Posts Tagged: durham wedding receptions

Durham’s University Club just took it up a notch. The private club that sits atop University Tower just welcomed in a new chef, who made his debut at a fantastic whiskey dinner for members.

Ian Sullivan graduated from the esteemed Culinary Institute of America in New York, and has worked in nationally renowned restaurants across the country. He moved to Raleigh in 2005, and worked with Urban Food Group. Now, he’s at the University Club applying his experience and creativity to their menu (in fact, today the Club is debuting a brand new menu – less than two weeks after Ian’s start date – so they have clearly been busy)!

I had the privilege of attending this very special introductory event at the University Club, which I think its safe to say blew everyone away! Guests arrived and were greeted by a fabulously decorated room in a country theme. Handkerchief napkins, linen table runners and wooden chargers from American Party Rentals,  a mix of wildflowers designed by Tre Bella Flowers, and live music by Chapel Hill quartet, the Bloomsbury Boys, all added to the lighthearted atmosphere. As the sun set over Durham, we enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, between trips to the photobooth – Shutterbooth. Two of my favorite appetizers were the gorgonzola & shortrib corndog, which melted off the stick, and the salmon croquette. I enjoyed a tasty Sazerac cocktail – rye perfectly blended with absinthe, bitters and a lemon rind garnish. I could have kept drinking Sazerac all night, but had to save room for the deliciousness I knew we were in store for at dinner!

We had a three-course meal, each round seamlessly paired with a different whiskey.

The first course was sweet breads with onion soubise, mushrooms, pickled radish and fried ginger, served with Crown Royal Black Blended Canadian Whiskey. Round two was Cocoa Nib and Coffee Quail with black barley, roasted beets and basil puree, served with Redbreast Irish Whisky, 12 year Expression. These are two very challenging meats to prepare, and they were done flawlessly. The pairings were perfect and easy to sip, complementing our palates.

The final course was Grilled Hanger Steak with Prune Braised Veal Cheeks and sweet Potato Gnocchi, paired with Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Booker’s 7 year small batch, Baker’s 7 year small batch, and Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey. Even though I was so full at this point I couldn’t finish it, this course was definitely my fave! Dessert was delicious as well – apple tart with cardamom ice cream and dulce de leche, paired with Oban Classic 14 year single malt scotch whiskey.

The dinner was jovial as Owner Kelly Santel talked us through each pairing, and members chimed in with questions and feedback. At the end of the meal, the new chef was introduced, and everyone gave him an enthusiastic round of applause – which he certainly deserved! Congrats to Ian and the entire University Club family on this exciting time!

Check out the University Club for a fine dining experience, or for any wedding event- from a bridesmaid luncheon, to a rehearsal dinner, to ceremony and reception! The view, the atmosphere, and the amazing new menu are all definitely worth checking out!

These photos by Brian Mullins Photography will give you a better feel for this special night! Brian is one of our preferred SB&G vendors as well, and does an amazing job with weddings!