Some nights become legendary and this was the making of one such night.
An invitation arrived to a four course Black Tie Dinner on Peel with wines selected to compliment each course. The rule for the occasion was that all camping gear, tuxedo, gown and any contributions for the set up or meal had to be transported to the island via kayak. Now this is my kind of restaurant with a delicious menu to be shared with good company. I reserved my seat at the table and was going - by hook or by crook - with or
without Mark.
My parents arrived the day before bringing with them my much anticipated Macpac tent from NZ. Not much had changed in 20 years ago aside getting 1.5 times the tent for the same packed weight and volume. One practice run and it was decided to give it its maiden night out less the seam seal. On the morning of the
paddle we made sure my parents knew where the QPAC concerts were that afternoon and evening, then left them to their own devices.
Did you know that an Artic Raider has been designed with that special occasion in mind ? A fox fur stole rolled up in a sheet placed in a dry bag shoves just nicely up the nose of the boat. Guaranteed to raise an environmental kill. A full length no crush black sparkling number was stuffed in another dry bag
together with the complementary black lycra leggings, black gloves and matching black paddling shoes. Mark had a warmer option of a tux and if I may say so, he did look rather smart.
You guys should spiff up more often - there might be fewer complaints around the camp fires.
The paddle was smack into a fresh SE against an outgoing tide. It was an unrelenting slog making all of about 4kph. The water was too low to cut the corner at the SW rocks to head for the relative tidal protection of Horseshoe Bay. As we gritted it out the rest of the crew tamed huge tarp which had fought long and hard for parasailing rights.
Aside the oversized tarp with frequent industrial tripping anchors and the odd Spurling bag waving around in the trees there was not much suggestion of what was to follow. That was until the camping tables started to gather into a long banquet table graced with starched white damask tablecloths. At the northern end were the camping gas BBQs and preparation trestles while coloured candle lights graced the perimeter of the tarp. (There was assistance from two power boats with the larger items.)
The chef and his paddling companion arrived late in the afternoon having also experienced pretty ordinary conditions on the way
over. Did you know that a Sea Quest and a Nordcap
can carry a complete restaurant meal for 16 ? Fresh basil, saffron, double cream; scallops, couscous, confit of duck, strawberries . . . it just kept coming out of those hatches.
Sundowners were enjoyed with some finger food. As the light started to fade the decision was made to get the show on the road. The metamorphosis was complete with penguins and makeup emerging from tents to take a place at the table. Camptime America was well represented. The tone was set with the much anticipated arrival of the final couple. They strode in carrying
the ghetto blaster playing Ride of the Valkaries and took their places amongst much laughter and rousing applause.
Appetisers were the classic champagne and raw oysters. Now I am no oyster fan but these were beautiful buttery creatures
wallowing in their shells bathed in a complex marinade with the suggestion of fresh ginger. Superb with the champagne and a promising start to a meal that just kept getting better. The crockery and glasses varied from fold up plastic to china plates, screw apart resin to crystal goblets from velvet lined boxes. Between courses Fay taught us about the varied history of Peel Island - once a place for inebriates, with the amount of wine for each course it looked like maybe we might need to stay a while. Michael addressed each course and educated us about his selection of wine - something to be said about having a passion for dining
well.
The night and the meal was memorable. At the end Patrick went for a stroll down the beach to where two guys camping above the stone
wall jetty were joed out next to their campfire. When they stirred he asked them if they had seen his taxi. Well that just about did it for them - a guy in a tux on Peel Island asking for his taxi. Their night probably became stranger when Mark and I wandered over. They did express some concern about a ? person they had seen on the beach with the tide lapping at their feet. It was an enormous tide which drowned the jetty and almost woke the chef who had made it to the end of the meal . . . just.
Much snoring overnight and sunglasses did not go amiss the next day. Many hands took control of the tarp and tidying up the gear which was shuttled to the mainland.
If ever a strange invitation arrives via e-mail to a black tie meal with arrival via kayak, I recommend you reserve your place and be prepared for a night to remember.
PS. A great vote of thanks to Phil, Fay, Michael and everyone else who did the background work that made this occasion such a
success.
Tip: Don't forget the cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
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