It's A Secret.....

Had the honour of attending the final 2013 installment of the widely popular Village Chef series at Mainstreet Family Restaurant in Merrickville (enough of a plug, Mike?).

But what could we expect from this final chapter?  I'll check the poster a little closer to see if I can find out who the Chef is.

No - it's a Secret Chef.

Ha, they don't know who they're dealing with....I'll look around the restaurant.

Nope, still a secret.

Ah ha!  I'll take a peek in the kitchen.

Newspaper over the windows!  You darn guys!

I know, I'll sneak a peek at the menu.  That'll give me a clue.

D'oh!

Those guys are just too clever for the Urban one.  Guess I'll have to wait til the witching hour.

The calm before the storm.  An over sold out crowd just arriving.  A buzz of mystery was in the air.

Secrecy was still the key.  Metal detectors at the door and the waitresses were frisking everyone that came in.

I went in and out three or four times. (Apologies to Wayne for stealing his line.)

Getting Closer

Here, the owner is preparing, well, to be the owner.

Here the owner is welcoming people, regaling all with tales of derring-do and......continuing to be the owner.

Uhhhhh.....is there a meal there any time in our future?

But finally, the cue was given.

Here Comes Santa Claus!

Yea, Santa!  And he put on a great meal.

Turkey Wellington - a meal he suggested few of us had likely had before.  But delicious nonetheless.

And all delivered seeming effortlessly by the Maintsreet team of crack servers.

There were so few of them, in fact, they had to take their own pictures of each other.

So big thanks to Lee, Chelsea and, of course, Terri, for making it all happen.

And to Blaine and the other cooks - Santa's helpers in this pic.

Santa In A Rare Reflective Moment

"Hmmmm.....I shouldn't have served that Urban Cowboy.  He's been naughty."

Yeah - Arnotti.

[Ed. note:  Sheesh.....]

Are You Looking At Me?

The hunter becomes the hunted.

But a great time was had by all and lots of money raised for the charity "Christmas In Merrickville".

Too bad you all couldn't have enjoyed the Turkey Wellington

The Next Day

Maybe you can - turkey leftovers on special.

Just like real Christmas!

Thanks a lot to Mike, Terri, Blaine and the team for another great season.

Next on tap; the summer concert series. Starring.....?