Wanda and I were at the Valentine’s Candlelight Dinner and Concert at the Walnut Creek Carlisle Inn last night. I had heard that it was very good but never got to go. What a great experience! This is an annual event and we think it’s an exceptional event in Ohio’s Amish country. The large banquet room, with it’s subdued lighting, and candles on the tables, is just beautiful. The tables are set up to accommodate groups but you can also request your own table, for “just the two of you”, which is what we did.
Shortly after we arrived and made ourselves comfortable, we ate delicious salads, which were already setup on our table. Then on to the the main course. Tender prime-rib, boneless chicken wrapped in chipped beef and bacon strips and smothered with a creamy sauce, seasoned red-skin potatoes, and green beans with cashews. All I will say is “Scrum-dilly-icious!” That’s short for scrumptious and delicious. Wanda had chocolate ho-ho cake with strawberries for dessert but I decided instead to have another 1/2 portion of the prime rib. Delectable!
After dinner, and at intermission during the concert, there were drawings for some great door prizes including a large gift basket filled with sweet goodies from Coblentz Chocolates of Walnut Creek, a gift bag with lots of good stuff from “The Light 95.9 FM WNPQ”, a one-night stay at any of the Carlisle Inn, and more. Our friends, Paul and Kathy Marner, had a table right next to ours. Wanda got to draw a name out of the door prize box for the WNPQ gift package, and wouldn’t you know it; she drew Paul Marner’s ticket. We were so excited for them.
Next Dick & Mel Tunney from Nashville Tennessee sang and played for us. Their musical offerings have been honored with 10 Dove Awards (the Gospel Music Association’s highest honor), nearly 30 Dove nominations, and a song of theirs won a prestigious Grammy Award (“How Excellent Is Thy Name,” recorded by Larnelle Harris). They sang and played a number of songs including our favorite love song: “When I fall in love, it will be forever!” made famous by Nat King Cole and also sung by Celine Dion. They also did several love songs by one of my all time favorite groups, The Carpenters. Love those old love songs.
Oh, I forgot to mention the little white gift boxes we received, filled with some decorated chocolates and one of those rich cream sticks from the Der Dutchman Bakery located in the restaurant, next to the inn. The staff here has thought of everything to make this a “night to remember”.