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REPORT FOR THE WORLD OF TASTE FUNDRAISING DINNER 3RD JUNE 2006
The weather was kind and the evening of 3rd June 2006, the date for Slow
Food Cornwall’s World of Taste Fundraising Dinner arrived. This was the
last of 20 such events around the UK, all of which had featured products
from the Foundation’s ‘Ark of Taste’ and the Slow Food Presidia.
We were so lucky to be able to hold the dinner in the Gallery at the
spectacular Eden Project. The event was well attended with over 90
guests and Slow Food Members from near and far.
On arrival, guests were greeted with a Plymouth Gin cocktail which many
chose to enjoy on the terrace overlooking the biomes. It was a pleasant
start to a slow and delightful journey through a varied menu of local
Cornish foods and Slow Food Presidia products prepared by Paul Drye of
St Austell Brewery. He was ably assisted by Lauren Menzies and her Eden
Project team.
First, there was a welcome and introduction to Slow Food from Bob Lindo
(ex-Leader of Slow Food Cornwall) and Katy Davidson (new Leader SFC).
Then, whilst sampling antipasti of finest olives, plump fresh figs and
marinated Cornish salt pilchard accompanied by Grana Pradano Cheese and
Rosemary Focaccia bread served with dipping oil, guests were entertained
by performance poet Murray Lachlan Young.
The next courses were equally mouthwatering, beginning with slivers of
Slow Food Ark Air Dried Herdwick Mutton served over a medley of summer
leaves with smoked almonds. This was most popular with many guests and
there were many whispered requests for ‘seconds’ on my table.
This was closely followed by beautifully presented plates of Chargrilled
Gurnard with wild garlic butter served on a bed of crushed early Cornish
potatoes. Absolute heaven!
The sweets were equally tempting – very light vanilla Panna Cotta with
Balsamic Strawberries. Then it was on to the cheeses which included Slow
Food Presidia products – Montgomery Cheddar, Westcombe Cheddar, Kirkhams
Lancashire and Whalesborough Cornish Crumbly, Lightwood Chaser and
Cornish Blue.
This sumptuous spread was washed down by very enjoyable Sicilian wines
that complimented the food admirably.
The evening was rounded off with a lively and thought-provoking talk by
Dick Strawbridge. He recounted hilarious stories of his move to Cornwall
and his family’s adaptation to the often ‘quirky’ ways of the natives!
To finish, there was Guatemalan coffee and handmade chocolates, plus the
raffle draw which had many generous prizes from friends, suppliers and
sponsors of the event.
As the evening rolled on and the biomes glowed in the moonlight, the
party drew to a close. Guests were given ‘surprise’ goodie bags as a
reminder of their evening and began the long winding climb back to the
car parks…..no longer sadly in the slow lane….
A good time was had by all…hopefully we will do this again very soon!
Helen Hatcher
- Thanks
- Recipes
- Quotes |
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