This is a special week, for Monday Night Dining. It’s Easter Monday, so no rehearsal, which gives us time to relax after our meal. This is also Steph’s birthday week, so we will celebrate a day early. Easter is always a thoughtful time for me, with lots of build up to the day. This year was a bit of a low-key affair, as Shawn had rehearsals all weekend, but we still managed to have a quiet little dinner, to celebrate the occasion. For MND we want to celebrate Steph’s birthday, with proper sense of occasion. We had our dear friend Lois on hand to help with the celebration.
While Shawn and I prepared, Steph and Lois were going through some music. They also had a recording of our chorus singing R. Murray Schafer’s Epitaph for Moonlight. I have had issues wrapping my head around this piece, but when you hear it from the audience perspective, I get it. Once we were ready, we started the meal with a fresh tomato soup with crostini and basil.
The tomatoes were from the garden and frozen at the peak of ripeness, which resulted in a VERY fresh tasting soup, with so much flavour, yet simple at the same time. This reminded me of summer, but with a hearty spring flair.
Our main, was the inspiration for this meal. We were at the supermarket and found the most beautiful veal shanks. Well we could never resist a good pair of shanks…. We served braised veal shanks with saffron risotto. Look at those shanks….
Braising lamb shanks in Shawn’s mother’s Le Creuset dutch oven, added a bit of nostalgia and tradition to the meal. The final product was rich, tender, flavourful bliss. With a creamy risotto and the braised veggies on top…. Melt in your mouth goodness. We served a 2014 Trius Cabernet Franc to pair with the main.
When I saw what we had planned for the menu, we wanted a dessert that would stand up to the rich flavours. We pulled out something we have been saving for the right occasion…. A Gateau St. Honoré.
This dessert was made over 2 days, but it was a lot of fun. Choux pastry profiteroles, filled with pastry cream, then dipped in caramel, Pate brisee, and more choux pastry for the crust…. Cover this in the rest of the pastry cream and lets not forget the Chantilly cream. I think it was worth the wait. We greeted the dessert with a rousing chorus of happy birthday and “why was she born so beautiful”…. A special dessert for a special friend.
This week will hold some challenges, with performances of Steph’s Choral symphony – Babel, and Opera In Concert’s new opera – Isis and Osiris… But more than challenges, this week holds some amazing opportunities. The opportunity to hear brand new Canadian works, written by Canadian composers, and performed by Canadian performers…. We don’t get to experience this very often, especially at this caliber.
In closing, happy birthday to our dear friend Steph. And may we celebrate many more years together. Toi toi toi!
I was so pleased to find some leftovers in my fridge. That wonderful tomato soup helps me look forward to getting out into the garden – way too early to plant anything in this freezing weather, but I can look forward to growing up some tomatoes that I am starting from seed right now. Spring will come suddenly.
Absolutely thrilled Stephanie is blessed with such wonderful friends helping to celebrate this beautiful lady for her special day. BRAVO!
Looking forward to hearing “Babel” when performed in Toronto.
Blessings on you all.