Dave's Live from Eurodam Transatlantic 24 Aug - 10 Sep 2011

[Loucat]

WOW! Although I have never salied HAL, your incredible posts and pictures are exceptional. What an experience and thank you for sharing. I will be on the Eurodam in January and I am really looking forward to it. Your posts make me interested in booking a TA. I would love to see the areas you have described so well and thank you for the daily ship information.

[aliaschief]

Dave, Enjoying riding with you on your cruise. Entertainment for us rained-out Tropical Storm Lee members. Rain, rain, rain. Wish we could send some of this moisture to our friends in Texas and other areas in the big drought.

[Himself]

Dave I am enjoying your posts as you cross the Atlantic and head for Stateside. some of the menus cause my blood sugar to jump just reading the menus.

[RetiredMustang]

Sunday, Sept. 4, Nanortalik

It was a pretty bleak day as we pulled into Nanortalik, with low gray skies. We were anchored and cleared by 7 a.m., but we decided to wait a a bit and go ashore about 8:30

Just as we arrived at the landing, it began to rain, and the wind picked up. So, DW donned a poncho and I broke out an umbrella and we set out. The town is perhaps one mile square, and we walked first to the east end of town to the Hotel Cap Farvell, thinking to get a coffee in the café, but it was not open yet so far as we could tell.

We walked about for a bit, taking in the sights, and ended up back near the center of town. We had bought wrist bands to the various events the town had put together, including folkloric dancing and a choir at the old church. There was also a museum that is interesting. We had visited it before, in 2009, and decided to go back to the tender landing area instead. By that time, the rain had stopped, but it was still overcast and pretty dreary, although the buttercups in bloom and the brightly-colored buildings brightened things up a bit. Several photos are attached.

We popped into the old church on the way back, and I took a photo of its nice altar. We then went into the larger of the town’s two supermarkets to look around and buy some cough drops. DW then decided to sand in line to visit the little gift shop in the same building as the post office and tourist info office, while I headed back to the ship. She was on the next tender after mine, without any shopping bags. She said it was a very small shop, and she did not find anything.

More in the next post,

Dave

[RetiredMustang]

Sunday, Sept. 4, Nanortalik (continued)

After we got back aboard, we dropped things in our room and went up to lunch in the Lido. We noticed that the area that is the Canaletto was set aside, and there were little ramekins of mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard and on each table. We asked one of the hotel staff officers what was going on, and he said the ship was hosting a group of the town’s children for a tour of the ship and lunch.

So, a while later, I went back up to the Lido to find a festive party going on. No surprise, based on the condiments we had seen -- the lunch menu featured hot dogs, hamburgers and French fries, which come to think of it, most kids anywhere would rather have. There were also plates of pizza slices available. The kids were having a great time, and the ship officers and dining stewards we enjoying interacting with the children. What a fun time! Photos attached.

Some information for those who may be interested.

Tonight’s show: The Conversational Comedy of Frank King.” 8:00 and 10:00 p.m.

Music/Other:

- Queen’s Lounge: Music & Dancing with Natalie & The HAL Cats, 9:00 p.m.-12 mn. 50’2 Rock & Roll Party 9:00-10: p.m.

- Ocean Bar: The Neptunes, 6:30-11:30 p.m. Happy hour 4:00-5:00 p.m.

- Piano Bar: Piano Man Michael 9:00 p.m. – close; Motown Music Hour 10:00 p.m.

- Explorer’s Lounge: Adagio Strings, 6:00-11:00 p.m.

- Crow’s Nest: Solo guitarist Darlyne Cain, 5:30-9:00 p.m. Happy hour 7:00-8:00 p.m.

- Northern Lights: DJ Tyler, Music Mix, 9:00 p.m. – close

Dinner menu in MDR (smart casual):

Appetizers: Citrus Delight with Amaretto; Crab Tower with Avocado Salsa; Spanish Serrano Ham; Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders.

Soups and Salad: Lemon Turkey Spinach Barley Soup; Pumpkin and Squash Soup; Chilled Anjou Pear Soup; Smoked Salmon, Pear and Fennel Salad.

Entrees: Penne Primavera; Mediterranean Chopped Salad; Red Mullet with Ancho Chili Butter; Grilled Ribeye Steak with Spicy Pear Salsa; Veal Parmigiana; Thai-Style Grilled Chicken; Vegetable Karma (curry with basmati).

