Every once in a while, the stars align: a magical setting. The flickering call and response of candlelight touches the senses.
The right group of friends. Cool night breezes filled with laughter and conversations that run deep and late into the night.
And, of course, the food...the fancy, incredible food. The meal itself...love incarnate. Blood Orange Martinis prepare our palates for miniature blintzes dolloped in salmon cream followed by sips of ice cold, luxury Dutch vodka. Sautéed radicchio leaves wrap and lovingly showcase asparagus, prosciutto and cheese, while pairing well with fifteen year old French Champagne.
Endive from Belgium drizzled generously with a bright, white-balsamic vinaigrette, easily cradle pungent Danish blue cheese and crunchy, candied-pecans. Warm, crusty rolls begin to make their way around the table....still more French Champagne to enjoy.
Then, lobster done two ways....first bisqued, then tails stuffed with crab, lobster and buttery cream. The tails sit atop clouds of creamy Yukon Golds and saddle nicely with tender green beans doused in a warm bacon-shallot vinaigrette.
Tender Italian white wine and bold California Chardonnays quench the palate as the homemade bread makes another pass around the table.
The red wines begin to surface just in time for a decadent offering of indulgent, molten chocolate cake presented with vanilla ice cream and sprinkled gingerly with cocoa dust and a smattering of confectioner's sugar. Sliced, sweet strawberries generously round out the plate, as well as our stomachs.
While the wines of Oregon, Washington, California, France and Italy kept us in high spirits...tea, coffee and water kept us grounded.
This type of cherished evening does leave you pining for more stories, smiles and memories of friends...but mostly...for another supper club.
Can't wait until the next one.
Cathy is currently in the development stages of her vineyard and winery in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. She is a food writer for Davis Life Magazine and blogs daily about wine, food and everyday living. She lives with her husband and two sons. You can visit her at noblepig.com.