We had not hosted an open dinner in months and had forgotten how much fun the open nights are. Conversation was easy and lively on both evenings. On Valentines Day we had prepared for couples to dine alone but instead they merged and made new friends. Guests came bearing gifts– delicious beautifully crafted wine from their young winery Annefield Vineyards, another brought a couple magnums of wine to share with all and the daughter of another guest sent from California some extraordinary fig jam that we paired with the cheese course for her family. We will be announcing some new open nights soon. As always thank you to the farmers, foragers, other suppliers and Tom for the excellent wine pairings.

What we served...

PASSING

Apple Cornmeal Dumpling with Hong Vit Sprouts

Cauliflower Soup with Black Oregon Truffle

Wild Hedgehog Mushroom on Red Lentil Cake

Seared Scallops on Sweet Potato with Avocado

Chicken Liver on Potato with Butternut Squash

Beef Sausage with Pickle and Celery Root

Bay Leaf Vodka Martini

Annefield Vineyards, Cabernet, Viognier and Chardonnay all 2009 (gift of guests from their vineyard)

Magnums of Pierre Michael Le Carriere 2003 and Beaux Freres Upper Terrace Pinot 2002 (gift from guest)

SEATED

Quail with Quail Egg, on a Bib Lettuce Black Walnut Salad

(Mas Mudigliza) VdP de Cotes Catalanes "Carmine" 2006

Roasted Salsify and Turnips with Noodles, Beet Sauce and Carrot Sauce

(Vincent Dampt) Chablis AOC 2009

Sablefish with Leeks, Black Rice, Watermelon Radish, Pickled Ginger and Pea Shoots

(Michel Noellat) Fixin Village 2007

Oma Cheese on Walnut Cracker

Chocolate Cake Frozen Chocolate Sandwich with Tonka Bean Sauce, Candied Popcorn and Cocoa Nibs

(Jacques Lassaigne) 'Les Vignes de Montgueux' Blanc de Blanc Brut NV

Bites: Spicy Cayenne Cinnamon Hearts, Rose Water Pistachio Cakes and Coconut Macaroons