Desserts: Chocolate Decadence Cake; Ricotta and Marsala Trifle; Deep-Dish Cherry Tart; Vanilla Napoleon no sugar added; Vanilla ice cream; Burgundy Cherry ice cream; Lemon sorbet; Vanilla Frozen Yogurt; No sugar added Triple Chocolate Ice Cream; No sugar added Vanilla ice cream; Pineapple Sundae.

More later,

Dave

[kazu]

Look at the huge plate of fries the children in the second picture have :eek: How nice of HAL to do this for them. Your menu for tonight looks absolutely scrumptuous. ;)

[RetiredMustang]

Sunday, Sept. 4, Nanortalik (continued)

The weather got better and it brightened a bit before we pulled out of Nanortalik at 2 p.m. I got a few shots that show the town from the ship – they are attached.

More later,

Dave

[RetiredMustang]

Monday, Sept. 5, at sea

Yesterday, the Captain warned us as we sailed from Nanortalik that he expected a rough night, and we should be prepared. He said he expected 20-foot seas and 50-knot winds as we skirted a low-pressure area en route to St. John’s – weather more typical of the north Atlantic in early September than we have had all cruise. Ship’s crew were tying down the Purell stands, putting out the sickness bags, etc. We secured our cabin, putting away loose items.

The evening was fine, but later on we started getting some swells, and overnight I woke up several times with heavy rolls, and the sounds of drawers opening and closing. It was mostly rolling side to side, not so much pitching up and down or twisting back and forth. We had pretty much a Nantucket sleigh ride overnight, which for us was fine, but I wonder how the other passengers fared.

At 6 a.m. today, there were still heavy rolls, and 61-mile an hour winds on our starboard side, which is also the direction of the swell, since we are still doing mostly rolling.

At breakfast in the Lido, there were fewer people than normal. At about 8 a.m., the winds are still about 50-55 mph, but the swells seem a little bit less. The sun is breaking through clouds, so hopefully we are running out of the worst of the weather.

More later,

Dave

[RuthC]

It doesn't take as long for the worst to be over when the storm is heading one way, and you're heading the other.

Hope it calms down enough that you can go outside today. These are the types of days that I just love it out there.

[RetiredMustang]

Monday, Sept. 5, at sea (continued)

The weather did improve throughout the day, with the winds and seas dropping. It’s not exactly calm and smooth, but a big improvement over last night. Weather decks are still closed. Captain Bowland said we experienced 7-meter seas and 55-knot winds at the height of passing the storm, at 2 a.m.

He also said he and HAL HQ are watching Hurricane Katia, which is forecast to veer right and pass several hundred miles from New York Friday night – which is when we are due to be making our approach for a Saturday morning arrival. But, weather forecasting still being uncertain, especially the further out you go, everyone is paying close attention. He said he and CD would start broadcasting updates on the ship’s TV system starting tomorrow afternoon. That tells me that at least the St. John’s port visit seems to be assured, which is great, because we missed that on the Eurodam northern TA in 2009 … due to Hurricane Bill

Remains to be seen if “The Hurricane” Captain will be dodging a Hurricane for the third year in a row.

More later,

Dave

[jbhcw]

Monday, Sept. 5, at sea (continued)

The weather did improve throughout the day, with the winds and seas dropping. It’s not exactly calm and smooth, but a big improvement over last night. Weather decks are still closed. Captain Bowland said we experienced 7-meter seas and 55-knot winds at the height of passing the storm, at 2 a.m.

He also said he and HAL HQ are watching Hurricane Katia, which is forecast to veer right and pass several hundred miles from New York Friday night – which is when we are due to be making our approach for a Saturday morning arrival. But, weather forecasting still being uncertain, especially the further out you go, everyone is paying close attention. He said he and CD would start broadcasting updates on the ship’s TV system starting tomorrow afternoon. That tells me that at least the St. John’s port visit seems to be assured, which is great, because we missed that on the Eurodam northern TA in 2009 … due to Hurricane Bill

Remains to be seen if “The Hurricane” Captain will be dodging a Hurricane for the third year in a row.

More later,

Dave

 

Interesting:) Capt. Bowland was our Capt on the Zaandam in April of 2010..we had a pretty rough going and coming and missed Maui:eek: He remarked then that it was an especially rough crossing..actually the roughest of the season:) He was a great Captain though...I'll always remember him saying...one hand for yourself and one hand for the rail...and no heels:D We did great though...loved the rocking and rolling!

