On Sunday 8th December 90 members got dressed up in their finest and prepared to be wined and dined and to party at the stunning Vall de Pop restaurant in Lliber. If you have visited there you will know it is quite special, a lovely old building in a beautiful setting, the stunning views best enjoyed from the terrace in daylight. But at night it is cosy and intimate, especially with the fire lit and beautifully decorated for Christmas.
On arrival we were offered a welcome drink and enjoyed the chance to chat and admire everyone´s glamorous outfits. The ladies looked lovely and the men quite dashing! Background music and the Christmas decorations provided just the right ambience and the festive photo frame made by Marian White created lots of fun.
Once seated we were treated to a delicious 4 course meal of a choice of starters, soup, a choice of main courses and dessert, accompanied by plenty of wine, beers, water and soft drinks. Wout, the head chef, and Elizabeth his wife and front of house, are excellent hosts who pride themselves on the quality, freshness and presentation of their food and they did not disappoint us.
The chicken and mushroom vol au vent was divine as are the homemade parmesan croquettes, a favourite of mine. I have them every time we eat here!
A warming and tasty creamy leek and potato soup followed.
Then a choice of stuffed supreme of turkey served with roasted winter vegetables, potatoes and Yorkshire puddings, pork in a mustard pickle sauce, sea bass with a cava sauce or a delicious vegetarian tagliatelle with cauliflower cream and gorgonzola. All the dishes were amazing and most plates were cleared. They also catered sensitively to various dietary requirements and the service was excellent. Many people commented on how friendly and happy the staff were and nothing was too much trouble.
Just when you thought you couldn’t eat any more there was a choice of homemade tiramisu or ice cream with red fruits.
Paul and Judy Corazzo then took to the stage to entertain us with a fantastic array of well known songs that had the dance floor full from the first tune. They were simply fabulous and brought out some interesting dance moves by some! (Chris blames the red wine!).
They really are amazing entertainers and so kind and generous with their support to our events. We are very grateful indeed to them.
The raffle table looked very inviting with 2 hampers, bottles of spirits and champagne, a huge poinsettia and a generous voucher for dinner for 2 from Wout and Elizabeth from Vall de Pop restaurant. 12 lucky guests got to choose their prize with the voucher being the last to be won by Sue Holley. The proceeds of the raffle will go towards the Valencia appeal and Chris and I are off shopping with Arne Soeten from Project 4 All on Tuesday who will deliver as much as we can buy on our behalf to the villages of Paiporta, Alfafar, Algemesi, Catarroja and the surrounding impacted villages. Thank you for your generosity.
It truly was a wonderful evening full of friendships, laughter and fun and it was lovely to see everyone looking so glamorous and relaxed and letting their hair down. Many were sad when it came to an end and I am sure we will be back for future events. We are fortunate to live close by and visit regularly and have never been disappointed. They offer a good value for money menu del dia as well as a fabulous a la carte menu so don’t be shy to visit again.
You will always receive a warm welcome and great food.
A fabulous start to the Christmas festivities. Thank you to everyone who came and we wish you a healthy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.