"Shard Picnic"

by Nymme

So you want to throw a party in the spectacular city of Shard! Perfect! Wonderful! But what on Elanthia is one to serve? Where can you find the devastatingly delectable delights that will tempt the palette of any gourmand? The shining city has restaurants and taverns that are filled with food and beverages that are varied enough for one hosting a basic picnic or inviting the Ferdahl and her ilk up to an elegant feast. It may take a little bit of traveling but it can be done!

Lets start with the smaller affair, a simple picnic or casual get together with friends. Quite honestly for a very different yet pleasing meal I suggest something that will please the halfling in all of us. Tarts! Yes I said tarts! Liani's Heaven has a selection of tarts that would make even the grumpiest of the Olvi smile. Their tarts range from spicy to sweet. You can build a full meal just from tarts. I would suggest starting with the Mushroom Tart as an appetizer. It has a wonderful taste that isn't too woodsy. For those that do not like mushrooms, you might try an entirely different type of tart. Go with the Black Current Tart. It is a delightful combination of sweet and sour that makes it perfect for the opening of the meal. The Lamb Tart is the perfect main course, I would suggest matching that with the Roasted Pepper Tart. The flavors of the peppers mix pleasingly with the lamb and leave you wanting more. Now what to have for dessert? There are a multitude of different tart types to try and you could have one of each... But! I strongly suggest that with the menu above you get the Honey-Apple Tart and/or the Lemon Tart. Both are superb and will end the meal on the right note. As for beverages that I feel will enhance the meal - I suggest one of three drinks depending on your mood or the tastes of those enjoying the meal. All of these can be purchased with the tarts at Liani's. The lemonade is just the right combination of tart and sweet. The Peach Wine is light and refreshing and goes well with all the tarts. And for the ale drinkers out there, try the Snowfire Beer. Its chilling taste is one that won't be easily forgotten by even the warmest individual.

If you had in mind a more refined meal than a picnic or tarts, head up to Marachek's Oak - he has a fine dining establishment. For a semi-casual dinner with friends or associates his food cannot steer you wrong. As a starting course try the Acorn Salad. It is a light and refreshing start to the meal. The taste of the acorns makes this delightfully different from most salads. As a second course try the Roast Oxen de Marachek. It is well cooked and the spices that the chef uses leave the roast sweet and juicy. For a side dish I suggest the fresh creamed peas from the Phoenix Inn. They are just the right balance of flavor with the oxen. If meat is not what you wish to serve then try the Grilled Garlic Shrimp with a side of Roasted Vegetables from the Milene's Rose. This is a lighter meal and is definitely tasty. A perfect end to the meal is Marachek's Essence of Chocolate, sweet enough for the biggest chocolate lover. For those who don't appreciate the taste of chocolate, the Strawberry Cream MegaPie is a very nice substitute.

There are many beverage choices that one can serve with either meal. For the teetotalers on your list of guests, try the Spiced Berry Cider from Maracheks or the Honeyed Milk from Milene's Rose. The milk is advertised as 'A drink for Paladins!' For the ale lovers on the list there are two 'must tries': Stone Clan Beer from Milene's and the Heated Wheat Beer from Marachek's. If the party has wine drinkers attending try the Silver Wine or Savrin's Grey Wine both from Milene's Rose.

For a more formal meal, the best place in Shard to find food to serve even to the Ferdahl is The Golden Phoenix Inn. However, the first course actually would come from Milene's Rose. Their Wild Herb Salad is a pleasant opening to the meal. I would also suggest the Onion Soup with Cheese and Toasted Croutons from the Phoenix Inn. It is a delicious transition between the tart taste of the herbs in the salad and the rest of the meal. The two entrée's that I would recommend are either the Veal in Mushroom and Wine Sauce over Rice or the Grilled Poulet in Crème Sauce over Pasta. Both are flavorful and cooked to perfection. They simply melt in your mouth. As a side dish try their Steamed Carrots with Herbed Butter. The carrots are well cooked and simply add a subtle flavor to the taste of either entrée. The Golden Phoenix Inn has many desserts to choose from and it is very hard to choose just one or two. But my choices for this meal are the Vanilla Ice Cream with Brandied Fruit and the Lemon Cheesecake with Taffleberries. Both desserts are sweet yet light, and are the perfect endings to a perfect meal. But what beverages to serve with this meal? The cinnamon cider is a nice choice for those who do not imbibe alcohol, while the Mulled Wine or Ruby Port are perfect for the wine drinkers. The Golden Ale is a must for any Ale drinkers. I would also suggest Lanival's Label Brandy for an end of the meal aperitif. It can only be found at the Golden Phoenix and is too special to pass up.

As you can see, every city offers special delicacies for the connoisseur of Epicurean delights. No matter where you live or to where you travel you never need to feel threatened by the phrase "Lets have a party!' Simply investigate each spot that offers food and let them create the culinary masterpieces that will have your guests oohing and aahing over your genius.

Until next time this is Nymme saying, Sann Sawra'!