[tright]

Thank you so much for your live review. I just love to reading your commentary it is as if I am there cruising with you. I have never thought about taking a northern cruise but I am changing my mind!!! I hope you continue

[RetiredMustang]

Monday, Sept. 5, at sea (continued)

This has been one of those great lazy days at sea, wherein I did not do much of anything in particular, but am exhausted from all the nothing I did! Very enjoyable, and I find myself liking at sea days more and more as time goes on.

Tonight’s dinner menu was the Farewell Dinner, which seems a bit early, especially as we have another formal night after we leave Halifax. And later (much later, probably waaayy past my bedtime) is the Black and White Officer’s Ball, at 10:30. Perhaps Captain Bowland is hedging his bets in case we have to divert, or return to New York early or something to avoid the hurricane.

Some information for those who may be interested.

Tonight’s show: “International Acclaimed Instrumentalist Hanna Starosta, Presenting an evening of great music and stories.” 7:00 and 9:00 p.m.

Music/Other:

- Queen’s Lounge: Join Travel Guide Ian for Travel Trivia, 8:00 p.m.; Join Natalie and The HAL Cats for the Officer’s Black and White Ball, 10:30 p.m. – 12 mn.

- Ocean Bar: The Neptunes, 6:30-11:30 p.m. Happy hour 4:00-5:00 p.m.

- Piano Bar: Piano Man Michael 9:00 p.m. – close; Orbison, Everly and Anka, 10:00-11:00 p.m.

- Explorer’s Lounge: Adagio Strings, 6:00-11:00 p.m.

- Crow’s Nest: Solo guitarist Darlyne Cain, 5:30-9:00 p.m. Happy hour 7:00-8:00 p.m.

- Northern Lights: DJ Tyler, Music Mix, 9:00 p.m. – close; Black & White After Party, 11:30 p.m.

Dinner menu in MDR (formal):

Appetizers: Honeydew Melon and Papaya; Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail; Smoked Duck Carpaccio; Fish Cake and Crispy Shrimp.

Soups and Salad: Pistou Soup; Cream of Broccoli Soup; Sun-Dried Tomato Gazpacho; Mixed Italian Garden.

Entrees: Gnocchi with Garlic Cream Sauce; Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Salad; Olive Oil Pached Cod with Chorizo Cream; “Land and Sea”; Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb with Mint Basil Pesto; Poussin with Apricot Bread Stuffing; Truffled Mushroom Risotto.

Desserts: Vanilla Souffle; Marble Cheesecake; Warm Mocha Pound Cake; Chocolate Profiteroles no sugar added; Vanilla ice cream; Coffee ice cream; Strawberry sorbet; Peach Frozen Yogurt; No sugar added Neapolitan Ice Cream; No sugar added Vanilla ice cream; Amaretto Java Sundae.

More later,

Dave

[RetiredMustang]

Tuesday, Sept. 6, St. John's

 

Ruth was correct -- we set our clocks back a half-hour last night, and presumably will do so again tonight.

 

We are sailing toward St. John's, and we can spot land on the horizon. The weather has improved, and there are sun breaks and the temperatures are warmer -- about 60 or so.

 

We are due to dock at noon, and we have an afternoon excursrion, that I will report on later. In the interim, here are some more photos of the ship.

 

More later,

Dave

[RuthC]

You absolutely must be out on an open deck when you sail into the harbor. The path through the cut is so close to the sides that you feel you can reach out and touch both sides at the same time.

I've stood there in the rain just to experience it.

[trophy_23]

We are on the way to NYC to join the Eurodam Sept 10 and they have suspended flights into LGA due to major thunderstorms. I have really enjoyed reading your daily reports... I hope the weather improves!!

[RetiredMustang]

Tuesday, Sept. 6, St. John’s (continued)

The ship arrived in St. John’s well ahead of the scheduled noon arrival, but clearing the Canadian authorities took some time, so we were about on time for our shore excursion.

We went first to Pippy Park and toured the Fluvarium therein. I had never heard of one of those either, but from the Latin roots (and the tour description), I figured out that it was sort of like an aquarium for a river/stream. What it is is a place that is built alongside a stream bank, so that the water flows by glass panels, and people can actually see into the stream as it exists. Actually, they diverted the stream a bit when they built the place, but it is a natural stream.

We went down and saw some exhibits that explained things related, but the hit was watching the brown trout through the glass. I’ve attached photos of the stream, windows and trout.

