Last year, for my birthday, Don bought tickets for two dinners at Hester Creek. We had such a great time, we bought two dinner/classes this year for our Anniversary. We absolutely love these dinners-you try foods you probably wouldn’t make at home and…here it gets funny; you meet some really nice people. We did last year. Now, here is the rest of the story.
We arrived at Hester Creek, a little earlier than the stated time. Said our hellos to Paul Cecconi of Brodo Kitchen and his Sous Chef Haun (sp). So happy to see these two working together again and, Roger, Chef of Hester Creek. To us, it is like old home week.
We find our place at the table, where you oversee and learn how these dishes are prepared and, lo and behold, a group of 8 come in and sit down, as well as two other couples at the opposite end of the table. We introduce ourselves and realize they are the very same “crazy 8” we sat with, laughed with and ate our dinner with last year. Not only that, we were sitting in the very same seats. And the fun begins…..
Our menu for the evening was paired with wines of Hester Creek:
Beef Carpaccio Crostini with a 2012 Pinot Blanc – both were fabulous
Lobster Bisque with spiced cream and Gruyere Crumble-same wine-again. fabulous
Fall Squash Perogies with Chorizo-sidestrip Prawn saute, Argula, roasted garlic sage cream, paired with a 2012 Chardonnay. This was tasty and we are starting to moan….yet another two courses to go.
Heritage Angus Veal Cheeks and Crispy Sweetbreads over three cheese polenta, pickled yellow and red beet rounds, topped with a red wine reduction. The wine was a perfect 2011 Reserve Merlot.
Spartan Apple Doughnuts, with Rosemary caramel and lemon chantilly cream paired with a lovely 2012 Late Harvest Pinot Blanc. OMG these were super delicious.
What a super night for a couple of reasons. We watch Roger assist with the service of the dinner and you never see so much as a hint of ego between the three chefs. Gotta love that. And our 8 new friends. We love that you were here again and that you didn’t throw us out. Instead, we started planning a get together at our place while they are here again in two years and, once again, attend another cooking class dinner at Hester Creek. ( Apparently, it has to be 2 years….they think taking a European River cruise is more fun….go figure!)
Thank you Don for our gift together, Hester Creek and Roger for having these dinners, Chef Paul and Haun (sp) and our new friends. Great night-many laughs. See you in 2 years……and don’t forget the seafood.
Roger, we will be back on Wednesday for your class.
