How DO I describe this evening?
We lost our usual venue for our annual New England-UK friendship dinner because UNH Durham closed Acorns (BOOO!!)where we have gathered for the last 8 years.
but we found ourselves at "The Black Trumpet" in downtown Portsmouth NH for dinner,with an innovative and interesting menu,
I had an incredible 1927 Solera sherry (think Oloroso, with attitude) as did 2 of 3 of my companions (the other settled for a Lustau Fino, which is amazing in its own right), followed by almonds Garlic and Olives in a rich Olive Oil for a starter! the main course in my case was a skirt of beef tender as a Mothers kiss with a yucca and potato stuffed thingy with it, Linn had Lamb and Jeri and Tom had a burger that was immaculate and a Million miles from The "Scottish" restaurant. The wines were a "Brunello de Montalcino" from 2004 that was just a tad young and followed by a Rioja from 2006 that was perfect, some of my companions shared a Pumpkin Creme Brulee that was pretty good, while Tom and I had coffee, he with rum I with a First class 50 yo Armagnac, The staff were the BEST present when needed but not intrusive, informed about both the wine and food available and yet invisible, I am seriously impressed with the service the food, the wines and my companions!! what more could you ask for? I have indeed been fortunate and am humbled by those that I can call "friends" I am sitting here with a glass of Port celebrating my good Luck in having such friends as these, some people spend their lifetimes not knowing what I now know and share, I thank you who made this possible
Micca