It was an expectant group that met on the terrace of etHo’s, the newly-opened restaurant in Kalim. High above Patong Bay we had an amazing view of the sunset and as darkness fell, the masses of lights from Patong City. 

Before we took our seats for dinner, finger food was passed around accompanied by Bellavista Alma Franciacorta Cuvee Brut. Our Bailli Ian Lancaster welcomed everyone and introduced our guests of whom we had an unusually high number as the event coincided with a 20-year reunion. This group filled more than one table, together with other guests who occasionally live on our island.

Officier Maître Restaurateur Thomas Brack explained the items on the menu, while Vice-Chargé de Missions Toby Lauinger talked about the wine choices.

MENU

Amuse Bouche
Pomelo pink grapefruit ravioli with honey jelly grapefruit sorbet

Smoked scallops, confit pig cheek with parsley butter sauce
Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling, Dr. Loosen 2015

Smoked salmon, sous-vide duck egg
 sweet peas, pickled onion
Barbera d’Alba Peiragal, Marchesi di Barolo 2012

Liquid Parmesan gnocchi and mushroom infusion
Aglianico del Vulture Titolo, Elena Fucci 2009

Squid ink pasta, seared rock lobster, spicy red curry
Rias Baixas Alvariño, Bodegas Martin Codax 2016

Veal tenderloin grilled, braised shanks
purple potatoes mashed, pickled onion, apple, carrots, parsley roots
Napanook, Dominus Estate, Napa Valley 2009

Tomme de Savoie, Camembert, Manchego, goat’s cheese
fig, grapes and nut bread
Clos d’Agon, Spain 2011

Thomas Brack and his team had taken a culinary leap with a menu influenced by Mediterranean cuisine including some recipes from the famous El Bulli in Spain. Among my favourites were the liquid Parmesan gnocchi, which released an intense flavour as you bit into them.

At the end of the dinner the staff members were thanked for an outstanding performance. Everyone received the Bailliage’s Certificate of Appreciation.

All in all it was a wonderful evening. By the end we had made many new friends and we went home with a real sense of satisfaction. Now everyone is eagerly awaiting the Bailliage’s 15th Anniversary Chapitre on November 25th at the Hyatt Regency.

Lena Willoch
Vice-Chargée de Presse

Photos courtesy of Wolfgang Wolf