What does this empty plate say to you? For me it is the sign of a good meal.
Our conference was held in one of the Princess Royal private boxes overlooking the racecourse. That's not a real horse, just a little silhouette as part of the balcony railing.
This was our table laid out just as it will be for diners at the Gold Cup.
Thanks to Jacqueline at Tinned Tomatoes for this photo of the
Our lunch came from the menu for the Ayr Gold Cup. Donald told us about how they will prepare this menu for 1200 people every day of the Gold Cup, a total of 3,500 - 4000 covers from 6 kitchens.
Our starter was a Warm Butternut Squash and Beetroot Tart with Ricotta Cheese with piccalilli and beetroot dressing. The pastry was crisp and the sweet flavours of the beetroot and butternut squash combined with the creamy cheese made it my favourite course of the meal. (see empty plate above)
The main course of Duo of Roast Sirloin of Cairnhill Farms Beef, a medallion of Scotch Sirloin with Braised Beef Tian served with a Peppercorn Sauce was slightly less successful. While the Tian of Beef had been cooked down so it melted in your mouth and the sauce was very good, my sirloin was a bit overcooked, dry and chewy which was a real pity.
Jacqueline declared this Ratatouille with Granola and Cheese topping to be delicious, although I felt that it was an unsinspiring and conservative vegetarian option for this level of cuisine.
For dessert we had a rich Chocolate and Toasted Almond Mouse with Chantilly cream, Toffee Sauce and a chocolate tuille (at least that is what is says on the menu, I wouldn't call that chocolate cigarillo a 'tuile' but hey ho, it was very tasty.
The mouse was very soft and had almost a coffee flavour, the little chocolate pot had quite a thick base and some people had difficulty breaking it, but the chocolate was good and there was just enough as the flavours were intense.
I'd like to thank Ayr Racecourse and their chefs for a very good lunch, oh yes and the glass of wine ;-)
What would you choose from the Gold Cup Menu?
I notice I didn't get the veggie option from that menu. Oh well, it was good anyway.
ReplyDeleteOh wow. Look at that menu. The food looks terrific and you clearly had a great day. Thanks for sharing your royal box!
ReplyDeleteI would of chosen the cocktail, lemon sole and crumble. Although the tart for starters did look very yummy but then I could of shared a bit of yours.
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HOW wonderful Janice and what a FAB menu too!
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