Reginald P. Smithers III wrote:


Chuck,
I have never had a 9 course meal with 5 or 6 matching wines. What is
the price tag on this extravagant dinner out.



To appreciate the value, it wouldn't be useful to consider the price
alone.

Each diner gets a beautifully illustrated "program" outlining the
evening's fare.
Ours read,

A Menu for The Hunter's Table, Friday December 8, 2006

(1st course): Hunting at the Edge of the Sea. Cauliflower and Fenugreek
Soup with Silvered Sea Scallop and Paddlefish Caviar. Kushi Oyster with
Sunchokes. Rosemary Mussel Skewer. (wine pairing): 1999 Argyle Brut
from Magnum (note, we were given a choice of various herbs to drop
into the argyle brut to give it a special "nose", I selected the
geranium rose. Wonderful combination)

(2nd course): Slow Roasted Black Cod and Salsify. With Frothy Sea
Urchin-Chervil Sauce.
(wine pairing): 2004 Ponzi Vineyard Pinot Blanc, Aurora Vineyard

(3rd course): Berkshire Pork Belly. With Vanilla Parsnips, Quince, and
Saffron Cider Sauce
(wine pairing): 2005 Chateau Ste. Michelle Reisling, Indian Wells
(this relatively common wine was our favorite, as well as the favorite
of some of our table mates)

(4th course): Braised Bay-Scented Partridge. With Chnaterells, Delicata
Squash, Chestnuts, and Brussel Sprouts. (wine pairing): 2004 L'Herb
Sauvage Pinot Noir, Grapes of Wrath

(5th course): Orgeon Fallow Venison. Herb-Crusted Saddle with Golden
Beets and Fennel, Braised Shank on Bolete Bread Pudding with
Huckleberries (wine pairing): 2002 Northstar Merlot, Columbia Valley

(6th course): Estrella Red Darla Cheese with Spice Bread and Tart
Cherry Compote

(7th course): Amagaki Persimmon with Cranberry-Orange Thyme Sorbet

(8th course): The Hunter's Reward. Carmelized Apple Souffle' with
Spiced Custard Sauce.Butterscotch Creme Brulee with Gingercake.
Chocolate Jasmine Napoleon.

A choice of brewed coffees, teas, and infusions.

(9th course): A selection of small treats (hand crafted chocolates and
tiny pastries)
(wine pairing) Vintage 1912 Barbeito Bual Madeira

"Ok," said Reggie, "but what does it cost?"

About what you'd spend for one afternoon's fuel bill running a pair of
460 4-bbl's with gas at $4 a gallon. :-)

More specifically, If they nail you for anything in the gift lobby- (my
wife was going on and on- and on some more- about how much she really
liked some of the titanium crystal stemware. Not entirely immune to a
well dropped hint, I made a trip "to the restroom" and bought her a set
of six to be wrapped and given to her when we stopped at coat check
when departing)- expect to drop about half a yard. Last night's event
was a fete for the founder's and directors of a local bank, where my
wife was one of the founders and works as CFO.

****************************

I'll see if I can get any good photos of the lighted boat parade this
evening.