Mmmh ... what's under the Christmas tree for me?!?
We actually attempted to gain access to the ballroom earlier in the evening but the crowds sent us scampering down to the wine cellar in search of respite! We sipped on a lovely white wine and supped on some tasty crostini! Sometime after eight o'clock, praying the coast was clear, we crept back up to the second floor and found a wonderland of treats, more or less, to ourselves!
Crostini, though more like crispy bread and dips!
What was laid out before us was a feast of overindulgence! Just what Christmas is all about! We tried some Jane Russell sausages and some James McCarthy festive black pudding, that's breakfast on the 25th sorted! We were treated to some of the yummy cheeses that Fallon & Byrne offer at their deli before we moved on to chocolate, smoked salmon, panettone and tonnes of other naughty goodies! I feel full just thinking about it!
Interesting! When chocolate OR gin is not good enough!
Getting creative with some panettone
Some yummy panettone
The star of the evening though was Shane Smith, or rather, his delicious Christmas puddings with brandy butter! I didn't need the two portions to confirm that they were absolutely delicious but I really enjoyed them! Every Christmas I make four puddings for family and friends and while I love the ritual and the smells in the kitchen I think I might opt for the easy route and buy some of these beauties instead. I will of course be passing them off as my own. Sorry Shane!
Puddings all ready to eat!
Delicious!
The best thing about Fallon & Bynre is the ambiance they create, not just for the Extravaganza but in the store in general. Every effort is made to weave a wonderful nostalgic atmosphere. It brings out the child in me, gives me butterflies and makes me catch my breath in anticipation. There may still be 37 days until Christmas Eve but I'm ready to crack open the mulled wine, break out the Cliff Richard Christmas CD and put on the dodgy jumper! Drop in to Fallon & Byrne and I bet only the serious Scrooges among you will not be affected!
Right I'm off to practice my carolling!
Who wouldn't love to find a gift box from Fallon & Byrne under their tree?
Some of the festive things around the store.