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Brasteds AGM Dinner 4 December 2009

The 9th Annual General Meeting of the IWFS East Anglia Branch was held in a restaurant just outside Norwich called “Brasteds”

As neither of us wanted to drive to this prestigious event, we decided to taxi there and during the journey we kept reminding ourselves that on no account should we forget the “R” in the name.  Fortunately none of the party did this even after several drinks!

The welcome to this “fine restaurant” was warm and genuine. We were immediately provided with a glass of “Prosecco” which we savoured very slowly accompanied by some very fine canapés. Well, the first glass was slow, the next one not quite so and those who managed a third (as the service was very attentive)-  I am just glad we were ushered very gently to our table.

The setting was perfect for our AGM, the table being ideal in size for the 16 who attended. We were informed by the other members that the formalities of the AGM would be over fairly quickly and would not distract from the main theme of the evening, that is the food and drink!  Our Chairman or Chairwoman in this instance (Melanie Benns) rapidly went through the agenda ensuring that both the secretary and treasurer were able to make their reports.  There were no startling revelations and even the treasurer was able to report a healthy financial balance. Following a few thank you’s and reappointments the AGM was duly closed.

We were now ready for the first course.

The spiced parsnip veloute was presented in a small cup and accompanied by a fruity New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc called “Paua Bay” from Marlborough. The wine chosen matched and enhanced the spiciness of the veloute which was perfect in terms of consistency and seasoning, the perfect dish to whet the appetite.

Nick, our host for the evening, described in more detail where the wine was grown and then presented with the next course, another Sauvignon Blanc but this time a Sancerre “ Domaine Fouassier”.

Following the starter our next course was seared fillet of sea bass on pickled vegetables with a chervil foam, for those who managed to have several glasses of the Prosecco we were rapidly becoming a little like the vegetables this beautiful piece of fish was sitting on.

As mentioned the freshness of the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc had now been replaced by the much more mature Sancerre.  Nick informed us why a grape could produce two different styles and yet still contain the basic characteristics of the variety.

The main meat dish followed, a tournedos of beef wrapped in home-smoked bacon, accompanied by a Rioja Crianza which we were told was a second growth Rioja, thus differentiating itself from a reserva.

The wine had been decanted which allowed it to breathe and become more complex. Later on in the evening we experimented with another red wine from Lebanon called Chateau Musar. Seeing whether decanting really made a difference – it did! I wonder if Father Christmas has any in stock?

The beef was perfectly cooked with just the right amount of pink meat and extremely tender. The accompanying vegetables ensured we reached our “5” a day and the light jus was just as described.

Fortunately we were now able to have a little rest before pudding and again Nick, the perfect host, enlighted us with his wine knowledge and answered questions from the table, though he did not know the answer to “Where do lentils come from?” or “Where does yeast come from?” – we were beginning to digress!

A traditional tart tatin was served next with brown bread ice cream. An unusual combination but reflected the bravery and ingenuity of the restaurant.

Again another short break which allowed the males in the party to move two places down, most were able to still count, others did their best!

During the interval before cheese short auction took place and the raffle was drawn, another useful way to get Christmas presents for the family without having to go shopping, both helping to raise funds for the society.

The cheese selection arrived, washed down by further glasses of the Rioja

At midnight most of our taxis were waiting to escort us home, some fond farewells were made and the hope that the next event would be just as good.

Overall a very pleasant evening, with great food perfectly matched wines and excellent service – lets hope we return soon.

Ed & Rachel Lancaster
07 December 2009