NIES December Holiday Party
‘Tis the season for merriment and the NIES December Holiday Party was an upbeat affair as we enjoyed background live music throughout the evening provided by Eric Neuhauser (vocals and guitar) & Steve Simisky (sax).
Socializing was the focus of the Holiday Party. President Len provided introductory remarks to kick off the event. Co-Program Director, Warren introduced the wines to be poured with some insights regarding what to expect tasting them, along with directions to selecting wines at the three color-coded Pouring Stations. This format provided for mixing and mingling with attendees and friends while up and about to get their pours. The featured wines were paired with a multi-course meal catered by Latitudes and our own Food Committee.
NIES Holiday Dinner:
Appetizer – Pomegranate, pistachio & goat cheese crostini.
First Course – Lightly sautéed, coconut-glazed shrimp over crispy polenta, resting in an elegant and mild curry bisque.
Second Course – Shaved brussel sprouts, fennel, wilted spinach, held together beautifully with a lemon sesame dressing, and finished with a red pepper fluid gel and micro greens.
Third Course – Seared “sous vide” pork loin, paired with rosemary red potatoes, flowered broccoli, and finished with a honey garlic sweet and sour.
Dessert – Tiramisu & truffles
NIES Co-Food Directors Joan & Michelle created the delicious appetizer and dessert. Latitudes catered the first, second and third courses, and their service staff delivered and collected the plates in a professional manner so that the tableside conversation flowed without interruption. All agreed the chosen Port dessert wine paired beautifully with the Tiramisu. This was a palate pleasing array of dishes, each attractively presented and everyone was satisfied to the point of some claiming to be “stuffed”.
The Wine & Raffle Prizes looked especially appealing as Raffle Chair Erica had decked out her display of raffle packages with a garland of greenery and ribbon.
The Wine Bottle Exchange moved at a good clip as Treasurer/Reservations Chair Linda called numbers and those participating chose from the holiday-wrapped bottles under the Christmas tree.
For this fun and festive evening, the men looked dapper and the ladies were into the spirit wearing holiday fancy attire, as there was plenty of glitter and glam in the crowd.
Holiday greetings and wishing you and yours all the best!
