After our Christmas Eve Wassailing at Birchrun Hills Farm, hereafter referred to as “the farm”, I was invited to serve my Wassail to the members of The Epicurean Club at The Flowing Springs Inn.  A Unique Culinary Journey being their tag line. I had heard a little about the club but did not understand the full intent or the experience offered until last night.

The club intent is to contribute to the Autism cause, but not merely by donation. A man called Topher explained that one of the goals of the Club was to not just hire but to find the right placement where people with autism can thrive in their work individually. He was passionate in explaining the far bigger picture that he painted, metaphorically speaking, and his goal heartfelt and genuine.

When speaking to the dining group, Topher introduced the chef of the evening who then went through the menu. I stood by the bar (and the Wassail) and observed as course after course the meal was served.

The dining area was beautiful and the old Inn was sparkling clean, re-decorated to be an elegant yet very comfortable atmosphere, and the lighting enhanced the ambience. There were fires in the fireplaces and the glasses and pieces of silverware were polished to make the tables look beautiful.

Each course of the meal was served with a pairing of beer from one of the local microbreweries, and dessert was served with the Wassail at which time I went from table to table to introduce myself and answer any questions. I met new people and it was so nice to see people I already knew!

All in all, it was a great experience! The worse part of last night was that upon gathering my things and getting them to the car, I left my tamale at by their crock pot — the best part is I have left over Wassail for tonight’s Cheesiest Happy Hour, which is quite appropriate for New Year’s Eve weekend!!

Happy New Year!

Sharon