A stellar night in the cellar

Friends Tim Young and Monique Anderson checking out the charming table set up for dinner in the wine cellar of Cherokee Country Club.

Friends Tim Young and Monique Anderson checking out the charming table set up for dinner in the wine cellar of Cherokee Country Club.

In our fun quest to redeem all the auction items we’ve purchased over the past few years, we recently hosted a dinner party for six in the wine cellar of Cherokee Country Club. I didn’t even know this warm, romantic spot existed until Executive Chef David Pinckney told me that’s where our dinner would be.

Part of the reason I’m posting this is because I see this item offered at auctions in Knoxville from time to time and I wanted you to see how terrific it is. Just don’t bid against me! (Kidding.)

Bruce Anderson checks out some of the wine.

Bruce Anderson checks out some of the wine.

In addition to Cherokee's own wine, the wine cellar holds special bottles belonging to members. Here's a shelf of wine belonging to the Hartmanns!

In addition to Cherokee’s own wine, the wine cellar holds special bottles belonging to members. Here’s a shelf of wine belonging to the Hartmanns! (Don’t worry — we didn’t touch it!)

First course was salmon tartare.

First course was salmon tartare.

Sparkling wine from a vineyard called J Vineyards in Sonoma's Russian River Valley was a happy accompaniment.

Sparkling wine from J Vineyards in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley was a happy accompaniment. The vineyard is named J for its founder, Judy Jordan. Cute.

Here's to a fun night!

Here’s to a fun night!

We wandered around between courses studying the goods. Here's my husband, Alan Carmichael. (Honey, I don't think we were supposed to touch those!)

We wandered around between courses studying the goods. Here’s my husband, Alan Carmichael. (Honey, I don’t think we were supposed to touch those!)

Kris was our endearing server who did an outstanding job.

Kris was our endearing server who did an outstanding job.

Jeff Cupp, left, and Tim Young looking around.

Jeff Cupp, left, and Tim Young looking around.

Monique and Bruce Anderson settling in for the next course.

Monique and Bruce Anderson settling in for the next course.

Lobster French toast! No kidding. It was amazing.

Lobster French toast! No kidding. It was amazing.

I know I am famous for my dislike of chardonnay. But when it's paired with a dish by someone who knows what they are doing, I love it.

I know I am famous for my dislike of chardonnay. But when it’s paired with a dish by someone who knows what they are doing, I love it. This was.

Chef David Pinckney stopped in to say hello.

Chef David Pinckney stopped in to say hello.

Jeff and Tim taking a pause.

Jeff and Tim taking a pause.

Duck confit with sweet potato gnocchi. ( I love gnocchi.)

Duck confit with sweet potato gnocchi. ( I love gnocchi.)

A pinot noir went well with it.

This delicious pinot noir went well with it.

The pomegranate sorbet interlude was a refreshing palate cleanser.

The pomegranate sorbet interlude was a refreshing palate cleanser. (This photo is by David Pinckney, taken in the kitchen and emailed to me because I forgot to take one!)

Jeff and Monique stretching their legs before the next course.

Jeff and Monique stretching their legs before the next course.

We were getting pretty full by the time the buffalo tenderloin with roasted carrots and mushrooms was served!

We were getting pretty full by the time the buffalo tenderloin and roasted carrots, squash and mushrooms were served over celery root puree!

But we were able to wash it down with this red wine blend that paired perfectly.

But we were able to wash it down with this red wine blend that paired perfectly.

Chocolate creme brulee was the perfect ending.

Chocolate creme brulee was the sweet conclusion.

Along with this beautiful and bubbly

Along with this beautiful and bubbly sparkling rose.

Monique and Bruce as the evening drew to a delicious close.

Monique and Bruce as the evening drew to a delicious close.

What a wonderful meal in a wonderful setting. Thanks to Chef Pinckney and Cherokee Country Club for the enchanting experience.

What a wonderful meal in a wonderful setting. Thanks to Chef Pinckney and Cherokee Country Club for the enchanting experience.

Try to snap it up when you get a chance.

 

 

 

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4 Responses to A stellar night in the cellar

  1. Monique Anderson, on March 31st, 2017 at 11:41 am said:

    What a great evening it was. It’s fun to see the pictures. Thank you again for good friends and food.

  2. Cynthia Moxley, on March 31st, 2017 at 11:56 am said:

    Thanks for coming, Monique. I’m going to try to buy this one again! (Although, I certainly didn’t do myself any favors by letting everyone know how delightful it was!)

  3. Wayne Christensen, on March 31st, 2017 at 2:21 pm said:

    Zowie! U do some of the coolest food outings (BBF, with some regularity!) plus this and TF!!! I want to live your life . . .

  4. Monique Andrrson, on April 4th, 2017 at 11:24 am said:

    The dessert was really delicious.

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