The Vancouver Christmas Dinner event was a little different this year as we enjoyed delicious Pan Asian cuisine expertly prepared by Chef David Wong at the beautiful new Fairmont Pacific Rim. We were greeted at our reception with a glass of Montaudon champagne accompanied be Chef's selection of canapés including BC Smoked Salmon and Crepe Mille Feuille with Yuzu Cream Cheese; Vietnamese Rice Paper Roll with Smoked Salmon, Ahi Tuna or Vegetarian with a Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce; Tandoori Chicken in Grilled Zucchini "Cannelloni"; and Garam Masala Crusted Lamb Chop Lollipop with Yoghurt Rita.
The first dinner course was a delicious warming Chai Scented Sunchoke Soup with Browned Butter Hazelnuts and Masala Raisins accompanied by a 2005 Condrieu from Georges Vernay, followed by Sake Kasu Sablefish with gingered Tomatoes and Miso Sauce paired with a 2005 Chablis 1er Cru, Vaillons, Cuvée Guy Moreau from Christian Moreau. A Hoisin Glazed Duck Breast with Pickled Shimiji Mushrooms and an Apricot and Ginger Emulsion with an Orange Blossom Garnish followed, with a lovely 2004 Pinot Noir from Panther Creek in Oregon.
The main course was a flavourful Soy Braised Beef Shortrib with a Sweet Potato and Green Apple Pavé and Nuac Mam Jus together with a 1990 Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor Reserve from Concha y Toro in Chile. To finish, we raved over the Silken Dark Chocolate Tart garnished with Gold Foil, with Coconut Sorbet and Passionfruit Coulis, accompanied by a 1927 Solera Pedro Ximénez from Bodegas Alvear with its rich fig flavours for Christmas.
Our thanks go to Executive Chef David Wong and Conference Services Director Cary Cowan and their teams for their excellent food and service. Thanks also to Milena Robertson for her attractive invitations, menus and place card holders. Thank you, too, Ken Cross for the informative and insightful accolade. The evening was arranged by Jim and Milena Robertson with the assistance of Cellar Master Jim Esplen who also spoke to the wines of the evening.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas, a wonderful Holiday Season and a healthy and prosperous
New Year!
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