The 2018 Dinner - Food for Thought

Wines and Goodies

Vita Non Est Vivere Sed Valere Vita Est

One of Marcus Valerius Martialis (Martial's) epigrams, literally

"Life is not to live, but life is to be vigorous"

This was the 19th Funi dinner held in Paradise, and the second at the new home of Brother Gillis and Lady Debbie.  Lady Gay, Brother Flute and Lady Margaret, and Brother Perina and Lady Ann sent regrets.

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25/26 August 2018

This was the second Funi gathering at the new Gillis estate.  Assistance for this occasion was provided by Yi Wen and Rob Gillis, who were group photographers as well as sous-chefs.  The Funis were joined by John & Julie Johnson for this occasion.

Around 6:30, 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.  Opening remarks were made by Brother Gillis, in his role as Toastmaster for the evening.  The Hors d'Oeuvres were prepared and served by Lady Linda, consisting of a Tomato and Marscapone Tart topped with basil oil, Thai chicken skewers with oriental sauce, Greek Salad on a stick (with Feta on the side, as Feta turns out to be non-stickable), and shrimp with two sauces (regular cocktail and spicy mayonnaise).   The hors d'oeuvres were accompanied by L'Acadie Vineyards Cuvee Rose (a), Cote Mas (b), and Lamura (c).

About 7:15, the participants moved to the dining hall, where seats were allocated by Brother Gillis and Lady Debbie and another group photo was taken. 

The first course at table was Soup, prepared by Brother Mitchell and  Lady Rachel.  This was "served with much ceremony" and presented as "Bay of Fundy Soup", part 1: Low Tide, followed by the Tidal Bore.  This was a roasted potato and leek soup served with parmesan and chives.  The wine with this course was the Lamura (c).

During the soup course, Brother Gillis pointed out the Bagg Memorial Bottle of rum, and a bottle of Chinese liquor (52% alcohol!) provided by Yi Wen.

The Fish/Fowl course, served by Brother Lemon and Lady Patricia was Mustard Chicken with Vinaigrette Asparagus, served with the Rustenberg Chardonnay (d)

The next course was the Salad, prepared and served by Brother Gillis and Lady Debbie.  This was a Watermelon salad with lime and peanut dressing.  The wine at this time was the Don Aurelio (e)

Between the Salad and Meat courses, Brother Gillis recited some anecdotes about the Paradise Garage.  As the result of his behaviour, the Vice-Chairman for the Secretariat was ejected from the proceedings, so there is no further record of the wines consumed.

Brother Smith and Lady Clare served their Meat course of slow cooker Pot Roast, cooked with potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, and mushrooms.

Over the meat course, Brother Gillis gave a toast to Absent Friends and shared a couple of anecdotes about his Funi brothers.

The evening concluded with Dessert: Brother Wood and Lady Jody's Iniskillin Icewine Mousse with whipped cream and blueberries.  The Bread and Cheese assortment (Balderson spreadable Cheddar, Oka, Brie Bleu and a mystery Blue), provided by Brother Gillis and Lady Debbie, was served concurrently. 

The following morning, the Funis and Friends assembled at various times to produce and consume breakfast.  This included sausages, 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 Logotechnicians: Formicate, defined as "swarming like ants" with the obvious potential for ambiguous usage, as in "The Funis are formicating all around the swimming pool", and the Secretariat's quodlibet, defined as a debating point or scholastic subtlety raised for disputation, e.g. "Sirrah, you are obviously a formicator!"

And a quodlibet uttered by the late Richard M. Nixon that one might easily imagine being repeated by the current occupant of the White House:

"I would have made a good Pope"

a) 1 btl 2013 L'Acadie Vineyards Vintage Cuvée Rosé Sparkling Wine (Nova Scotia)
b) 2 btl 2015 Côté MAs Blanc Méditerranée Sud de France (France)
c) 2 btl 2016 Lamura Natura Silicia Organic Bianco Terre Siciliane (Italy)
d) 1 btl 2016 Rustenberg Stellenbosch Unwooded Chardonnay (South Africa)
e) 1 btl 2015 Don Aurelio La Evolucion Verdejo (Spain)
f) 1 btl 2016 Victoria Park Shiraz (Australia)
g) 1 btl 2015 Rustenberg Stellenbosch Shiraz (South Africa)
h) 1 btl 2015 Dominio de Heredia Rioja (Spain)
 

Inventory (Not Consumed)

1 btl 2004 Gaspereau Vineyards Marechal Foch (Nova Scotia)
1 btl 2013 Palacio de Ciral Syrah-Monastrell Black Label (Spain)

Wines 2018

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Wines C, B, F

Wines E, D, G

Wines A, H

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; 
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Table	John & Debbie	Clare & Donald
Linda, Rachel, Pat	Hors d'Oeuvres 1	Hors d'Oeuvres 2
Lemon & Mitchell	Enjoying Appies	Linda & Jody
Rob & Yi Wen	Group Photo 1	Group Photo 2
Aerial View	The Pool	Tide Comes In
At the Table

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