LIFE AT THE COTTAGE

Friday, February 12, 2010

Fourteen Days of Love - Day 12 - Romancing the Palate


Discovering the perfect location for a quiet, romantic dinner can make that special occasion even more memorable. Whether dining out or at home, the proper setting will set the stage.


Over the years, the Yankee and I have been fortunate to discover a handful of romantic dining spots. But there is one in particular that we love to visit more frequently than the others–for the delicious food and the memories.


The same year that I surprised the Yankee for Valentine's Day with the bouquet of heart balloons, I also surprised him with a romantic gourmet dinner. Want to know something that made it a special treat for us both? Someone else did the cooking! ; )

If you recall the year I'm referring to, the Yankee was in school in the mountains of North Carolina. I had been told about a wonderful restaurant located within reasonable driving distance of his school. So, site unseen, I made reservations and hoped for the best.
 

This particular restaurant is nestled within the gorgeous 26 acres known as the Highland Lake Inn.
Not only do the peaceful surroundings there quiet the soul, but the incredible landscape delights the eye.


When I made the reservations that very first year, I was quite unaware of all the advantages of dining during Valentine's weekend. Not only do they add special fare to their menu, but they also serve up live music and a free glass of champagne per guest.

It was one of the loveliest and most enjoyable evenings we've ever had…listening to the beautiful harp music, dining by candlelight, and feasting on some of the most delicious food either of our palates had experienced. If only every day could be so memorable!

Should you ever get the opportunity to dine at the Season's Restaurant, you will not be disappointed.


And should you be fortunate enough to dine during Valentine's weekend, you will be presented exquisite fare on the order of...

Valentine Weekend Treats for your Sweet

Friday, February 12, 2010
Classic Menu plus Festive Specials like:
Herb Crusted Lamb Loin
Roasted All Natural Lamb Loin, filled with a Wild Mushroom Melange
Accompanied by a Blueberry-Sage Risotto and an assortment of
Ginger Poached Vegetable Batons

Saturday, February 13, 2010
Four Course Dinner

Romantic Overture
Puree of Carrot and Ginger Soup
Garnished with Herbed Goat Cheese Quenelle

Mint and Berry Salad
Mint, Spinach and shaved Fennel tossed with Berries and
Goat Cheese, with a Honey-Lavender Dressing

Enharmonic Interval
Trio of Oysters
Oysters with Passion Fruit Coulis and Ginger Leeks,
Fried Oysters on creamed Corn and the
classic Oyster Rockefeller take this trio to the top

Phyllo Wrapped Baked Brie
Baked Brie set on a mantle of velvety Cherry Coulis and
Cracked Pepper Leek Fondant

Smoked Duck Carpaccio
Tender Slices of Organic Duck set over
Blueberry Risotto and Candied Rose Petals

Fantasia in Cuccina
Grilled All Natural Beef Tenderloin
Accompanied by Ballotine of Smoked Pecorino mashed potato with
Wild local mushrooms and glazed Baby Carrots
Served with Rosemary Demiglace

Wild-Caught Alaskan Copper River Salmon
Seared to perfection and graced with Lobster Ravioli on a Bed of Saffron
Fumet
Spinach, Grape Tomato and Chorizo Iberico

Escabeche of Pheasant Confit
Tender Breast and Pheasant Drum marinated in Vegetable Escabeche
Set over Season’s interpretation of a Spanish Potato Tortilla

Prelude to a Kiss
Trio of Chocolate Petite Fours
Served with Warm Raspberry Compote, Toasted Macadamia Nut Brittle,
Blackberry Coulis and Candied Orange Rind


Be sure to visit the Season's site, with the link above, for a look at the delicious offerings for Valentine's Day.

Bon Appetit!

To help create your own mouth-watering dishes, today's addition to the giveaway is this trio of exotic gourmet seasonings.


Reminder:  Please be sure to publish your
Valentine's post, before you link to the party. And
don't forget to mention the Brambleberry Cottage
in your post.

Remember to leave a comment to be entered in this
week's drawing for the giveaway!

1. Jenn Raley
2. http://donna-sugarspicesouthernlife.blogspot.com/
3. Marilyn





3 comments:

  1. Looks like a very quaint and subperb place/menu. It's neat to dine where you can 'score the presentation' isn't it? Just seeing all the ways they come up to serve something amazes me. And it is nice to the palate also! Emmmm emmmm bueno! :) Jenn

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  2. Goodness! You have made me hungry! I could make a meal just with the Chocolate Petite Fours!
    Blessings,
    Donna

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  3. Fabulous menu, gorgeous scenery, and harp music as well........ sounds just about as perfect as it can get.

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