{"id":18140,"date":"2016-10-19T15:58:12","date_gmt":"2016-10-19T13:58:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/flyingcigar.de\/?p=18140"},"modified":"2016-12-20T13:42:32","modified_gmt":"2016-12-20T11:42:32","slug":"christians-50th-birthday-weekend-part-two-the-jane-dinner-and-mrn-presents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/flyingcigar.de\/startseite\/christians-50th-birthday-weekend-part-two-the-jane-dinner-and-mrn-presents\/","title":{"rendered":"Christian’s 50th Birthday Weekend – Part Two – The Jane Dinner And MRN Presents"},"content":{"rendered":"

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After the tour of Bruges we returned to our chalet and changed for the reception at Christian’s house and the following dinner.<\/p>\n

The reception was a very relaxed affair with excellent catering provided by the Blend brothers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Christian held a very thoughtful speech reflecting on his 50th birthday and the meaning of having a selection of his friends around. Very touching words.<\/p>\n

He had also prepared a wide selection of presents for each person attending, ranging from a picture, fine cigars and choice tea to a flask filled with Oolong gin sour for the upcoming bus ride to Antwerp.<\/p>\n

Very fine details by Christian.<\/p>\n

We all arrived then at The Jane<\/a> around 7:30,\u00a0 a huge former church converted into a food temple, quite fitting as the new religion seems to be hedonism ……<\/p>\n

The Jane has a fantastic Michelin<\/a> stars winning chef who is a close friend of Christian, as stunning and impressive as the restaurant<\/a> itself. Incredible place<\/a>. The former altar is now an open kitchen under a giant light sculpture and crowned by a lighted skull.<\/p>\n

Just as impressive was the first floor bar and eating area that had been reserved for the 40 large group.<\/p>\n

A very good and long dinner of over 6 hrs followed, a tour of gastronomic discoveries and surprises for the palate.<\/p>\n

In between we would sneak down to the patio and smoke nicely awaiting the next course.<\/p>\n

During my visit last month with Frank in Hong Kong Min Ron Nee had been very pleased with a present and invitation letter that Christian sent to him and had kindly signed 2 boxes specially for Christian’s birthday.<\/p>\n

These were handed over by Frank to Christian’s speechless surprise while I handed him 2 vintage bottles of champagne also signed by MRN and dedicated to Christian.<\/p>\n

The dinner was fabulous despite the relentless techno music played which I guess I will not get used to, especially not in a restaurant …. guess I might be getting too old for that \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

It was past 3 am when we returned to our chalet, happy and relaxed.<\/p>\n

A very short night followed as we were picked up early by Christian for breakfast in nearby Sluis, a pretty little city, and a nice cigar in the sun before saying farewell to Christian and all friends.<\/p>\n

Another long drive and the pharmacy ANS cigar evening was waiting for me …<\/p>\n

I fondly thought of this unforgettable weekend while smoking Christian’s specially banded 50th birthday cigar at the pharmacy.<\/p>\n

Thank you Christian !<\/p>\n

Nino<\/strong><\/p>\n

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