SURPRISE!! : ) Birthday Party @ferdiesfoodlab

by Simon Fernandez of ferdiesfoodlab

Well, what can I say what a great party!! On Thursday last just before the Easter weekend, in cahoots with Preet (birthday boy's lovely wife) I endeavoured to put together a fabulous TOP SECRET banquet. I've organised a few surprise parties in my time. I remember one in particular for an old girlfriend. I was getting a few too many calls, generating some awkward questions from my in danger of not being surprised girlfriend!! All sorts of things can go wrong, it's like herding cats, getting everyone in the right place for the right time without arousing suspicion ain't always easy!!!

I'm glad to say Preet managed a very tight campaign!! ; ) All the specials, allergy info and seating plan was done well ahead of time.  All the guest arrived at the main entrance hall well on time for pre-surprise drinks and mingling . . .

HE'S COMING!!
(MOUNTING THE SURPRISE)

As the time approached the lights were turned off and and folks retreated into the shadows of the large hall assuming their surprise pounce positions . . . whuar har har!! heh heh heh!

Although they didn't rush him, I think he was genuinely SURPRISE(D)!!! : )

Awe shucks : ) thanks Preet!!!

With the pouncing done it was time to show everyone through to the main hall, and to the seating plan. As the guests entered, remarks like "wow what a lovely room", "didn't expect this . . ", "check it out!! where are we sat?" floated around the banqueting hall and as people found there seats I high tailed it to the kitchen to make sure things were running smoothly, which is where I stayed (with the odd check on the hall) until dessert.

After a couple of courses, with the edge taken off the hunger it's time for . . .

Speech me-thinks!

and on with the party . . . .

This is what I put on the menu for the night; 

Happy Birthday Rush, from Ferdie and the gang!

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 Menu - ferdiesfoodlab - Early Spring '12

Salsa Picante!

Sweet Potato Tortilla w/ Oyster Mushrooms Noisette, Rosemary Bread & Salsa Picante(V)

 




 

Pink Grapefruit w/ Star Anise & Basil - Amuse Bouche (V)

Yum Salaad - Cambodian Inspired Chorizo & Celeriac Salad

Red Coss & Fruit Salad w/ Mustard, Honey & Balsamic(V)

(contains: pork)

 

Bacon Swirls and Invisible Tomato (V: Cheese Swirls)

(contains: pork)

Liquorice Dusted Roast Ribeye of Beef w/ Roasties, Ginger Carrots & Simple Salad, 
White Tomato Sauce & Horseradish Sauce

(contains: beef, rare meat, raw eggs)

Sage Infused Aubergine Stack w/ Roasties . . . . as above (V)

Maple Oaty Cookie Popcorn Ice Cream Sandwich w/ Salted Caramel Sauce (V)

Black Olive Ganache (V), Slightly Included Schnapps Marshmallows, Salted Lemon Fudge (V)

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After the speech, there was more food and drink, and plenty of laughs by all accounts!

Uh oh I've been papped! Busted!!         Are you sure it was that big?

Thinking: "You're funny!! I don't believe a word of it mind you!!"    You can see someone about that you know!

I'm suspicious, really? that big???

Of course!!! Would I lie to you!!! Heh heh!

It was a fun night, and really lovely to talk to people. I'm so glad everyone enjoyed the food and the atmosphere, what a corker of a night!!!!

Hugs to everyone involved. I hope you all come back soon! (And don't forget to tell your friends!!!)

Simon xx