Tastes of the World

Mark and Melissa told us to bring a Cabernet Franc. A Cab Franc? Seriously? I searched high and low and found one at BevMo, and luckily it was part of the 5 cent sale; Montgras Reserva from Colchagua Valley, Chili, 2011. I tasted it and was amazed at the deep layered flavors with a hint of smoked meat. Unfortunately the second bottle didn’t taste that way at the party. We came in dead last L

Dan and Denise bought one without tasting it; Vermeil Cab Franc 2010, it started light and smooth and built in flavor as it opened.

Mark and Melissa had the winner; Inkblot by Michael David 2010. It carried the flavors I had hoped for in my bottle. Heavy, smooth with that hint of smoked pork.

Now for the meal. Words fail me . . . Yes I know many of you find that hard to believe, but it’s true. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves. All I can say is that I've never had such a confused palette. They had 4 regional cheeses, olives, and made 14 dishes, representing 20 countries. The flavors were astonishing.

Sweet Carrot Salad - Morocco

Marinated Grilled Vegetables - Italy

Baba Ghanoush - Lebanon

Shrimp Summer Rolls - Viet Nam

Shrimp Balls - China

Quesadilla with Carne Asada and Guacamole - Mexico

Couscous Stuffed Peppers - Palistine

Left: Tortilla with Ham - Spain
Top: Pissaladiere with Caramelized Onions - France
Bottom: Spinach Soup - Iraq

Jerk Chicken - Jamaica

Left: Kulfi (Pistachio Ice Cream) - India
Top: Chocolate Pot de Creme - Switzerland
Bottom Right: White Russian Cream with Mango
Puree - Russia/Peru

So now do you understand why I couldn't find words to describe the food? I would say, "only words could do it justice," but in this case only taste could do it justice. Well done Shetlers!