Breast Cancer Care WA – Long Table Lunch 2011

Sunday, April 17th – this was my fifth outting to the Breast Cancer Care WA’s Long Table Lunch, an annual fundraising event. and after missing out last year I was so glad to be back on board in 2011. It’s held at the Claremont Showgrounds under a huge marquee and its honestly seems to get bigger and better each year. There had been a little rain that morning, but when lunchtime rolled around it was cloudy and a little humid, but rain free – a definite plus for all the dolled up ladies in attendance.

So once we had handed over our tickets we wandered down the red carpet inside, past the pretty geishas who greeted us, and our first order of business was something bubbly. Didn’t take long at all and with some champagne in hand we milled about enjoying the tasty canapes on offer. The ones I got to sample were the rolled crab & saffron, coriander crepes with cheese shavings and also a butternut pumpkin & fresh corn cake with avocado and tomato salsa. Both entirely delish!

From there we wandered into the marquee and the first section had all the silent auction items on display as well as a place you could go and for a gold coin donation they would touch up your make up – always a plus. My friends and I wandered to our table, which thanksfully was on the far right, which meant we could enjoy some breeze!

The tables were set beautifully – plenty of floral displays, a Baci chocolate for later and also a fan! Which everyone was very grateful for!

The wines for the day were supplied by Alkoomi (www.alkoomiwines.com.au) – a delightful drop, the white was my drink of choice for the day.

They’d even manage to make the butter on the table look pretty with the addition of some micro-herbs – which definitely seems to be the current ‘in’ thing.

The butter on the beautifully fresh rolls we were given was a winning combination. I do love the opportunity to indulge in good bread these days.

As we sat happily munching away on our rolls, the entrees were served – a creation from Heyder and Shears and also Graham Arthur from Il Lido. There were two being served. Either an Atlantic Salmon ravioli, roast carrot puree and snow pea tendrill salad with baby capers. I didn’t have this one, but there was definitely some approving mmmm sounds coming from those around me who did.

The entree I had was lime and coriander cured beef with chinese cabbage and pickled radish remoulade, served with asparagus and micro basil salad. It was so incredibly tasty and the strong flavour of the carpaccio combined so well with the light and refreshing salad. Big winner!

Everyone had the same mains and again it was an amazing meal. The mains creation came courtesy of Steven Clarke of Clarkes of North Beach fame. We were served Roasted Mount Barker Free Range Chicken compression with jamon crumbs, served with with roasted autumn melon, beetroot and asparagus. Visually it looked beautiful, with the combination of melon adding some extra colour.

I haven’t been so lucky as to visit Clarkes of North Beach yet but after eating this amazing meal its moving to the top of my wish list! Plus as it turns out I know the Sous Chef from there – went to primary school with him – isn’t Perth a small world after all. Nice work Matthew – good to run into you 🙂

Before our desserts we heard from the husband of the lady who had sadly lost her battle with breast cancer. Her name was Vanessa Burton and as we sat listening to her husband speaking about her and then watched a video of photos of her with her family and friends, it made you feel like you knew her and it did break your heart that she was taken so young. Vanessa’s favourite flowers were hot pink gerberas and her husband asked that anyone in the crowd, who was either currently fighting breast cancer or who had managed to win the battle please raise their hands and take a flower. This is what had my friends and I in tears….. the staggering number of hands that rose. It made me grateful that so many had come together to raise funds for such a worthy cause. And to this end the live auction that followed was very well supported.

The final course for the day was an indulgent Lemon and Vanilla Bean Genoise, white chocolate mousse and berry melange, courtesy of Rochelle Adonis, whose sweet treats I have wanted to sample for the longest time now. I really enjoyed dessert, the creamy cake and lighty and fluffy mouse combined perfectly with the berry sauce.  Total magic!

I had a wonderful day at the lunch. The team does an incredible job. It’s a day of amazing food, sensational company and some quality time to sit and reflect the important things in life. Your health has to be right up there. Be breast aware ladies – early detection is key. For more information visit www.breastcancer.org.au