The Kidney Ball

Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

WASHINGTON, D.C.:

It usually kicks off the social season and this year's was as high on the American capital Richter scale as it gets. All the elements were in place, a great venue - the ballroom of the Marriott hotel - guests dressed in fabulous gowns and tuxedoes, Washington's corporate elite, an exciting silent auction (think Mercedes-Benzes and minks) and music by the legendary KC & The Sunshine Band.

The food was excellent, and since The Gleaner's lifestyle editor was in attendance, we thought we would share a taste with you. What makes the event more special was the fact that among the premium sponsors in this year's CEO circle was a Jamaican! He is a chartered public accountant and the managing partner in the accounting firm of Bert Smith & Company and he will be in the island this weekend for our major accountants' anniversary event. Welcome home George and Doreen Willie.

For starters

The first course consisted of Quinoa Terrine with dried fruits and nut salad and included Lola Rosa red oak leaf lettuce, chive spears and corn shoots, red and yellow teardrop tomatoes and crumbled goat cheese drizzled with a pear vinaigrette.

The entrée featured two favourites that absolutely melted in the mouth, seducing the palate on their way to digestion heaven: mustard ribbed sliced tenderloin of beef paired with chimichurri halibut, dilled risotto cake, asparagus, roasted pepper, jumbo carrots, roasted butternut squash and fresh tarragon demi.

The finale was a trio of desserts that included a four-layer panna cotta, kitty cat mousse, cinnamon-flavoured ricotta with nutmeg crème anglaise.

The usual coffees and teas were the fitting end to a great meal.