Switzerland at the Wade's Residence

First thing to greet us was a darling rustic table laden with cheese fondue and yummy things to dip in it…pearl onions, Swiss sausage (which were strange looking), Brussels sprouts, and pickles. An old painting done by Denise’s father was a quaint backdrop. They even had meat and cheese laid out to look like a Swiss cross.

As always her table setting was adorable.

Our salad was fabulous. I really liked the combo of flavors from the oranges, avocados, and fennel.

At this point I was struggling with liking all three pinots! Strange isn’t it? I think the food matched the special characteristics of the pinot well.

The main course was Zurcher Geschnetzeltes Rosti (German for sliced meat Zurich style). This is a slightly crunchy potato pancake, with thinly sliced veal and mushrooms in a rich cream sauce.

Dessert was of course fondue… Swiss-chocolate with strawberries, bananas, chopped up croissants, and homemade marshmallows.

I have to admit when they told me I had to bring a Pinot Noir I was not thrilled. Typically I don’t like pinot, unless it’s super expensive and then it’s just okay. So I sent Joe to Trader Joe's to buy a recommended bottle.The Shetlers took home the coveted gold plastic medal with a 2012 Sonoma Loeb. The Wades came in second with Moniz Family, 2012. We came in dead last with 2013 Meiomi. I did like ours best without food pairing, but it didn’t hold up to the meat dish.

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!