By Roger Porter
Tuesday, Feb. 12 turned out to be a beautiful winter day with little wind and no snow and perfect for a drive to Havre for the annual Hi-Line Tavern Association Charity Dinner conducted at the Duck Inn.
You've got to give those Hi-Line folks credit as they are always on the lookout for various ways to make their annual affair more fun for those attending and more lucrative for their association.
The evening began with the traditional cocktail hour during which guests could mingle and strike up new friendships or renew old ones. Plenty to do with Laura Compton calling the horses to post for the races and once more the distinguished partnership of Jupe Compton and Russell DeVries manning their posts at the showdown poker table. Give those guys a green eye shade and they'd be right at home in Vegas. And for the first time on the Hi- Line, guests got a few laughs by playing the Heads or Tails game introduced a couple of months earlier at the Cascade County Tavern dinner.
Meanwhile an attractive young woman was working the crowd selling roses which would later pay off for some lucky purchasers. Guests could also peruse the silent auction tables and perhaps bid on a gift for themselves.
Tickets were also being hawked for the eleventh "calcutta" raffle seat. And up for dibs were a diamond ring, necklace and two nights at the Town House.
As the cocktail hour wound down association president Tom Farnham of the local Eagles Lodge mounted the podium and began the formal program. After expressing his thanks for all who attended the evening's gathering, Farnham proceeded to introduce the dignitaries including the mayor, legislators, a representative from the Montana Tavern Times and a lone candidate for state-wide office, John Parker, Democratic candidate vying for the party nod for the office of Attorney General in the upcoming primaries.
Also introduced was a local boy, Jupe Compton, who is the immediate past president of the Montana Tavern Association. Trudy Meyers, the 2007 recipient of the Montana Tavern Times' Employee Of The Year award was also introduced as was Linda Hanson, the winner of the designated driver of the year program who took home a $500 prize.
Following the introductions came the call for dinner which was eagerly anticipated by all who have attended these functions in the past. Diners began lining up as Farnham and his trusted assistant verified the evening's tickets for the Calcutta.
As to the gastronomical offerings for the evening, executive chef Peter Bruni once more orchestrated a menu suitable for the crowned heads of the Hi-Line. In order for diners to plan their attack, the evening' menu was included along with a program placed at each guest seat.
Defending the local chapter's title for spreading the finest meal on the circuit, Chef Bruni outdid himself as the following will attest.
Appetizers: Smoked salmon pate puffs, crab stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta with fresh mozzarella, Thai basil and tomato.
Dinner salad: Grilled chicken Caesar salad with herb croutons, sun dried tomatoes and asiago cheese.
Cold bar: Fresh asparagus salad, shrimp cocktail salad, crab salad, strawberry mousse, butterfinger mouse, fresh fruit salad, chilled split crab legs, chilled shrimp, jumbo crab claws and oysters on the half shell.
Entree features: Ginger-glazed baby carrots and green beans almondine, Orzo and almond rice pilaf, roasted garlic and rosemary artisan potatoes, lemon pepper linguini in clam sauce, sauteed chicken with bowtie pasta and peppers and onions, baked stuffed clams, lemon-peppered halibut, poached dill and buttered salmon, shrimp and broccoli pasta with garlic wine alfredo sauce, steamed king crab legs and sliced Certified Angus prime rib. Wow!
Dessert: Fresh baked apple pie with whipped topping.
As they exited the buffet line most diners carried a plate in each hand and I believe each had what might be called a "layered dinner." In most every case the diners' eyes were larger than their stomachs.
As the dinner wound down the Calcutta began and Farnham was busy calling out the names and conducting the drawing for each seat. As the first ten seats were filled, the ticket was drawn for the eleventh seat and then the 12th seat was auctioned off bringing $800 and purchased by Debbie Daily.
Also auctioned off was a barbecue for 25 which went to Roxie Mangold.
As the Calcutta proceeded nine were eliminated and returned to their seats $150 richer than when they were seated at the stage.
Down to the final three and the tension grew as the third place worth $800 was drawn and presented to Jeff Nelson. Now the excitement was almost electric as the next to the last ticket was drawn for $1,200 and the winner was Bill Mangold. The top prize of $2,000 was taken home by Tammy Frederich. Congratulations!
Well, all good things must come to an end and the Havre dinner is no exception as the crowd dispersed to tour Havre after dark led by the indefatigable Russ DeVries.
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, March, 2008, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.