Hmmm.... a wonderful looking menu tonight....
While we were deciding, we all started with a round of drinks. Amy got a Mint Julep (a real one, not the green one served at the Julep bar), I went with a Manhattan, and Char went with a Le Raymond Fizz (the first of 3 I think she had that night... thankfully I have the recipe and can make them at home)
An amuse bouche came out for all 3 of us. Amy and mine was a citrus concoction with some lump crab meat on it. Both served in "toothpick holders" (what the Club calls shot glasses).
Charlotte's first course, a yogurt parfait was also delivered.
I decided to have the wine pairing and a glass of white was poured promptly. For our first course, Amy and I both selected the Sautéed Snow Crab Claws. YUMM!!
Perfectly cooked and the sauce made them delectable. I'm not so sure about finger food at Club33, but we dug in with healthy appetites.
We both went for the same second course too... the chicken and Leek soup. They brought the ingredients in their own bowl and in typical grand presentation, poured the broth over after (always loved that flair). The chicken, so delicately prepared, leek matched perfectly with the delicateness of the other ingredients and the acid of the lemon crème brought it all together. DELICIOUS!!!!
Again, Amy and I were in lock step, because the third course, also the same tonight... We go nuts for great scallops (Napa's scallops over vanilla lobster risotto is a must on most trips) The club always makes amazing Scallops, and this was no different. The oyster stew was briny and savory at the same time and a perfect pairing for this. I could have eaten 8 of this dish back to back!
A palate cleanser came out. It was a mango juice with tiny bits of pineapple if memory serves (also in a tooth pick holder)
Now it was time to get down to the main entree. Again, Amy and I got the exact same offering. I'm a sucker for Rack of Lamb, and it has to be cooked properly, which this was. I probably go through 20 racks at home every year the family loves it so much. The onion velvet paired so well with it, and the red pepper glaze complimented the sweetness of the lamb. HEAVENLY.
Char obviously went with the steak
On to dessert...
Beignets of course!!! She was also presented with a birthday card signed by the club's cast as they've taken to doing in recent years. Lovely little touch.
I went with the chocolate decadence. I much prefer the opera cake I usually get when it's on the menu, but this was good, albeit heavy and maybe overly rich for my palate. I don't really have a big sweet tooth.
Amy got the Semifreddo. I don't know that I even tried it as cucumber for desert.... not really my thing.
I rounded out the meal with a cup or two of their wonderful coffee.
