L. and I had a good time planning and shopping for the menu and got into the holiday mood for the first time while doing so and, for the most part, the end result was a success.
L.'s appetizer was delicious, the foie gras course felt festive, the fish en papillote was a pretty surprise (image above). My dessert did rather cave in on one end -- not surprising since we all know that this course is not my forte -- but I positioned the decoration reindeer as though they were part of the accident and was rather cross that the only person who noticed was L.'s dad from the photos we sent him later that evening.
Most importantly of all we had a lovely family time, something for which we were all particularly grateful since that is not a given for everyone this year.
Here is the illustration that L. made for me when trying to describe how he imagined his first course. I loved it and have included it to show you how seriously the next generation takes his food!!! It was very good, even the uni toast, something which I really do not usually like. Unfortunately, I only managed a picture of the oyster portion of the dish; everything else was blurry.
“FAIRY LIGHTS”
Lucas’ Fruits De Mer Trio
(Oysters Garnished Three Ways, Uni Toast, Scallop and Shrimp Ceviche)
“WREATH”
Pan Seared Foie Gras with Candied Cranberry and Arugula Salad
“PRESENTS”
Cod, Fennel and Leek Parcels with Bouillabaisse Sauce, Toasts and Rouille
“ORNAMENT”
Eggnog Cheesecake with Cider Filled Baubles
Amazing