'Ladies That Lunch'

183/365: the sherbet lemon hanging basket

 

I almost bottled out of going to the 'Ladies That Lunch' meal but I forced myself to go and I am so glad that I did. It was a complete success and a definite for the diary on the last Friday of every month (this one was an exception as nobody could make the proper date so it was delayed by a week).

I was anxious about the menu even though I'd advised them of the foods I can't eat when I booked, but my mind was put at ease as soon as I got there. When I checked in, the owner confirmed the allergies and assured me that the menu was suitable for me .... and it was. It was a two-course meal with two choices for each course; chicken or bouillabaisse (fish) for the main course and rhubarb fool or strawberries and shortcake for dessert. I chose the bouillabaisse and the strawberries and my dessert came without cream. I finished off with cafetière of really good quality coffee. The food was excellent, much better quality than I was expecting although the fact that their chef used to work at the Savoy Hotel in London should have told me something! The portion sizes were perfect, just enough rather than the overloaded plates that I find difficult to manage. I'd score the food at 10 out of 10!

It was a small group of ladies this time, just me plus three others, but in a way that was a nice introduction to the group. Everyone was really friendly and I felt at ease straight away. We all had plenty to chat about but I think I have more in common with A and J rather than V. The outcome of all the chat is that I will be meeting with A to arrange some games of scrabble, and J has persuaded me to try the WI in her village ... A may try that out too, and asked if we can arrange to start at the same time and be the new girls together. V is looking to re-join a choir but is considering one that clashes with another of my commitments so I can't join her, and anyway she will be singing a different voice to me so we wouldn't be sitting together. They did however mention the choral group in Melksham which I wasn't aware of and, after looking at their website, appears to be perfect for me but it's not clear from their website whether they have started back post-Covid so I will make contact with them and see what the situation is.

So that's the first thing on my bucket list ticked off. It's going to be a great addition to my diary and the fact that it is only once a month makes it affordable. The best bit is that it has already provided other opportunities for me and will probably continue to do so.