Happy New Year to you all. Hope you had a good night on the 31st.
I certainly had, thoroughly enjoyed the Menu Degustation at Fleming’s, not to mention the music and dancing. Quite a night, highlighted by a brilliant 6 course tasting menu.
After a warm greeting, we were taken to the very comfortable waiting area where we enjoyed plates of delicious canapés while choosing our wine from a recommended list. The Lorenz V. Friendly Grüner Veltliner was recommended to me and the fruity tingly Austrian proved quite an all rounder; it deserves to be better known.
After that relaxing interlude, it was upstairs to our tables and our starter of Pate de Foie Gras, crispy wonton of duck, orange compote and tossed leaf salad, an absolutely gorgeous combination of flavours, really well thought out. We were up and running.
And the very high standard continued with the fish course. The Symphonie de Fruit de Mer consisted of Seared Sea bass, with fresh crab gratin compote of fennel and a light champagne sauce. Quite a symphony indeed by the conductor in the kitchen!
Then a little break, filled by a tasty beefy Cappuccino of Wild Mushroom. The tempo of the musical duo nearby was picking up and so too was that of the food as the Duo de Viande made its grand entrance.
The combination of Pot Roast Pheasant with a cognac and cream sauce and the Entrecote de Boeuf, with Galette de Pomme, was incredible, tasty, tender and, for the second time that evening, we had a memorable sauce. This dish called for a red wine and a gorgeous warm Tempranillo fitted the bill to perfection.
Now for the sweet finale, accompanied by a sweet wine. Not that famous one from Bordeaux but a very classy one from neighbouring Bergerac: Chateau Ladesvignes Monbazillac (a delicious blend of Sémillon and Muscadelle).
Quite a match for Les Desserts: Feuillet de Chocolate, Poudin a La Noelle and Glace de Vanille. A tremendous plateful to round off a marvellous display of cooking by chef-patron Michael Fleming.
After that, all we had to do was get to our feet, some more willingly than others, to dance and ring in the New Year. A terrific way to see out 2012 and welcome in its younger relation. Fingers crossed for you all in 2013 but an especially Happy New Year to the Flemings (Eileen and Michael) and to all their efficient and engaging staff.
Go mbeirimid beo ar an am seo arís!
Watch for the coming weekend at Fleming's. Women's Christmas this weekend: 6 course tasting menu Saturday night - €45 per person. Lunch All day Sunday - 5 course set menu €35 - Yum!
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