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
—-
Roasted whole mackerel in citrus and coriander
or
Saag paneer (for the veggies)
*both served with dahl and basmati rice*
—-
Tunisian orange & almond cake served with greek yoghurt
—-
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
I was nervous about going last night but can categorically say it was one of the best nights I've had out, well in. Amazing hosts and brilliant guests. The food was all delicious but every mouthfull of the desert was, and this is the only way to describe, orgasm inducing. By the time I finished it I wasn't sure of I'd be able to stand. There was a great mix of people and despite perhaps drinking too much had great conversations. So yeah to sum up if you get the chance to go to one of these events DO IT.
ReplyDeleteP.S
And yes although Joel let us all down by bringing fosters i think we were all just relieved it wasn't buckfast.
Sounds like you had a good night. Iwas on
ReplyDeletethe list but unfortunately had to pull out . It's a great idea hope to get along sometime. TC
Thanks annonymous...I'm glad I wasn't a total disaster.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed yourself, Joel. We had a fabulous time meeting so many lovely people, including yourself. A big thanks for organizing the event - it was great to chat about the possibilities of secret Belfast - keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteThis was a truly delightful evening! I'd highly recommend it, and am very glad to have been part of it and met so many lovely new people. Thanks to Jen and Sarah for a delicious meal in candlelit surroundings.
ReplyDeleteWho knew Fosters wouldn't be the right thing to bring? I mean, it goes with everything, right? And there's no screw top or cork screw dilemma. Fosters FTW!
ReplyDeleteWorks for me...
ReplyDeleteGreat post, looking forward to a plot 15 dinner next saturday (my birthday treat)!
ReplyDeleteWe dined at Plot 15 last month and the food and craic were fab. Blog post about the night is below. Many thanks to Jenny and Sarah...we'll be back soon.
ReplyDeletehttp://marvwoodhouse.com/2010/04/plot-15-supperclub/