When Terry and Denyse Rapsey of Blaine Lake Gospel Chapel in Blaine Lake initiated gourmet dinners as a fundraiser for Blaine Lake Gospel Chapel on Jan. 18, 2008, they never imagined the popularity of fine dining in a small town would be so pronounced.
The series of gourmet dinners was first planned to assist with fundraising efforts for the church expansion and renovations. The extremely successful dinners proved popular, as each event sold out in record time and has grown from 12 guests at the first dining experience to 20, when the volunteer gourmet chefs decided to host another gourmet supper Aug. 27. Over the course of eight years, the menu selection has included international gourmet options spreading from Italy to Switzerland.
Guests enjoyed an evening of fine dining and were seated at tables decorated in linen and elegant china and flatware. Chefs and serving crew for the epicurean experience included Terry and Denyse Rapsey and Don and Martha Fehr, who worked diligently to give the guests an elegant experience.
The first of a five-course meal included an appetizer of Thai shrimp. This lightly seasoned appetizer was served to awaken and tease the taste buds for the next four courses.
Next on the menu was an aromatic potage bonne femme soup followed by a trio of salads.
The entrée was a delicately seasoned poached chicken in a dijon mustard sauce that was enhanced by the aesthetic arrangement of seasonal vegetables.
The fifth and final course consisted of apricot sweet served over a Greek yogurt with berries.
Enjoying a meal over three hours in a relaxed atmosphere enables the diners to truly enjoy fellowship and fine cuisine, to savour the flavour as the blend of spices and herbs compliment the ingredients.
“The bottom line is that the gourmet dinners are fundraisers and it is these that allow a small church like ours to serve our communities,” commented Terry.
Ticket prices remained at $100 per person with a $75 tax receipt issued.
