Post Hotel – May 15 & 16, 2015
Juergen Bahr, Chargé de Presse
Now that the Dîner Amical and l’Ordre Mondial events at the Post Hotel in Lake Louise have become an annual event, one gets the feeling of coming home as one follows the Bow Valley and its inspiring sights. There is something about the Post that is so comforting with its alpine European Charm and impeccable attention to detail as a host. Gastfreundlichkeit, that German word that defies translation, a feeling of welcome and being cared for, rules this establishment from the moment one arrives to the friendly good bye when one leaves. A feeling of warmth nurtured over many years by Andre and George Schwartz, a feeling created with very hard work and attention to detail that one experiences rarely in today’s world of technology and expedience.
The Calgary Balliage of the Châine des Rôtisseurs held two events on the weekend of May 15 and 16, 2015 at the Post. Friday night a tasting of New World versus Old World wines as a L’Ordre Mondial event and a Dîner Amical on Saturday.
L’Ordre Mondial “Old World versus New World”
It is an ever occurring debate Old against New World. Janine Lötscher, Sommelier at the Post Hotel and Joe Scorgie, Vice-Echanson put us to the test in the venerable library of the Post. Taste the wines and tell us which is which. It would be unseemly to comment on the accuracy of the collected palates, however, let it be said, that there was not one perfect score. It was, however, a most enjoyable and fun learning event. It was an eye opener and perhaps made us questioned some long held beliefs and that is what a Mondial event is supposed to achieve. Bravi!
The highlight of the evening of course was the singing of the Mondial song by the improving Mondial Chorus. Led, as always, by Roger Baekland, the song was belted out with gusto and conviction.
As always, the tasting is followed by a dinner downstairs in the dining room. Chef Hans Sauter did not disappoint and prepared a four-course dinner of excellent quality.
Two wines accompanied the dinner, a Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc and a very elegant Brunello di Montalcino, perfect choices for the wonderful tasting dishes.
Joe Scorgie, Vice-Echanson, addressed the group, thanked all the contributors to this wonderful experience, and we retired to our rooms to dream happy dreams of New and Old.
Dîner Amical
On Saturday night the Post hosted a Dîner Amical. We gathered in the library for the reception and were treated to an array of wonderful appetizers accompanied by a Taitinger Brut Reserve. Bailli Mark Wilson then called us to attention and introduced the guests and asked us to proceed to the dining room and be seated.
The table setting were beautiful and the centrepiece a delightful arrangement of flowers. The ceiling was decorated with white lights akin to a starry sky, setting a mood of anticipation for the feast to come.
COURSE 1
Vitello Tonnato
Thin slices of Veal with Tuna flavoured Sauce
Sauvignon Blanc Spotswoode, Napa Valley/Sonoma Valley, California 2012
Butter Poached Atlantic Lobster on BC Spring Green Peas
Morel White Port Wine Sauce
Chardonnay Lewis Cellars, Russian River Valley, Sanoma Valley, Californina 2013
Filet of Wild BC Salmon, Served Rare
Topped with Black Trumpets, Purée of Cauliflower, Red Wine Jus
Pinot Noir Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Hemel-en-Arde Valley, South Africa 2012
Sauteed “Rougie” Duck Breast on Fresh BC Porcini
Duck Jus
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine de Beaurenard, Rhone Valley, France 2010
Braised Waggu Short Ribs
Barley Ricotto, BC Spring Asparagus
Catena Zapata “Argentinio” Malbec, Bodega Catena Zapata, Mendoza, Argentina 2000
Cheeses
Delice de Bourgogne, Chällerhocker, Etorki
Château Talbot, Aème Cru, St. Julien, Bordeaux, France 2000
Barlett Pear Sorbet
Quince Compote
Flourless Chocolate-Hazelnut Cake, Gianduia Mousse
Orange Curd and Praline Ice Cream
Gewürtztraminer “Fürstentum” Vendage Tardive, Domaine Weinbach, Grand Cru, Alsace, France 2006
Astonishing as always, the flavours were excellent, the wine pairing superb and the service impeccable. Bailli Mark Wilson rose and gave the accolades. He praised the Chef and the brigades on an occasion well done and well enjoyed. He thanked the owners Andre and George Schwartz for hosting us again in this special venue for this special dinner. He then, as custom dictates, presented the plates for the evening.
The kitchen plate went to Chef Sauter for an outstanding effort. The second plate went to Sommelier Janine Lötscher who presented us with excellent wine pairings and was also instrumental in choosing the wines for the Mondial the night before. A special note to the service brigade, who worked tirelessly to make the dinner a smooth and timely affair. Bravi again.
Bailli Wilson then wished us a pleasant night and another memorable dinner experience ended until the next time we meet again.
In memory of Roger Baekland
Lee and Roger Baekland
Dîner Amical, May 16, 2015