We then drove to the other side of St. John’s to the relatively new Johnson GEO center, which is dedicated to the geology of the rock formations that make up Signal Hill; the rocks date back 500 million years, and the museum is pretty impressive for geology topics. We could also actually see and touch the rocks, including the bare ones that make up Signal Hill. Pretty cool. It was dark down there, but I took a photo of the rock wall on display.

Then, we rode up to the top of Signal Hill, so we could take pictures of the harbor with Eurodam docked downtown. Photo of that attached as well.

It was an interesting day, and I wished we had more time at each place we visited. And, we never did get to George Street and other parts of town. I guess we’ll just have to plan another cruise that stops at St. John’s. There is no mention of setting clocks back half an hour tonight, so I suppose we do that tomorrow; we have to do it before pulling into Halifax on Thursday.

Some information for those who may be interested.

Mainstage: Big Screen Movie: Source Code, 8:00 p.m.; Adagio Strings in Concert, 10:00 p.m.; Filipino Crew Show, 11:00.

Music/Other:

- Queen’s Lounge: Natalie and The HAL Cats, 7:00p.m. – 12 mn; Disco Fever, 9:00-10:00 p.m.

- Ocean Bar: The Neptunes, 6:30-11:30 p.m. Happy hour 4:00-5:00 p.m.

- Piano Bar: Piano Man Michael 9:00 p.m. – close; A Night of Romance, 10:00-11:00 p.m.

- Explorer’s Lounge: Adagio Strings, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

- Crow’s Nest: Solo guitarist Darlyne Cain, 5:30-9:00 p.m. Pub Trivia with DJ Tyler 9:00 p.m.

- Northern Lights: DJ Tyler, Hits of the ‘60s, 10:00 p.m. – close

Dinner menu in MDR (smart casual):

Appetizers: Papaya with a Rainbow of Fruit; Herring Sampler; Captain’s Antipasto Plate; Double Baked Cheese Soufflé.

Soups and Salad: Beef and Vegetable Soup; Green Chili and Corn Chowder; Chilled Banana Soup; Gourmet Greens.

Entrees: Pasta Parcel with Zucchini Ribbons; Greek Style Beef Salad; Broiled Halibut with Lime-Tarragon Aioli; Prime Rib of Beef au Just; Grilled Venison Loin with Dates; Ginger Grilled Half Chicken with Peaches; Asian Vegetables and Potato Gratin.

Desserts: Chocolate Mousse in Brandy Snap Basket; Mango and Kiwi Pavlova; Viennese Apple Strudel; Raspberry Mousse Torte no sugar added; Vanilla ice cream; Peach ice cream; Mango sorbet; Heath Bar Crunch Frozen Yogurt; No sugar added Butter Pecan Ice Cream; No sugar added Vanilla ice cream; Butterscotch Sundae.

More later,

Dave

[RetiredMustang]

You absolutely must be out on an open deck when you sail into the harbor. The path through the cut is so close to the sides that you feel you can reach out and touch both sides at the same time.

I've stood there in the rain just to experience it.

 

Ruth,

 

Yes, we did, and what a view as we passed Signal Hill. Luckily, it was during a sun break.

 

Dave

[sapper1]

Ruth,

 

Yes, we did, and what a view as we passed Signal Hill. Luckily, it was during a sun break.

 

Dave

The harbour area in St. John's and its unique entrance has to be one of my favourite sights ever. I have been to the Rock several times and never tire of St. John's and its amazing friendly people.

 

As to the half hour time change there is a saying around here that the world will end at 6:00 PM-----6:30 in Newfoundland!:)

 

As usual, you are one of the best "live from" reporters on CC.

[JR767]

Thanks for the time and effort of postingt hese great trip reports!

 

The menus especially - I shouldn't read these before dinner :)

[RetiredMustang]

Wednesday, Sept. 7, at sea

We awoke to another north Atlantic storm, with high winds and heavy seas. I turned on the scan chart on the TV (channel 40), and could see we were in the shallow continental shelf south of Newfoundland, south and a little bit east of Grand Bank. The scan showed a strong wind blowing from the north, and the readings I saw ranged from 62 to 71 miles per hour … which is just a bit less than hurricane strength. The seas were churning, but were not as high as a couple of days ago.

We had noticed a pretty strong wind whipping the flags along the St. John’s harbor as we pulled away around 8 p.m. yesterday, and the winds apparently strengthened overnight. I’m glad we enjoyed sun breaks and mid-70s temps in St. John’s yesterday and were not there today – it probably was not so nice.

