On a beautiful spring day the Bailliage held its Annual General Meeting at Restaurant De Soester Duinen. The meeting was followed by a lunch attended by 30 members. Also present were Marcel and Anna van der Plank from the Bailliage of Netherlands Antilles.
 
After the AGM we were entertained on the sunny terrace with glasses of Veuve du Vernay Brut beautifully combining with an amuse-bouche of scallop mousse with a jelly of langoustine and herring caviar.

Chef Tim Middag prepared a delicious four-course lunch for us. As an appetizer there were three preparations of sea bass: tartare, ceviche and grilled fillet with a cream of avocado and a clear tomato broth. Riesling Vinicola Decordi 2016 from the Oltrepo Pavese in Italy was the chosen wine.

Next was soft cooked halibut on brandade with smoked mackerel, soft veal gravy and duck liver. This was partnered by a wonderful 2016 Chardonnay from McManis Vineyards in California.

The main course consisted of a rack of lamb with a crispy crust, cream of peas, pommes fondant and its own gravy. The 2015 Pinot Noir from Cellier du Pic in the Pays d’Oc region of France was an inspired selection by the Sommelier.

Always looking forward to a delicious dessert, the mango, passion fruit and white chocolate creation was a hit. Coffee or tea with homemade friandises concluded the menu.

Conseiller Gastronomique Piet van den Bosch, who was full of praise and heartily complimented the kitchen and service brigades, commented on the menu. The wines were evaluated by Argentier Albert de Vink.

A National Bailliage certificate of appreciation was presented to Chef Tim Middag and the two brigades.

This was an event successful in all respects.

Jan Wever
Bailli, Bailliage of Central and Western Netherlands