Well those of your true foodies know that MARCEL's (www.marcelsdc.com) is not open for lunch, and furthermore that I rarely take luncheon when at home. HOWEVER, I was invited to a wonderful private business luncheon yesterday that must be recanted and reveled in.
We started sipping MUMM CUVEE NAPA N/V bubbly getting us all in the best of spirits and then sat down to three courses.
First came a rich delicious CREAM of LEEK and POTATO SOUP with Lardons of Applewood Smoked BACON and Crispy Leeks. Even though the chef was not in the kitchen, his staff knows soups, and this one did not disappoint one little iota. The wine was a crispy tasty LES HEURES BLANCHES 2004 from Domaine Mas Des Armes (Costiere de Nimes) from Provence. Speaking of Provence I had the pleasure of sitting next to the sales manager for the brilliant Bastide de Marie in that region amongst many other wonderful luxury hoteliers.
ANYWAY- next came ROASTED FARMHOUSE CHICKEN with Caramelized Shallots, Gruyere POTATO Cake, Melange of Vegetables and Tarragon Sauce that just melted in my mouth and was washed down by a slightly tannic CHATEAU VALCOMBE 2004 from Dominique Ricome made of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache, but improved as it opened up (from the same region).
Dessert was an APPLE CARAMEL CAKE with a yummy Muscat Sabayon, and I took my large doggie bag home, as there is no way on earth I can eat this much on a work day at lunch!
