12 randomers turning up at a secret location to eat and drink started to seem like a bit of a dubious idea given the recent press on meeting through the internet, but it turned out good. I would go as far as to say really good. I don’t remember one awkward silence.
The food was delicious and the company was eclectic. TV types, radio types, church types, ‘call-a-spade-a-spade’ types, ‘I-love-to-network’ types and Gok Wan.
I started quite badly by cracking open a tin of Fosters while the ‘I-know-a-lot-of-political-secrets-but-I’m-not-saying’ type popped the cork on a bottle of Moet. Unfortunately for me I only had tins of Fosters so I did feel a bit like Rab C. Nesbitt sitting at the royal table, but it wasn’t an issue (not that I noticed anyway).
I also had to go home and google ‘is it ok to pick fish bones out of your mouth at a dinner table’ to be sure I hadn’t broken more dinner table etiquette. I didn’t get a definite answer so if anyone knows this particular secret, please share.
The menu went as follows:
Spicy sweet potato soup topped with crispy Jerusalem artichoke shavings, served with home-made bread
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Roasted whole mackerel in citrus and coriander
or
Saag paneer (for the veggies)
*both served with dahl and basmati rice*
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Tunisian orange & almond cake served with greek yoghurt
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selection of tea and coffee
It really was delicious and there were calls for our hosts (Sara and Jenny) to share their recipes. ‘Call-a-spade-a-spade’ type had already made the Plot 15 chocolate truffles (see www.plot15supperclub.com) and described the results as “adult pleasure on a plate” (I’ve censored this slightly for the sake of our younger readers).
As with the first time I stepped into Victoria Square, last night was an ‘out of Belfast’ experience, and Plot 15 Supper Club is a very welcome addition to the Belfast landscape. With any luck Sara and Jenny will inspire others to try out their own ventures to further add to our ever-diversifying city.
All in all the evening was very comfortable and after a few hours (and six Fosters) I felt like I was sitting with old friends. I would definitely do it again. If any of the other diners have any thoughts, please leave a comment. ‘Call-the-spade-a-spade’ type, please go easy...
Joel
