Fleet and Garrison Ball

Went to the Fleet and Garrison Ball last night down at CFB Stadacona - the first time we've attended in several years. It was a good time - only about half the numbers of 2005, but a nicer atmosphere. This year's theme was the 1940s, and the organizers did a great job. They had reprints of interesting wartime posters up in all the rooms and corridors, a screening of Casablanca in the chill-out room, and copies of old Halifax newspapers on all the tables in the dining room (many of which I surreptitiously filched at the end of the evening, to take home and peruse at my leisure). Even some of the guests made an effort to dress according to the theme, which is always fun - although two or three ladies seemed a bit confused about fashion history, showing up in Flapper-style dresses and sporting feather headbands.

Dinner was sumptuous, as is to be expected at mess events - though whether we'd have been offered such dainties during wartime is debatable. ;-) We had:

Spiced Grilled Quail
White Asparagus Soup with Truffle Oil
Blackcurrant Sorbet
Beef Wellington and Lobster Thermidor
Caesar Salad
Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee

Afterwards, though there were two bands and a DJ on offer, we spent much of the evening in the ballroom listening and dancing to live swing/big band music (which seemed fitting, given the evening's theme). Later on, we had cocktails in the Bridge Bar at the top of Juno Tower, which has an outdoor terrace with a stunning view of Halifax Harbour.

All in all, a lovely evening - and of course, I always love any excuse to get dressed up and indulge my inner glamour-puss.