By lunchtime, the winds had let up to about 45 mph, and the seas were a little less rough. The officer of the deck opened the weather decks at 11 a.m. The captain had postponed the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. It was mostly sunny by that point, and most of the whitecaps were gone -- in fact it turned into a nice day, about 60F (15C) or so, and although still windy, it was not as strong and the seas not so rough as this morning.

The captain and CD updated their Hurricane Katia watch program and it looks even less likely that it will affect our cruise. We will pass within a few hundred miles of it on the approach to New York, but the captain expects any effects to be mostly in the form of rain.

There were lots of activities going on around the ship all day … but we did not do most of them. We really did not do much all day, but wander, read, rest and relax. DW attended a film in the screening room, and reported that it is an excellent venue, well designed but small. She also said that I would have liked it because it had big comfortable chairs and I would have enjoyed the nap when the lights went down.

Some information for those who may be interested.

Mainstage: “Nightlife, featuring the Singers & Dancers of the Eurodam”, 8:00 and 10:00 p.m.

Music/Other:

- Queen’s Lounge: All Request with Natalie and The HAL Cats, 9:00p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. – 12:00 mn.

- Ocean Bar: The Neptunes, 6:30-11:30 p.m. Happy hour 4:00-5:00 p.m.

- Piano Bar: Piano Man Michael 9:00 p.m. – close; The Best of the ‘50s, 10:00-11:00 p.m.

- Explorer’s Lounge: Adagio Strings, 6:0011:00 p.m.

- Crow’s Nest: Solo guitarist Darlyne Cain, 5:30-8:00 p.m. Happy Hour 7:00-8:00 p.m.

- Northern Lights: Join your fellow Ladies for an evening of fun Ladies Night, 9:00-10:00 p.m.; DJ Tyler, Music Mix, 9:00 p.m. – close

Dinner menu in MDR (smart casual):

Appetizers: Chilled Lychees with Kiwi Wedges; Seared Ahi Tuna Carpaccio; Meze Platter (Mediterranean appetizers); Grilled Four Mushroom Crostini.

Soups and Salad: “DAM” Bacon and Cabbage Soup; Cream of Green Asparagus Soup; Chilled Raspberry Soup; Lollo Rosso alla “Mimosa” (red lettuce with marinated vegetables).

Entrees: Bucatini Caponata; Seared Beef Tataki Salad; Pan Fried European Plaice with Capers and Lemon Segments; Yankee Beef Pot Roast; Roasted Leg of Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic; Asian-Style Rotisserie Duck; Baked Stuffed Eggplant.

Desserts: Bosche Bol (cream puff filled with Chantilly); Royal Champagne Gateau; Banana Napoleon; Tiramisu no sugar added; Vanilla ice cream; Chocolate ice cream; Lemon sorbet; Raspberry Frozen Yogurt; No sugar added Triple Chocolate Ice Cream; No sugar added Vanilla ice cream; Strawberry Sundae.

More later,

Dave

[RetiredMustang]

The harbour area in St. John's and its unique entrance has to be one of my favourite sights ever. I have been to the Rock several times and never tire of St. John's and its amazing friendly people.

 

As to the half hour time change there is a saying around here that the world will end at 6:00 PM-----6:30 in Newfoundland!:)

 

As usual, you are one of the best "live from" reporters on CC.

 

 

Thanks, Sapper!

 

Tonight we set the clocks back another half hour -- so now the world can end at Halifax time, 6:00 instead of 6:30.

 

Dave

[Skipper's Mom]

I'm glad to observe that there is an additional happy hour from 7-8 p.m. For us late diners, this is what I've been requesting for some time.

 

Thanks, Dave, for this commentary on your cruise adventures. Makes one want to book immediately!

Edited September 7, 2011 by Skipper's Mom

[liz99]

Was the cruise was full? Thinking of doing this cruise next year and wondering how soon we have to book.

 

Thanks for your great reports. It has given us the urge to do it as well

[RetiredMustang]

Thursday, Sept. 8, Halifax

We approached Halifax in heavy fog and mist. We pulled into the Halifax Seaport a bit before 8. Another ship had been following us for some time, and DW said it looked like a HAL ship. As we docked, I could clearly see Maasdam pulling in behind us, and docking at the Cunard center.

