Things I have learnt

Yesterday was the Supper Club Rehearsal Lunch. It was a success I think, with no major disasters and a good time had, but it was a learning curve and these are some points to remember.



Despite starting several days beforehand we were still cleaning, assembling tables and ironing tableclothes just before the guests arrived. It is sometimes difficult to know what to do when guests are unavoidably detained in bad traffic. The amuses were a hit, even the garlic dip which is nearly pure garlic with a little salt and oil, was popular. Get the table laid early.



A bread basket is a wonderful and necessary thing but it's difficult to serve oil and balsamic vinegar elegantly and people can feel intimidated. If I'd had an extra person to wait front of house it might have been possible to hand the bread and dressings individually but people don't like to reach.



Even when you think everything is in hand, it's easy to overlook small details. I sent the starters out without their apple crisps. It's amusing to rush around the table and dress things in public once in a while but I think it's a habit that could become irritating.



It's a mistake to cook something on the day that you haven't tested a dozen times before. The tarts were pleasant enough, certainly edible but the presentation was appalling and I nearly lost it completely by not regulating my ovens adequately, trying to cook too hot to make up for lost time.

And we forgot to take pictures of the pudding! Which is a shame. Ice cream does need to be churned before the meal and not during it, no matter how delicious soft serve is. When adding alcohol to puddings be aware it might not suit the drivers.

Everyone still had room for sweets and coffee. I'm not sure if this means the portions were too small, the guests were too greedy or it was all too delicious.

I had fun.



If you would like to join a Supper Club meal in Newport Pagnell on Saturday 12th November then please let me know in the next couple of days as take up has been very slow and I'm hovering on the edge of cancelling.

Nottingham and Ealing are selling well, so if you were thinking of eating with us then it's probably a good idea to get your reservation in now.