fresh from the garden. Soup seems like a simple thing, but the freshness is what sets this soup apart.
Next it was time to open Jennifer’s bottle, Flat Rock Cellars – 2013 Pinot Noir. This paired beautifully with the pappardelle and pheasant ragu.
The rich and aromatic pheasant with fresh pasta, was true comfort food, for this time of year.
We were actually a bit ahead of schedule, so we had time for a bit of a chin wag about music, fund-raising and life. Then we moved on to the dessert. An old favorite, Chocolate Pot de Crème, with raspberries.
We contemplated opening a dessert wine, but then we would definitely be ensconced for the night and end up singing drunkenly around the piano…. OK, it was a close decision, but clearer heads prevailed and we had our dessert and some tea and headed out into the cool night, to sing Berlioz, Mahler and Martin.
With Thanksgiving looming on the horizon, our thoughts turn to the special things in our lives. We think of family and friends, and things that we have accomplished. When our regular Monday night dinners started, it was to support a friend. I am thankful for Shawn, for making that phone call, and inviting Steph for dinner, that first time, because that one act has allowed us to expand our friendships, thank some of the people in our lives and challenge ourselves, in the kitchen. It has been life changing for us. This week our trio may have been short one very special member, but Monday Night Dining continued, with dear friends, spirited conversation, and good wine, we managed to keep the spirit warm, against the cooler weather outside. And we are thankful for you, for joining us in our adventure through food, companionship, and wine, through this blog.
Um, no one told me there was an option to open another bottle, and sing drunkenly around the piano! That is when I do some of my best work! Next time. It was a lovely dinner, interesting conversation, and fine company. As usual. Thanks, boys! And, thanks for kick starting a week and a bit of thanks giving, great food, and endless blessings. VE.
There is always that option… We just usually resist. Was tough this week, as “the cat was away”
It’s been a whirlwind of a week, and I missed my Monday Night medicine! On to the back end of this term already, and looking ahead to lots of food and music to come : )