Wednesday, May 31, 2006

The Tasting

Memorial Day weekend and we battled the traffic to spend the long weekend in Maine all so we could go to the tasting Sunday evening at the inn. j. was not pleased at having to go, but I insisted it would be fun and, you know, we only get married once. My mom and sister-in-law joined and we took a walk around Boothbay. The inn itself was even lovelier than we remembered and the weather was perfect.

The tasting itself lasted five hours - that's about an hour per course, and also included a wine tasting. First important thing we learned: we don't have to use their wines, as long as they can get the wine we want through their distributor. We've already started a list of wines for them to check on. Second important thing we learned: they're happy to accomodate family recipes. The family recipe for mac & cheese is on its way.

The chef at the inn has only been there for two weeks, so I'd like to cut him a little slack. It must be tough creating six courses for 50+ people. But maybe this chef was trying just a little too hard to impress us. Better to keep it simple - at least that's the theory we're using when we create the menu. While we won't be ordering much of anything we tasted on Sunday night for our wedding, I think it was a good learning experience. Now we know what we DON'T want.

And yes, it is awkward hanging out with a bunch of other people who are getting married at the same place in the coming weeks. At our table was the couple getting married hte week before us. They're actually already married, having already had one wedding in the fall with her family. Then there was also a bride getting married August 5th at the inn's sister hotel down the street. She came to the tasting by herself and all I could think was: brave, brave girl.

Last important thing we learned: family style can and will be done.

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