Ronne Bornholm

This morning, we found ourselves back in Denmark, but this time on the island of Bornholm. We had the morning to ourselves on the ship, so I got in a brisk walk, while the others relaxed or wandered about the ship.

Following a brief lunch onboard, we set off to join our tour for today, which was to be a walking tour of the main city of Bornholm, Ronne. Bornholm existed initially as a herring fishing port, but as the herring in the area disappeared centuries ago, clock makers and ceramic works replaced that commerce.

Our walk took us past a cemetery with some interesting tombstones and then up to the citadel, the historic military structure overlooking the harbour.

Then we walked through the windy cobblestone streets past many typical half-timbered houses. Since the Germans occupied the island during WW2 and actually weren’t booted off until 1946, there was significant damage to a majority of homes in town, with the thatched roof homes disappearing completely.

The principle oddity with the homes in this town involves mirrors hanging outside windows of houses. These are installed so that the good people of Ronne can snoop on their neighbours, without ever having to be obvious by sticking one’s head out the window.

It was a low key but interesting walk and it afforded us the opportunity to once again log those important 10 000 steps. And, so far the weather Gods are smiling on us, since the day was another bright and comfortable day.

Tonight was the “Meet the Captain Reception” and since there were free drinks, we showed up.

Let me tell you about dinner tonight. By now all my readers understand that we are on a gourmet cruise line, but with the addition of the Marina, they have gone a step further. They have a new restaurant called La Reserve that serves a multi course meal with wine pairings. You can see where I’m going with this can’t you. Sorry if this is boring.
First course: Amuse Bouche – Lobster and Mascarpone Pancake with baby carrot emulsion and rock chive cress @ Champagne Pommery Brut Rose NV Reims, France
Second course: Cream of Porcini with sautéed duck foie gras bites and croutons @ Cervaro Castello della Sala Chardonnay Umbria Italy
Third course: Pumpkin ravioli with crushed amaretto biscotti @ Novelty Viognier, Columbia valley Washington USA
Fourth course: Bay scallops and jambon Iberico “Pata Negra” over Tabais Bean cream @ Valsanzo Vall Sanzo, Crianza 2005 Ribera del Duero Spain
Fifth course: 72 hour slow braised short ribs with gnocchi au jus @ Gordon Brothers Vineyards cabernet sauvignon 2006 Columbia valley Washington USA
Sixth course: AOC brie de Meaux on toast with raison-onion compote and quince jelly @ Hess Collection “Allomi Vineyard” Cabernet sauvignon Napa Valley USA
Seventh Course: Raspberry caramelized mille feuille with Madagascan vanilla cream @ Chateau la Variere Les Melleresses Bonnezeaux Lopire Valley France

We had a fabulous table of 8 – Americans from Connecticut & Michigan - with tons of laughter and mirth. The chefs totally nailed the pairings of wine & food. Our evening was sponsored by Wine Spectator and our waiters were totally entertaining. A fabulous evening!