May Poles....

and Victorian novels.....what do they have to do with a wonderful dining experience?

George and Cora-Lee run this very astonishing establishment! George, originally from Liverpool, is an amazing chef, Cora-Lee is a true Cape Bretoner, and a lovely elfin like being...they own what used to be an old Inn out on Middle River. 4 years ago, they decided to open a restaurant...The Dancing River Sprite....and then the reality of inspections, regulations etc drove them totally insane! So instead of giving up and finding 'real' jobs they came up with an new idea....invite 10-16 friends, cook and serve an amazing 6 course meal, ask for a donation! So began a tradition that has moved from one night (maybe 10 people) every two months, to 3 nights, each with 10-16 happy people ...... this has been going on at their lovely, eccentric and beautiful home for the past 2 years. Last night, Terry and I got to experience this unique way of dining. The evening centered around a theme....something to do with May poles and Tess from an apparently well known Victorian novel....(apparently there was also a gruesome murder in there somewhere!). the menu was a cryptic description of what we would be eating!!! Nothing prepared us for the gastronomically astonishing experience.....i mean....dandelions in batter, deep fried with ginger and honey sauce....doesn't that make your mouth just tingle...it did mine....then there was the cream of apple soup with clover (i don't know what he did with the clover but it made this amazingly delicious green river down the middle of the creamed apples - totally amazing!) The whole evening was just so delightful....it almost makes you wish for the era of servants....i mean, sitting down, enjoying a tasty dish, and then the next dish is served...good conversations going on around the table....no one having to jump up and get the next course....i loved it!

this is obviously a backblip....today was very busy, glazing, decorating everything and loading the kiln....which has just been turned on....and now for a quiet few moments before bed!

ahhh, another very satisfying day at Big hill!