February 14th, Valentine’s Day Couples Driven Shoot & Evening Candlelight 4 course Gourmet Dinner.
The Album of the day.
For the first time since opening in 1973, the Club was delighted to offer a special Valentine’s Day Couples only Driven shoot with candlelight evening Dinner. The shoot would run through the afternoon till sunset and begun with a Simulated Drive off our 60’ tower and then the Guns shot a 200 bird release over our two concealed towers “Prairie Tower’ and “Tristan’s Wood”.
On arrival at 1pm the Guns enjoyed a light brunch of Sausages, Cheese board and Crackers served with Mugs of Brenda’s famous hot “Bullshot’ Broth. After the standard safety brief and drawing of peg Numbers the Guns loaded their kit onto the waiting Kubota’s and at 1.45 headed off in Convoy to the High Tower for the simulated Pheasant drive.
After warming up their barrels on two rotations at our High Tower Driven Simulator the Guns then moved off to our “Prairie Tower” for the first 100 bird release.
Well the birds having read the script and with some guidance from our brilliant Game keeper Tyler Brenner, flew over the Guns in singles, braces and coveys providing some super sporting shooting with all the Guns getting their share of the bag!
After a small warming “Nip”, the Guns moved on again to our second Tower in “Tristan’s Wood’. This is a really picturesque location with the pegs set in a glade surrounded by Pine trees and evergreens and where the birds start out at least 60’ feet up.
This is Debbie Barker on Peg 4,
The Tower is located just off slightly to the right concealed in the Pine trees some 60 yards in front.
Pegs 1 to 3 are to her left.
With the afternoon sun slowly setting the Birds flew spectacularly well providing some truly exciting and challenging shooting.
The shot of the day, if not the whole season so far, has to be accredited to member Joe Trad
With his superb technique and style, stopped an accelerating Cock Pheasant at what must have been 200’plus and climbing, cleanly in its tracks with one shot.
Brilliant!!
After a Finale’ Covey and the Birds well and truly in the bag the Guns loaded up and headed back to the Club.
As always the Guns were supported by our excellent team of Retrievers headed up by Dan Ihrke himself and in this picture his Daughter Sage and her indomitable Cocker Spaniel “Gizmo” and Brad with “Bradley” the Superstar Labrador.
After enjoying aperitifs of Rose Sparkling Cava the Guns & Guests then sat down at 6.pm to the evenings Candlelight dinner, they were joined at the table by owner Mike Pence & Wife Linda and their guests Barbara & Mike Blyth.
Starting with a Strawberry & Champagne Soup, the diners enjoyed 3 further superb courses with matched wines, that ended with a variety of handmade chocolates served with a chilled vintage Tawny Port.
Chef De Cuisine Ms. Brenda, always cooks with passion and took considerable time to select dishes that would fit this very special occasion, they delighted the taste buds and warmed the Heart’s on this celebrated day of Amore’. As her Husband I must say just how proud of her I am and how her skills in the kitchen have elevated the quality of the Clubs cuisine to match that provided by any of the most renowned Hunt Clubs in the Country
The evening ended with the last Guests departing around 9.30pm.
Guns and Guests of the Day where:
1 Debbie & Burt Barker , 2 Melina & Allen Tarpley . 3 Kate & Joe Trad , 4 Beth & Craig Mathis
"Pousse de L'amour" 2019
Set out below is the Menu for our Valentine’s Day post shoot Evening Dinner, as you will see there is a choice of two options for courses 2 to 4, which we ask you to advise us of your preference by return email. Please also let us know of any special dietary requirements, such as “Gluten Free” when emailing.
Chef De Cuisine Ms. Brenda, always cooks with passion and has taken time to select dishes that will fit this very special occasion, they will delight the taste buds and warm the Heart on this celebrated day of Amore’.
Her husband Keith has taken time to match Wines that will compliment the evening’s menu, stimulate the palate and will make your taste buds love you forever!
The evening begins with a Glass (or two) of Rose’ Prosecco, then dinner begins with:
Course 1.
Warm Strawberry & Champagne Soup.
Course 2.
A. A bowl of fresh Moules Mariniere’ in a cream & white wine sauce (only a little garlic for romantic reasons).
B. A traditional Provencal Salade’ Nicoise with fresh seared Tuna. Served with warm Crispy rolls
These are matched with a 2017 Donati “Sisters Forever” Un-Oaked Chardonnay
Course 3.
A. Traditional Mushroom Duxcelles wrapped Beef Wellington.
B. An individual Roasted Cornish Hen infused with Honey Gremolata. Served with a buttered baby new potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables
These are matched with a “Butternut” Californian 2016 Pinot Noir.
Course 4.
A. Lovers decadent Chocolate Mouse with Shards of Dark & White Chocolate bark and a sparkling strawberry.
B. A Chambord infused Raspberry and White Chocolate Bread & Butter Pudding served with vanilla ice cream.
Course 5. Coffee & Handmade Petit’ Fours with a glass of chilled Black Noval Ruby Port.