March 11th in Oxford at Brookes Restaurant Claire and the 3 other members of her team put on an Event which they had called the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. 62 people paid a very reasonable 30 pounds per head for a superb evening of great food and entertainment (no mother’s bias intended!). There should be no surprise we all had to wear hats! I was a little jet lagged from having flown in that morning but the excitement level was high and I didn’t have one Long Blink all evening (or not that I thought anybody noticed anyway).
The Entrance: all candle lit on the steps outside, and we were greeted by the Mad Hatter himself, and treated to a nice cocktail at the bar to start – which no-one seems to have a photo of – too busy drinking it, I say. Robyn (another of the team) was Maître D and greeted us beautifully. All the waitresses for the night were wearing the same black and pink hats.
The Entertainment: We had a jazz band playing for us all night
The Decoration: Bright disco lights, chequered table cloths and the wildest wine and water glasses, all made form tea cups of various sorts!
The Menu:
Tomato, Basil and Red Onion Brochette and Wild Mushroom Pastry, served on either grey and pink tea cake stands!
followed by Roasted Vegetable and Saffron Nage (a light consommé) served in tea cups and served from tea pots. Unfortunately I don’t have a photo but it was cool!
Then Salmon Terrine with Rocket salad and Blinis. BLUE because it was a Mad hatters tea party, you see! Tasted fantastic.
After that an Apple and Star Anise Sorbet – with surprise topping! Loved it!.
The main course was Pork Fillet and Rabbit Sausage served with Watercress Mash and Red Wine Jus. All cooked to perfection and tasted superb. The vegetables, served separately, were Marinated Red Cabbage, Roasted Fennel Carrots and Garlic Green Beans
And finally Lemon Posset served with Orange Shortbread Biscuits and as a surprise a non-alcoholic “shot” served by the 2 head chefs Claire and George.
A Big Thank You to one and all at the end of the evening from Robyn, esp. to Claire and George
