The 2014 Dinner - Everything Old is New Again

Wines and Goodies

This was the 15th Funi dinner held in Paradise.  Lady Gay, along with Brother Flute and Lady Margaret, sent regrets.

* * *

23/24 August 2014

Apologies to the Canadian song/snowbird Anne Murray and to Peter Allen and Carole Bayer Sager for appropriating the name of their song as this year's theme.  Once more, Burnbrae was the much-sough-after site for the Annual Funi Dinner and Weekend Getaway.  Funis from all across the land (well, most of them, from part of it) gathered yet again in the splendid countryside of the Annapolis Valley for good food, good wine, and great company.

This year, we were aided once again in our celebrations by the assistance of former guests Robbie and Lisa, who were enlisted to help out in the kitchen (and sample the courses).  We were all grateful for their presence.

Around 7:00, the Funis changed into their evening attire and gathered by the pool, in accordance with tradition, for the obligatory group photo and to sample the Hors d'oeuvres.  These were prepared and served by Brother Mitchell and Lady Rachel, consisting of: smoked salmon garnished with shrimp and whipped cream cheese, sugar snap peas stuffed with crabmeat, and cherry tomatoes stuffed with guacamole and topped with bacon. These dishes were followed by Funis stuffed with appetizers.  The hors d'oeuvres were accompanied by the Zalze (a) and Fifth Leg (b). 

The participants then moved to the dining hall, where seats were allocated by Brother Perina and Lady Anne. 

The first course at table was Soup, prepared by Brother Wood and Lady Jody.  This was Potage St. Germain, composed of a chilled soup of garden peas and mint. The Zalze (a) was the wine served with this course.

The Fish/Fowl course, served by Brother Gillis and Lady Debbie was Digby scallops Maitre d'Hotel.  The scallops were washed in the juice from freshly crushed tomatoes and pan-seared, and served with green beans and Burnbrae puffball.  Wine was the Donnafugata (d).

The next course was the Salad, prepared and served by Brother Lemon and Lady Patricia.  This was described as a "blue salad", comprised of blueberries, blue cheese, candied pecans and "cucamelon" grown in the Whitman garden plot.

Brother Perina and Lady Anne served their meat course of "tafelspitz" (translated by Brother Perina as "high table", but by Wikipedia as "tip of meat for the table") which is yer basic boiled beef, but enhanced and transformed by a sauce made up of a melange of egg yolks, bread, sour cream, chives and Capers.  The Cape Breton component was unusually subtle. The accompanying wine was the Chateau St. Jean (c).

Over the meat course, the conversation and toasts were commenced by Brother Perina with  toasts to Bob Bagg,, the Queen, and Canada.  Brother Smith then presented a toast to a recently deceased David ("Newf") Parsons, who had been a Funi dinner guest and speech-giver in 1983.  Wine at this point of the evening was the Callabriga Duoro (e)

Once again, a dagger was plunged into the heart of the "Sweet/Savoury" debate, when Brother Macleod and Lady Linda presented both items simultaneously: a blue cheddar, some brie, and a Morbier (cow's cheese with ash) along with a peach marscapone tart.

The following morning, the Funis and Friends assembled at various times to produce and consume breakfast.  This included bacon, paté, bagels, cream cheese, toast, various condiments, juices, coffee, sliced meats, croissants, muffins, tomatoes, fruits, and cheeses. 

Many thanks are due to all contributors, organizers and participants.

To conclude, appropriate words for the Logotichnicians: bromography, defined as "a treatise on food" (or, if you prefer, these minutes), and the Secretariat's flosculation, defined as "an embellishment or ornament in speech", something a true Funi would never do, lest he misqueme his confreres.

And words of wisdom particularly appropriate to the Funis from Luciano Pavarotti: 

"One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating."

a) 2 btl 2012 Zalze Bush Vine Chenin Blanc (S Africa) $11.12
b) 2 btl 2012 Devil Lair Fifth Leg Sauvignon Blanc (Australia) $13.12
c) 2 btl 2012 Chateau St. Jean Pinot Noir (California) $16.34
d) 2 btl 2012 Donnafugata Anthilia (Sicily) $18.95
e) 2 btl 2008 Sogrape Callabriga Douro (Portugal) $21.99
f) 1 btl n/v Sua Strawberry sparkling (Argentina)
g) 1 btl 2012 Chateau de Gourgazaud Minervois (France) $12.86
h) 1 btl 1995 Chateau de l'Emigre Graves (France) Donated

 

See the bottles/labels

Selected Images, etc.

Images courtesy of David Smith.   C'mon, people, you can email your pictures to funisoc@gmail.com and get included in the credits!
 

Pictures will replace this page; 
press the "back" arrow to return to the Minutes.

Group Picture  

Click to see a picture of the complete group of Funis

Best Buds

Hors d'oeuvres?

At the table

Funis gather for the evening

Drinkies!

Some people can't tell a joke!  

Help for the Preparations

I pound on his head, and he sits down 

Two Tall Ones in the Garden

The Morning After  

See all pictures

(Will open in a new window)

Click here to read about viewing Funi photo albums