I wondered a bit at that, since there was room behind us at the main pier area. Later in the day, a Carnival ship pulled into that berth behind us.

We waited until the first groups and shore excursions left after the ship had been cleared before we went ashore. It was heavily misting/light raining, but we grabbed our umbrellas and set out. We ambled down the streets to Duke St., and went to the Scotia Square Mall and looked at the bookstore, and the drug store for our favorite cough drops.

We then walked up the hill to the Citadel, arriving just in time to see the changing of the guard. We learned that they are not really soldiers, but paid reenactors, but even so it was a good show. We wandered a bit, and clambered on the parapets to take photos of downtown. The rain had let up, and we were able to see wuite a bit, but the rain started again, so we went down off the parapets to the coffee shop to wait out the showers. Photos attached.

We then wandered back to the waterfront, at the Historic Properties, and followed the waterfront back to the ship. We had thought to remain in town for lunch, but with the off and on rain, we decided just to check out the markets at the harbor and then go back aboard Eurodam. Many of the market stalls were closed, and several of the smaller huts and shops along the waterfront also. We wondered if it was due to the weather, or the fact that it was after Sept. 1.

In any case, it was a pleasant, if wet, day in Nova Scotia’s capital. By about 2:30, there were sun breaks, and we had a dry sailing out of harbor. We passed by a very pretty coastline, marked with cheap little cottages that would only run you about a million or more (photo attached).

Tonight’s dinner was also billed as a farewell dinner, and I think the previous one was called that because many people left the ship today. According to stats in today’s program, of the 1,992 people on board, the largest numbers by nationality were U.S. (1,165), Canada (267), Australia (219), Germany (100), Russian Federation (47), The Netherlands (39) and Switzerland (35). The rest were from many other countries. But, many did get off today, and I presume they were Canadians, and found it easier to get off in Halifax than to deal with U.S. immigration in New York. It must be easier to travel to the eastern provinces, or even catch a flight to BC from Halifax than from NYC.

Tomorrow is the at-sea day wherein we have to pack … and prepare to deal with U.S. immigration for U.S. citizens. Hmmm … , there may be something to be said for getting off in Halifax, although the train connections to DC are a bit more complicated, and we would still have to cross the border on the train south from Montreal. Oh well, we’ll just have to put up with one more happy hour in the Ocean Bar.

Some information for those who may be interested.

Mainstage: “The Star of the Phantom of the Opera, Dale Kristien”, 8:00 and 10:00 p.m.

Music/Other:

- Queen’s Lounge: Join Travel Guide Ian for Travel Trivia, 7:00 p.m.; Join Cruise Director Drew for The Marriage Game Show, 9:00 p.m.

- Ocean Bar: The Neptunes, 6:30-11:30 p.m. Happy hour 4:00-5:00 p.m.

- Piano Bar: Piano Man Michael 9:00 p.m. – close; ‘70s Hits, 10:00-11:00 p.m.

- Explorer’s Lounge: Adagio Strings, 6:0011:00 p.m.

- Crow’s Nest: Solo guitarist Darlyne Cain, 5:30-8:00 p.m. Happy Hour 7:00-8:00 p.m.

- Northern Lights: DJ Tyler, Music Mix, 9:00 p.m. – close; Dance Through the Decades, 10:00-11:30 p.m.

- Lido: Dutch Chocolate Extravaganza, 10:30 p.m.-12:00 mn.

Dinner menu in MDR (formal):

Appetizers: Melon Trio; Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail; Duck Foie Gras Pate, Paddlefish Caviar and Smoked Salmon; Escargots Bourguignon.

Soups and Salad: Pasta Fagioli; Creamy Carrot Soup; Chilled Red Grape and Cranberry Soup; Boston Lettuce with Crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese.

Entrees: Asparagus-Tomato Risotto with Fresh Goat Cheese; Tournedos Rossini; Broiled Lobster Tail; Orange-Ginger Pork; Chicken Marsala; Indian Jaffrezi (curried vegetable stew).

Desserts: Danube Wave (vanilla and chocolate sponge, tart cherries and cream covered with ganache); Forest Berry Sabayon; Pineapple Cheese Cake; Almond Fruit Cake no sugar added; Vanilla ice cream; Cookies and Cream ice cream; Watermelon sorbet; Strawberry Frozen Yogurt; No sugar added Chocolate Fudge ice cream; No sugar added Vanilla ice cream; Boerenjongens Sundae.

More later,

Dave