The brainchild of Jeehae Kim Goddard, the “Amherst Select Dinner” has come to fruition. It is a formal occasion where students (over 21) from different academic disciplines get to enjoy an elegant dinner with wine pairings and all. It is based off of the banquets that Oxford does, a chance to promote conversation and responsible drinking in a formal setting. I think it’s a genius idea because first of all, it’s fun for the students. I got to meet people I know I would never have gotten to meet, all the while enjoying delicious food prepared for us by the Amherst Dining chefs. I’m sure it was also enjoyable for them to for once, not have to cook mass produced cafeteria food.
These dinners have been at the Lord Jeff Inn, at the Alumni House, and for my night, the fifth and final of the semester, at Lewis Sebrings, the nicer gathering space just next to our dining hall. Sometimes there are speakers, but for us, a wine connoisseur from Spirit Haus came and talked to us periodically throughout the dinner about the different wines we were drinking. The food was absolutely delicious and seeing everybody dressed up was definitely a treat. I hope these dinners continue on into the coming years, because I think it’s one of the best ideas Amherst has come by during my time here. It generates self-respect and respect for a different aspect of our academic experience.
Hors d’Oeuvres
Groth Vineyards – Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Day Boat Halibut Playing in a Sweet Pea Broth
Alexander Valley Vineyards – Chardonnay 2010 “Salute to Spring” Tender Greens, Baby Beets, and Blood-Orange Vinaigrette
Saint Roch des Vignes – Rosé Côtes de Provence 2012
Breast of Duck Asparagus-Confit Risotto and Meyer Lemon Vincotto
Seebrich -Reisling Neirsteiner Hipping Spatlese 2010 – Reisling is one of the best wine growing regions in Germany 
Coriander-Crusted Lamb Morel Mushrooms and Fiddelhead Ferns
Jaffurs Wine Cellar – Grenache Santa Barbara County 2009
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie (?) – The question mark is because it is another take on the classic dessert – it has been deconstructed… 🙂
Dell Acquese – Moscato d’Asti 2012
None of this would have been possible without Biddy Martin and Patricia Allen!! Thank you so much for such a fun night!!
We also technically weren’t supposed to have our phones out, but I thought it would be an injustice not to capture the food and drink.
What a fabulous take on the dinner – thank you! Pat