Feast and Famine...

Sometimes the Feeder gropes for penetrating and interesting subjects (resulting in those insipid and shallow reportage), and then sometimes there’s a plethora of things that need relating.

As readers will recall, when last we touched finger to key (previously known as pen to paper), MFO and I were ready to leave for Easton on the Eastern Shore. We did. And enjoyed. Since we parted, we have had seven food experiences, ranging from outstanding to less than memorable. Each has its own story, and in my dogged dedication to duty, In the next few days, I’ll try to relate the story of the important ones.

But, just to give a little taste (pun intended), I’ll whittle down by at least one to lessen the burden in the next couple of days.

Fast forwarding to last night, we were privileged to attend a reception in DC at none other than the Renwick Gallery, a Mecca for American crafts and art. We survived yet another harrowing (turn THERE! Damn!) journey to DC, we made our way to the gallery, with (Thank God) valet parking and turned over the flutter mobile to the gracious valets. Inside, with no screening for the Salahi’s, we ascended the long red velvet carpeted staircase to the gallery on the second floor (the ones with historic American art). Upon entering the room there was several servers standing there, clothed in black with silver trays, offering glasses of Champagne, White Wine, and what turned out to be Gin with Sparking Water and a mint leaf. “Good evening, would you like a glass?”. That set the tone for probably the best catered event I’ve ever been to. The caterers were “Occasions” who apparently deal in high end events. Yes, they do. As you sipped your selection, there were many circulating with trays of wonderful Hor’s d’oeuvres, such as little towers of beef, lamb sausages in puff pastry, and others I can’t remember (I HAVE to remember the little book). A violinist and piano player provided elegant music. There were four stations around the room, one served Peking Duck in a light Wonton wrap, an “Italian” station with a vegetable risotto in a champagne glass, cheese ravioli, and a pasta wrapped wild mushroom piece. The other two had choices of tenderloin of beef, wonderful little “lamb lollypops” that actually tasted like lamb hold the ammonia, and a chicken leg (which I didn't try). The last station was seafood that offered a lobster salad, a shrimp plate, and also a seared tuna. Each plate had a little side, like the shrimp had a wonderful grilled pineapple (yes, I’ll admit it) with maybe Cardamom, that was delicious.

If you selected a particular item, you were handed a complete plate, no fishing with tongs, just a nicely presented, complete plate. great. God knows, I love the Baileys here, but this is a whole new level of “catering”. A lot of them roamed the room looking to fill your glass with a smile, and at one point, after I learned there was Glenfiddich at the complete bar, a nice gentleman offered to get me another. Yes, Please.

Eventually, desserts were passed, some lovely caramel in chocolate, bite sized cheese cakes, Crème Brule in a little cup, a little glass of delicate fruit in Champagne, wowee. Coffee and Teas were available.

I was amazed at what this level of catering can do for hundreds of people. Nothing fried, all nicely presented, gracious service, plates cleared, glasses filled, smiles and "yes madam", with one hand behind the back. I cannot imagine the cost. It can be done. Oh, the Renwick restricts the use of any red wine or sauces. Nice rugs you know.

Oh yeah, we strolled the galleries, you gotta do that. American craft and art is amazing. There’s a life out there. You have to drive some, but it’s worth it. Go do it.

We, like everyone else were elegantly

DFD

Oh, a postscript. When the flutter mobile was returned it was with a “Oh, we’re sorry sir” as it featured a largish dent in the right front quarter paned. Papers were signed, and we’ll see where that goes.