What a superb evening our hosts, John and Meri Snell, laid on for me and 46 other U3A Members at Restaurant Maxim to introduce the 2020 Dining Out Group season!
Restaurant Maxim has been one of my favourites since it opened some years ago and I was delighted that John and Meri had chosen it for Tuesday’s kick-off to 2020.
I was not disappointed, quite the contrary! From the warm and beaming welcome, not only from John and Meri but also from Meri’s sister, Anne, the well-organised evening was a thorough success. The welcoming, perfectly chilled, brut Cava was much appreciated, in spite of the cold outside and the plentiful arrangement of comforting heaters ensured that everyone enjoyed the dinner in warm and pleasant comfort!
There were five tables of eight and one of seven and I believe the table seating plan was popularly appreciated.
Needless to say, Restaurant Maxim sustained its reputation for quality cuisine and service and, without including the entire menu choices here, I believe my total satisfaction with my choice, langoustine salad, sea bass and for dessert (my favourite) tiramisu, was reflected by most if not all Members who attended. In addition, the wines, the canapes the sorbet and the décor all contributed to the success of Maxim’s catering service! Excellent!
From the continuing buzz of the many conversations filling the restaurant throughout the evening, there was no doubt, diners were enjoying themselves!
I had been concerned that after the recent Christmas and New Year period of major over-indulgence I would not be able to do the evening the justice that it deserved. How wrong I was; it was a perfect way to re-enter the delights of U3A Dining Out Group Membership and to forget the recent season of personal excesses!
All too soon, the evening came to a close and after a much supported thank you speech by Jan Adams to John and Meri and Lola and her Restaurant Staff who had served us all excellently, it was time to re-enter the cool night air and head for home; happy, satisfied and, in my case, a little more chubby than when I had arrived!
I am sure I will reflect the opinion of all Members who were present at this great start to 2020 when I offer my sincere congratulations to John and Merri for a special evening. Those Members who will be dining at the second January visit to Restaurant on Tuesday 21st January have in prospect, much to which they can look forward!
Langoustine salad 
Chicken Cordon Bleu 
Sea Bass 
Boneless leg of lamb 
Titamisu 
Créme Brulée