The Rose Harissa Paste is a great favourite of mine, indeed I always take a jar or two to France with me. It is the perfect ingredient to add depth to a simple sauce or mayonnaise, the combination of chilli, rose petals and spices produce a hot but delicate flavour.
This year Belazu is hosting monthly charity dinners to raise both funds and awareness of the Belazu Foundation, which supports the Zakoura Education Foundation in Morocco. The Foundation focus is educating children and young woman in rural parts of Morocco. Please follow this link, where you can read more information about the Foundation.
I was fortunate to have been invited to the dinner they held at The French Table in Surbiton, on Monday 25th February.
The restaurant is delightful. A calm, light filled room with beautifully laid tables and crisp, white table linen. It is owned and run by Eric and Sarah Guignard, who as well as having a gem of a restaurant, serve delicious food perfectly complimented by carefully selected wines.
When I arrived at the restaurant there was a refreshing glass of Vouvray Pettillant Natural Mousillant, Loire Valley, 2010, served with delicate canapes of blue cheese and foie gras.
The meal itself was superb, a Marmite of lobster with haddock, leeks, confit tomato, crustacea and vanilla sauce accompanied by a glass of Gaillac Blanc Sec, Clement Termes, South-West, 2011. This was followed by a divine Saddle of Scottish Venison, parsnip puree, beetroot and potato gratin, sauce 'Grand Veneur' with 'Dignite' Syrah, Eric Monnin, Languedoc, 2009, served from Magnum (to aid the flavour).
Pudding was an exquisite Passion fruit mousse with raspberry cream on a coconut biscuit, and there was a stunning Muscat de Beames de Venise, Domaine des Bernadins, Rhone, 2010 to drink with it.
As well as the wonderful food, it was super to meet so many people who are working to support education in a country where it is not an entitlement. I was fortunate to sit at a table with George Bennell who founded the company. His obvious passion for both the products he sells and his desire to help the suppliers in Morocco is inspiring.
I would particularly like to thank Ali and Ashleigh who were both so welcoming when I arrived, and of course Eric and Sarah for such a wonderful meal.
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| Delighful tables |
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| So inviting |
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| A delectable menu |
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| Olives from the Fresh Olive Company |
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| Spicy Popcorn |
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| The Marmite |
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| The Venison |
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| Perfect Pudding (sorry about the shadow) |
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| Lovely and useful gifts for the kitchen |
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| Many Thanks to Belazu and The French Table |
Sounds like a fantastic meal. I have never found any balsamic vinegar that comes close to Belazu's. It;s not cheap so I usually ask for a bottle for Christmas or Birthday, but it's sooooo good!
ReplyDeleteIt was an absolutely brilliant evening, so many new tastes in both food and wine. My favourite was the pairing of the venison with that incredible red wine. I am not usually a red wine drinker but that wine I will be looking to buy. I loved the beetroot & potato gratin and the rich gamey flavour of venison was incredible. Again, your winning streak comes to the fore and strikes gold! That was certainly a restaurant I will be going back to, loved it :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely evening, and I thought the charity was an excellent cause too! I was amazed at how much they have done in such a short time.
ReplyDeleteJude,
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a wonderful dinner and charity dinner. I do not know this company, I will have to look for this in America.
Thanks for the information.
Have a fabulous week!
Gill, you are right about the balsamic vinegar, I used some last night, it was gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteLaura, we're already planning a meal there ASAP! The venison and Syrah were just the most perfect combination.
Fiona, I was impressed too. I firmly believe that Female literacy is the only way that life will really improve throughout the globe, it's wonderful to meet people who are making a difference.
Elizabeth, it's a lovely company with a delicious range of food, it was super to be able to join them on Monday evening, and to see Laura and Fiona too.
What a wonderful experience, dear Jude, and a terrific cause, of course...
ReplyDeleteRose and Harissa together...sounds so intriguing...
Like Elizabeth, I will try to seek these out...
Have a splendid Sunday!
xoxo,
- Irina