Today’s Tasks

As mentioned the other day we are having guests for dinner and they (together with the leader of the opposition) have chosen what they want. Apparently I get no say in the matter but must simply plan the meal, acquire the produce, prepare, cook and serve the meal – oh, and PICK THE WINE (at least they can’t take that choice away from me!)

I will be heading off to Rode Road Meats in a few minutes for a whole Rib Fillet. We will do, what is fast becoming, the usual dance. They will ask if I want that sliced, to which I will reply “No, of course not. Don’t you realize who I am? I am the Wine Amateur!!” They will tell me to “P… off you idiot”.

Not really, but once I tell them I do not want it sliced they do often ask how I am going to cook it. That is the opening I am waiting for! I can then regale them with tales of valour and heroism in the kitchen – well I can at least share my recipe, cant I?

After the rib fillet it is off to Zone Fresh on Newmarket Rd for veggies etc. Zone Fresh is not cheap but I have never seen better quality fruit and vegetables anywhere. When I am preparing for a dinner party I always shop for produce there. They also have a huge range of pancetta, prosciutto, other continental meats and cuts of meat, cheeses, gourmet gelati etc. It is easy to spend a lot of money there.

I need to buy semi dried tomatoes, potato (for the potato au gratin that has been requested using some lactose-free cream), golden eschallots, carrots, corn, mushrooms etc. We have plenty of garlic already and I need to set aside a bottle of the Rochford 2003 Shiraz to make the red wine jus that has also been requested.

I still haven’t made up my mind about the wine but, like I said the other day, it will have to come from the cellar as I have spent too much on wine recently.

I will try to remember to take photos of the meal as it is being prepared and as it is served.

I hope you have a good day too!! Go out and MAKE it a good one. Tell me, what do you have planned?

food and drink
wine