The Dinner Games

Twitter. Exciting, confusing, fun, frustrating. And, just occasionally downright mysterious.

The Dinner Games appeared and followed me.

I followed back – curious. Did I mention I love the Hunger Games? And have a huge crush on Donald Sutherland? And an even bigger one on Jennifer Lawrence?

No? Well now you know. But I digress.

Things like this began to appear in my timeline

And this.

And a direct message inviting me to the Dinner Games. Cue discussions with Mr GFB. Diary checks. Have you ever tried to explain to someone that you’ve been invited to something and want them to go, but have no idea what it’s about? It’s hard work.

Thankfully Mr GFB is a plucky chap and ever one for a challenge. Which is why we arrived in deepest Whalley Range along with Keeley to meet our fellow diners with only a hint at the menu and the evening ahead.

Diners began to arrive, and lots were familiar faces, as were those of our hostesses. Though had we not guessed already, the images on the logo would have given it away. Greeted with fizz (elderflower presse for me) and some heavenly tear and share bread with bacon and cheese, we chatted, nibbled and relaxed, wondering what was to come.

Would it truly be like the Hunger Games? Would we be posted on podiums and asked to fight for our food? Would the victor choose who ate what course? Would it be in teams? Was assessing the individual strengths of our fellow guests a step too far? Er, possibly.

The table was laid, with our names in Scrabble format. I was curious about the ball of blue icing. But  a jelly snake demanded my attention and thinking of the safety of my fellow diners, it was swiftly decapitated.

Before I could lean over to the place setting next to me and perform the same sort of service, our starters arrived. Probably for the best. This way my competitor would be disposed of easily and I could eat theirs.

Out of the Hat Terrine was a tender ham hock and rabbit dish, with extra porky goodness from bacon and my favourite additions of mushroom and spring greens. Delicious. I was suspicious. Is this too good? I eyed the fellow diners. No, all fine, no fighting, no-one keeling over due to a sneaky arrow in the back. Hmm.

Our second course was pass the parcel, except that it wasn’t. Instead we were treated to quail ravioli in a deliciously light, but flavourful broth. The quail was perfect, texture, flavour, rich and gorgeous. I must add thanks to the lovely Ste for providing the light for the above shot as my phone was struggling.

And then there was smoke. Maybe this was a diversion? Is someone making a rush into the kitchen to snaffle more goodies? I grabbed my fork, just in time to see our hostesses opening windows and flapping tablecloths. Ahh. Oops.

Luckily the burning was not a sign of things to come, as two pretty pastry dishes arrived. Ox cheek and tail pie with ale, prettily topped with piped mustard mash and edible flowers, joined by a second featuring mushroom and leek in a creamy white sauce.

One of my competitors passed her side dish over. I suspiciously eyed her while she sipped on prosecco. Why? What was…? Oh right, yes. Keeley doesn’t like mushrooms. Greed overtook me. Yum.

I poured another glass of Schloer and eyed the other guests.

Wait. One had disappeared. Gone. How did I miss this?

I looked at Miss Noodles. Her distraction techniques had worked and she’d dispatched one of the diners. With dessert about to arrive, I had to be on my guard.

Our dessert was a trio of delights. The lemon sorbet was refreshing, leaning on the sharp – perfect for my palate. The cookie dough peanut butter chocolate combo I had to admit defeated me.

But the whisky cheesecake with ginger biscuit crumbs and salted caramel? Oh yes, now we were talking. I avidly ogled plates for a spare ball whilst I mopped the plate of salted caramel sauce with my finger.

Now the games could really begin.

Models were moulded with the icing, including an attractive blue male appendange (no, I’m not posting a picture, it was blue icing and surprisingly anatomically correct, that lady has hidden talents). Films moulded and guessed at.

Pink wafer Jenga attempted with Mr GFB proving himself particularly adept.

Sweets were eaten – jelly snakes and Curly Wurly ladders didn’t last very long – handbag sweets procured for rediscovery the morning after.

And cakes wrapped in foil to be taken home for breakfast.

The first of many, this Dinner Games may not have gone 100% to plan, but I think every tribute will agree…..

We can’t wait for the next Games.

May the odds be ever in your favour.