Dinner at the Manor

Monica and I are hopeless gourmands. We’ve been lucky enough to dine in many fine restaurants in North America and some in Europe. We take pleasure in trying different foods abroad and we also enjoy our own traditional Newfoundland dishes, whether it’s a ‘jigs dinner’ or a scoff of ‘fish and brewis’. It is fitting; our final night as guests of Veuve Clicquot is an exquisite gastronomic experience.

Winemaker, François Hautekeur, hosts our dinner at the Manoir de Verzy and guides us through the menu, each course paired with special champagne. François started his career as a mechanical engineer. However, his passion for wine lured him in another direction, and today he is an important part of the Veuve Clicquot team.

We start off with an aperitif – Veuve Clicquot La Grand Dame 1998. A well-dressed waiter offers appetizers – a selection of charcuterie and rounds of French bread with salmon seviche and caviar. This sets the tone for an amazing evening of vintage champagnes and gourmet food. François is excited about the food and wine pairings. Our dessert wine, Veuve Clicquot demi sec, is decanted into an icy carafe. This reduces the carbonation by 20% and minimizes the sensation of acidity. “With less acidity, it pairs better with the dessert,” he says.

“Which did you like best?” he asks enthusiastically.

I feel a slight pressure to give an informed response. I reply, “I liked the 2002 Vintage; the acidity balanced well with the foie gras.” I was pleased, if not relieved, that he agreed.

We have been treated extremely well. We leave the Champagne Region with fond memories and many thanks to the people at Veuve-Clicquot, Charton-Hobbs and the Stratford Chefs School.

Champagne Dinner

Apéritif
Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 1998
Served with:
Charcuterie, Salmon Seviche and Caviar
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Foie Gras of Fresh Duck
Grilled Gambas
Purée of Dates and Citron Confit
Veuve Clicquot Vintage Rich 2002
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Noisette of Veal Filet Mignon
Crust of Tomatoes and Black Olives
Veuve Clicquot Vintage Rosé 2004
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Our Selection of Fine Cheeses
Veuve Clicquot Rare Vintage Rosé 1985
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Breton Biscuits with Light Vanilla Mousse
and Fig Compote
Veuve Clicquot Demi Sec