Birthday Bash

It was my mom's 70th birthday recently. To mark the occasion, B and I splashed out on a private lunch for family at a country hotel in Kent... a manor house that was once home to emminent politicians, writers, Lords and Viscounts, set within 22 acres of rural parkland.

We were seated in the library....surrounded by hundreds of interesting (and probably highly valuable) old books, we munched on

Smoked Ham and Poached Leek Terrine, Apple Chutney
Slow Braised Blade of Beef, Caramelised Carrots, Cocotte Potatoes and Morel JusSharp
Lemon Tart with Lavender Crème Fraiche Ice Cream

And for the children:

Seasonal Fruit Platter with Mixed Berry Coulis
Roast Chicken Breast with Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables
Ice Cream

We had a bottle of bubbly with the starter and tea and coffee was served with a birthday cake I'd ordered and delivered to the hotel early in the morning.

The food was excellent and all in, it was a lovely day, although my dad was taking a bit of strain (this was the day before he was admitted to hospital with the blood clot). My niece, J, loved the experience...."It's all so posh!". Her younger sister was less impressed, stuffing herself on bread rolls then complaining she was "Full from my brain to my toes!", but not suprisingly quickly finding an appetite for ice cream....and the handmade chocolates that came with the coffee.

Happy Three-Score-n-Ten -Years birthday Old Q!