In part, to thank them for their unwavering support during the arduous years of preparation, but also to have some really good food (understatement.)
One of my earliest blog posts covered Langdon Hall's 20th Anniversary luncheon back in 2009. Last night, we took part in their Sizzling Summer Barbeque Series, featuring different guest chefs or different hosted themes every Friday night during the summer.
And despite the pomp and circumstance of the Relais and Chateaux establishment, this event was casual and of remarkable value. Each night, there are a limited number of spaces for dinner guests not staying overnight going for $65 per person.
Last Friday was Canada Day and featured "Langdon Hall's own" led by Grand Chef Jonathan Gushue and highlighting their chef de cuisine, sous chef, baker, sommelier, and head gardener.
This week's theme was titled, "Under the Tuscan Sun" and featured hosts: winemaker Elisabetta Gnudi-Angelini from Italy, Chef Rob Gentile from Buca Osteria & Enoteca on King West, and Master Chevalier Afrim Pristine of the Cheese Boutique in Toronto.
Good wine, great food, and even better company...
Buon appetito!
Upon driving into the secluded grounds, you are greeted by the stately manor of Langdon Hall.
The front lawn also served as the helipad for a chopper dropping off some of the guests tonight. Fortunately, Donald Trump was not on the guestlist.
A little bubbly in the room to start the evening...
Did you know that Dom Pérignon is a vintage champagne only having been produced in 36 years from 1921 to 2002? Three vintage years in a row are a rare phenomenon (which has only occurred two times: in 1969, 1970 and 1971, in 1998, 1999 and 2000). Well, that's according to Wikipedia.
The menu
One of the hosts, Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini, is the proprietor of Tenuta Caparzo, Borgo Scopeto and Altesino. As such, there was a special wine pairing menu offered for $55 per person that included four full glasses, progressing from white to red to dessert wine. Another remarkable value when you consider each bottle ranged from $50 t0 $145, which may have been specially priced for the event.
We started with a 2006 Toscana IGT, Le Grance from Carpazo which paired well with the oysters. Then we progressed to the reds, a 2008 Morellino di Scansano DOCG, Doga Delle Clavule as well as a 2004 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, La Casa. And to finish off the evening, we were met with a glass of 2005 Moscadello di Montalcino DOC from Carpazo to pair with dessert.
The grounds
The highlight of the night: The Cheese Boutique
Local Strawberries
Aceto Tradizionale
Afrim in action...
The Buffala Milk Parmigiano Reggiano that was aged for 6 years in the Cheese Boutique's Vault and the only wheel of its type in North America. The one of a kind piece was cracked just for tonight's event.
The ten-month old tamwart attached to the Jamotec (the J2 model from the Professional line.)
Prosciutto e Melone
"The Hut" which houses the pizza grilling station featuring two varieties: Pork Shoulder, Spring Onion, Grana, Toasted Chili as well as a simple trio of Mozzarella, Basil and Green Olive
Malpeque Oysters with two accompaniments: Fennel, Lavender, Garlic or Melon, Rosemary, Citrus
Chef Rob Gentile plating the starch dish...
The finished product- Sweet Pea Risotto and Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini Flower
Another creation by Chef Rob Gentile from Buca at the Grill- Cuore di Manzo Marinato, Preserved Figs, Robiola and Grilled Radicchio.
Umm... beef heart. Remarkably tender for such an active muscle.
The Grill Station manned by Grand Chef Jonathan Gushue was my last stop prior to dessert. Unfortunately it was later in the evening and by that time the service was ending. Although you still had access to the two proteins: short ribs, radish, salsa verde and grilled tuna, lemon, pistachio, capers and olive oil. The ribs were tremendously tender, perhaps sous-vide, and the salsa verde perhaps foreshadowing the August 5th theme of Authentic Argentinian Asado.
And the featured soup of the evening: a Cauldron of Cherry Tomato and Zucchini Soup with Aged Pecorino. The broth was intensely savoury!
Actually, being a self-respecting carnivore, I left the "Greens and Things" Station last...
Cucumber Salad, Ricotta, Toasted Almonds, Bottarga
Golden Beets, Fennel, Fennel Tops, Black Olives
Roasted Asparagus, Walnut Cream, Truffle Pecorino
Missing photos: Friarelli Peppers, Heirloom Tomatoes, White Anchovy, Capers
as well as the Chilled Cavetelli, Pig Jowls, Rapini, Garlic dishes
The perfect summer evening...
By the time we were ready for dessert, the sun had set... and unfortunately the lighting, or lack thereof, meant that there would be no photographs of the dessert table in this post. Here's what you would have seen at the "Sweet Things" table:
Buca's Goats Milk Panna Cotta, Macerated Berries, Chocolate Vincotto
Pistachio and Almond Cake
Grapefruit and Orange Salad
Baked Apples with Vanilla Mascarpone
Chocolate and Sea Salt Cookies
Langdon Hall is an indulgence that always satisfies. Life is short and you deserve it!
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