I had the pleasure of sitting next to two British women, Mark's wife, Loretta, and her sister, Rebekah. I really enjoyable 4 hour dinner.

Mark's version of 'fish & chips" Appropriately wrapped in a London Times newspaper.

The couple that sat across from me were Dr. Payne and his wife. (what a name for a dentist)

Thursday, March 26, 2009
Mom turns 83 today. Feliz Cumpleanos!
To celebrate her birthday, I am attending a wine dinner tonight at a restaurant here in Fond du Lac, WI. The sad part is that this fine culinary establishment is going to close on Saturday. (that was a tear) Mark, the owner, web site is: http://www.fusionbymark.com

A 6-course English Wine Dinner is on the menu.
1st Course: Fresh Pea Soup with Mint & Sausage Rolls It was excellent. A really nice starter.

2nd Course: Orange Poached Pear & Stilton Melt with Endive and Radicchio (paired with Robertson Late Harvest Gewurztraminer) Shown in the picture above.

3rd Course: Carpaccio of Beef & Watercress Salad served with Horseradish Sauce and Yorkshire Pudding (paired with McManis Pinot Noir) Fantastic flavor of these beef slices.

4th Course: London “Thymes” Baked Whole Trout with Lemon Thyme Buerre Blanc & Crisp Potato Gaufretttes [a thin crisp fan-shaped French wafer](paired with Burgans Albarino) This course, shown above, came properly wrapped in the London Times. Wonderful Buerre.

5th Course: Apple-wood Bacon Wrapped Roast Rabbit with Mustard Tarragon Mashed Potatoes and Rosemary Dijon Demi Glace (paired with Guenoc Victorian Claret) Loved this dish.

6th Course: Fig & Fudge Pudding (paired with Warres Special Reserve Port) Really nice desert and lovely port, had several glasses.