Bailliage members and their guests gathered at The Reefs Hotel and Spa to enjoy a wonderful dinner to celebrate the festive season.

The evening began with delicious passed hors d’oeuvres that were nicely complemented by Champagne Gosset Grande Réserve and Umberto Cesari ‘Moma’ Spumante. After time spent chatting whilst meeting friends and new, we were seated for dinner in a festively decorated dining room.

The first course was beautifully-poached sea bass with a chestnut purée and crispy kale. The dish was nicely balanced in terms of flavour and colour with an added element of crunchiness. A glass of Mullineux Old Vines South Africa 2014 brought out the highlights of the dish.

Next we were treated to a trio of duck: a magret prepared sous vide, prosciutto and confit. This was presented with a pumpkin croquette and cranberry gastrique adding ingredients typically found in conventional Christmas dishes. An always pleasing Isola e Olena Cepparello 2010 was the perfect partner.

Loin of venison with lamb belly and pickled root vegetables followed. The venison was fork tender; the pickled vegetables added a pleasing contrast to the dish. The inspired wine choice was a Rhône: Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009 from Domaine du Pégau.

Spice cake with a chai mousse, salted caramel and mango coulis satisfied everybody’s sweet tooth. The special Sauternes 2006 that was served with it was a real treat for us all.

We rounded out the evening with a small plate of cheeses; Bardwell Farm Pawlet and Stilton with honey and figs worked perfectly with the 1991 Graham’s Vintage Port.

After the dinner we danced until midnight then it was nice to simply go to one’s bedroom for the night rather than having to take a long taxi ride home!

Jack Rhind
Chargé de Presse