Katharine C: Mediterranean dinner chez Orla

Any event at Orla's is always full of grace, and saturday's dinner on a Mediterranean theme was enjoyed by all.   It was an extraordinary evening - tapas and canapes (including, inter alia,  fresh anchovies, calamari, shrimp), with Cava outside on the terrace, followed by tuna steak surrounded by squid ink pasta, cold vegetable salads,  tomato coulis and pesto sauces.  Orla set up a professional line in the kitchen - her sous-chefs, Kim, Carla and Dalene,  had a specific role in plateing  each person's starter, and Phil was the waiter.   Three kinds of tagine followed:  lamb, with a dark flavourful sauce; chicken in a lighter broth flavoured with citron;  and a vegetarian tagine.  Over the cheese course we played a pub quiz, so this evening was a full learning experience for everyone;  then desserts:  see the photo below, no description necessary, other than to say they all tasted as delicious as they look.

Orla spoke to us briefly about these dinners that she prepares with such love and attention to detail.  It is a meaningful way for her to raise funds for those in need, and it is her gift of food, wine and very hard work.  This was a celebration of friendship within our group;   a delightful evening.  On behalf of us all, Orla, thank you so much. 

President Kim, with our hostess Orla

Caroline and Noel, with the sun setting on the vineyard behind

Michel and Caroline

Elysa, Anne and Kim

Gerard and Leslie

Phil, Dalene, Caroline and Michel

Maggie, Serge and Kim

Robyn, Leslie, Peggy R and Gerard

Phil and Katharine

A table of ten .....

... here again.....

.. and a table of 8 (that's Sue on the left and her cousin Jennifer from Aus on the right

Dinner by candlelight

Desserts in all their berry glory

You'd say AAAGGGHHH  too,  faced with the kitchen after serving dinner to 18 guests

The day after is (American) Mother's Day.  If anyone deserves pampering, it's Orla.