Here's One I Never Planned For!!!
Morning everyone. Well, she's finally here! Who? you may well ask. I'd better explain.
Crickey, this seems more a post for Marjorie Proops than the food menu section but here goes...
I have had a Russian penpal for the last four years, her name is Mila. A really nice, attractive and respectable lady, aged 58 widowed for 5 years, a music teacher at a school in Roscoff, who speaks very good English. She has travelled extensively all over Europe with the School choir but even so, getting a tourist visa to visit Britain was a big deal and very difficult. However, thankfully she was granted one and is now here on a two-week visit.
But............not to see me!!!!!! 12 months ago, whilst talking to her on Skype, my youngest brother, a widower of over two years, happened to visit during my conversation, introduced himself to Mila, completely took over my Skype conversation and BANG! before I knew it, they were both smitten! They started talking to each other on Skype every day, texting each other, even between her school classes. She was even putting her camera phone on whilst walking between classes and introducing him to her school colleagues as she was walking down the school corridors.
I have to admit, I was a bit worried and perhaps a bit miffed at first, you can imagine how nervous I was that this was all going to end up pear shaped. Either she was going to get hurt, or he was going to get hurt. (I know my brother!)
I knew that she was not the type to use him just to leave Russia as she has both Russian and Schengen passports, owns properties herself. Her son has his own business and her daughter is married to one of the Russian National Football Coaches. No, it seems the only thing that was going to be lost was my loss, my Pen Pal!!.
They have since been meeting once a month, flying off to be with each other, twice in Prague, once in Cologne, once in Bonn, twice in Riga and finally 10 days in Venice. (Booking.Com love him!)
Now they are engaged and she has come to visit him here. It's all been very romantic.
I am really pleased for them both though. They are so happy together. I've invited them both for dinner on Saturday. I'm quite nervious about it though and been panicking a bit about the menu. She doesn't drink either, so thought I would share just the menu with you and if anyone has any ideas or tips or criticism, would appreciate your input. Especially if you think what I am serving does not go well together. It's no good asking he who must obey, he eats anything put before him. My terrific cook, SIL is vegetarian so wouldn't entertain Steak anyway so am turning to you. Here below is what I am serving. Please don't hesitate to tell me if you think it doesn't blend right.
STARTER
King Prawns with Mango & Chilli Salsa
MAIN
Steak with Tempura battered Onion Rings, Side dishes of French Fries and Green Salad
DESSERT
Blackberry Fool with Calvados.
I don't think the Calvados will affect her as a non drinker as there isn't much in the pud.
Cheeseboard with Cheddar, Brie, Stilton, Green Grapes and water biscuits.
I admit I get bored with serving Water or Orange Juice to non-drinkers so I am serving Shloer Grape Juice and Ginger Beer as a choice for Mila, and Wine for the three of us. Do you think that is suitable for a non-drinker, or should I play safe with just water and Orange Juice?
Either way, I'm hoping it turns out well.
Who would have thought it?? Isn't life strange?