The event, another so-called “American supper”-style lunch, was held at the home of PP Richard Kemball-Cook & his wife, Cora.
“Let’s celebrate the summer with a competition” Richard had said in his invite – challenging members and guests to find colourful shirts or dresses to wear (you may recall that we’d previously had a colourful sock competition).
We were welcomed to the event with some drinks and nibbles offered by hosts Richard and Cora before we entered the hall – decorated with a huge hanging of a beach scene and a long table laden with food.
The idea of the American supper is that guests bring a dish – homecooked or, for those without culinary skills or time, shop bought! The summer weather encouraged lots of salads, but we had a touch of summery holidays with Salade Niçoise (tuna salad) and Quiche Lorraine reminding us of France; Horiatiki Salad (Greeka salad) and Bougatsa (semolina custard-filled pastry) reminding us of Greece; Frittata and Pizza reminding us of Italy; Coleslaw (reminding us of the Netherlands); Mediterranean Couscous (reminding us of…well, the Mediterranean) and Aloo Dum (spicy potatoes) and Raita (yoghurt dish) reminding us of the Indian subcontinent. Stars of the savoury show included a very tasty and artful “sausage roll” and a beautifully arranged savoury platter.
For those of us with a sweet tooth, a red, white and blue cheesecake reminded us of America (perhaps) and for all the stay-cationers there was of course the traditional strawberries and cream, trifle and fruit crumble. The sweet stars were a scrummy dish made with chocolate, coffee, brandy and Apricot…and a handsome plum tart!
After the meal Richard walked through the room mulling over who the winner of the brightest dress should be. Avril Vickers, wife of PP Robin, won the show in a yellow floral number. Meanwhile Cora looked out for her favourite shirt and John Bobba, looking dapper and exuding summer holidays in a Panama hat and printed shirt, won the show of the shirts.
It was very lovely to see everyone and share the delicious food together – Rosemary ended the event by thanking Richard and Cora and all others who had helped out. Our next social event? Bat & Trap and the Rotary Challenge next week. Look our for an article soon after!
Picture: Members and guests enjoyed the variety of food on offer. Picture credit: Rotary Club of Canterbury.
Further pictures will be published on our Facebook page.
