Last night I had the great honour to attend one of these events for the first time. It was also my first time in full "Black Tie" penguin suit and dicky-bow. It was held at The Dial in Elmdon - a nice traditional pub that seemed to serve good ale.
Tom, I and his 36 other guests feasted on the fillets of 6 cows, all of which seem to have been cooked to perfection. Being the Birthday Boy Tom had a 48oz fillet, 1 oz for each of his 48 years. I and the others had to make do with the smaller 22oz fillets
The meal was accompanied by a magnificent array of wines - Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2002 and 2007 (02 better than 07) with the smoked haddock starter and D'Issan 1988, 1989 and 1990 (90 magnificent, 89 very good, 88 seemed to have a flaw) with the cow. Singapore Sling and Murph cocktails were thrown in for good measure.
Last but not least was the Port course - accompanied by tropical fruit salad, Montezuma chocolate and Stilton for those who could still eat. There was Offley Boa Vista 1983 for the masses and Delaforce 1935 for those who could appreciate the difference. Both showed very well.
After dinner we were entertained by the magical powers of Phil Perry and then some good old beer swigging English folk music from The Walden Buskers - think Morris Dancers without the sticks and bells and you'll get the idea.
Back at Tom's we polished off the remains of a Delaforce 1960 and a SW Madalena 1988. I think they were good but by then things were getting slightly hazy.
An excellent evening for which I am extremely grateful to have been invited to attend.
Thanks Tom, and happy birthday.
Derek
