Coventry
November 14, 2008
(Commence snooty impression)
After arriving by private coach to the Stoneleigh Abbey, the inspiration and former
residence of Jane Austen, we were greeted with champagne flutes; the palace was
splendid and the tour of the historic property only fitting. After socializing and
indulging in our hor’ deurs we made our way to the palace’s west wing dinning room
for our evening meal.
Our meal began with grilled sea bass and crayfish served over a bed of greens. This
starter was served with a medium bodied white wine which brought out the seafood
quite nicely. The main course was duck (off bone) with mash accompanied by a medley
of vegetables and covered with a succulent duck sauce. The red wine complimented
the density and slight gaminess of the duck quite nicely leaving me desiring a sweet
dessert. Dessert did indeed please in both appearance as well as in its ability
to quench my sinfully sweet desires. The raspberry flambeau cleansed my palate of
the main course, while a sweet white wine helped satisfy my tastes.
Of course the evening had only just begun and prior to departing, we indulged in
both conversation and finality quenching treats. With the partner to my left I learned
much about French regional wines and much regarding the country’s vines and soil.
With my partners to my right we discussed politics from the worldview perspective.
As both our meal and conversation came to a close, we were sent off with an assortment
of exotic cheeses, chocolate truffles, wonderful memories... and a rather full belly.
(Conclude snooty impression)