Each year, at this time, the Vancouver Branch of the IWFS celebrates Christmas and the holiday season with a special dinner event. This year we returned to the Terminal City Club, and this time to their new members-only restaurant, 1892. After a reception with Louis Roederer Brut champagne accompanied by canapés of scallops with Beluga caviar and gourgères in the new lounge, Cuvée, we adjourned to the restaurant for a first course of Seared Ocean Caught Tiger Prawns with Vanilla Hollandaise and Noble Sour paired with a 2005 Chablis Premier Cru, Vaillons Cuvée Guy from Christian Moreau Père et Fils. This was followed by Polderside Farms Duck Rillette with an Ice wine Geléee and Crab Apple Quince Preserve and a delicious 1996 Mercurey Clos Fourtoul from Remoissenet Père et Fils.

Our main course was a tender and very flavourful Grilled Prime Tenderloin of Beef with Epoisse Gratin Potatoes and Marrow Crust with a 2001 Château Potensac followed by BC Artisan Cheeses and a 1978 Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port. And, of course, being the Christmas season, we finished with a Bouche de Noël, a lovely dessert!

During the evening, we enjoyed the delightful music of Celtic harpist and singer, Clare Morgan (www.riverdaughter.ca) courtesy of member Dr. Larry Burr. Thank you Larry! And thanks also to Joan Cross for her accolade, to David Spurrell for his enlightening information on the wines we enjoyed during the dinner and to Executive Chef Jason Lloyd and 1892's team for an excellent dinner. Our Christmas evening was arranged by Jim and Milena Robertson with the assistance of Cellar Master Jim Esplen who selected the wines for the evening. Best Wishes for Christmas and the Season to All!