I think I will change my handle to "skeik clarity"
Lavadou lists Monday nights on its site as corkage free - Dave, do you have an inside track? But (wow) thanks for tightening up that theme.

I should have picked up on Dinwiddie's vino verde (17th), but when I was hearing last two weekends in March, I was thinking the 24th and the 31st. Mondays, Tuesdays... they don't matter.

How do you guys handle it when one brings the mountain (or best of RR Valley) and others shoot blanks (have nots)? Couldn't I just bring Merry?

- The newbie (just don't know nuttin')

Jace, they will waive corkage. Generally, each person brings a wine at our tastings. In this case it is different. People on the KB list bring several bottles. People that are not on the list bring nothing and come and enjoy the wines. We should have plenty since we have a lot of people on the KB list.

I think we should do Sunday the 25th at Dino, normal Cru style, then do a KB dinner on the 27th at Lavandeau. If my KBs have shown up by then, I'll bring what I can. If not, not.

However, I'd lke to do a Dino dinner since he has asked when we would do another one. He likes haveing folks in who appreciate wine, and his list makes it a no brainer since on Sunday it is like getting a discount from retail.

Dinwiddie, good idea. I'll open a new thread.

Quote:

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normal Cru style

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This sounds fun, can you fill me in in the above?

Pretty simple, we either pick a theme, last time it was Sushi and Champagne with some Burgandy too, or everyone brings something they want to share.

Of course, with a dinner at Dino, we tend to buy several bottles from the list since it is such a deal and he has such a good list of Italians.

We have arranged a fixed meal sometimes, other times we just order from the menu. Nothing fancy, just good food and lots and lots of good wine. What with a bottle from each, and several "backup bottles" being opened, you are guaranteed a good buzz and tasting a lot of very good wines. One thing the Cru does is bring out the good stuff for each other. Besides, I got a new bottle carrier from the wife I need to try out.

I'm a maybe at this point - I have a volleyball tournament that weekend and the schedule is not out yet. I'll let you know as soon as I hear.

I will be forced to sit this one out. My liver objects to two tastings in a week. RP earns his money.

Count me in, for two.

I talked to Dean last night (we took Karen there for her birthday dinner) about having the Cru there for Sunday the 25th. He said he would waive the corkage for us. He really wants us to have as many dinners there as we can and will do everything he can to accomodate us. (I think as a major wine lover he likes to talk wine with us and taste what we bring.) The chef will even make a special menu for us if we want French instead of Italian.

I can see why he can't accomodate us on Saturdays. Last night we had an 8:30 reservation and still had to wait because the restaurant was slammed and people were lingering. Apparently the earlier reservations from folks who were going to the movies across the street were running a little late and it threw everything after off. But the meal was great and the service wonderful and of course, the wine a major bargain.

Are we agreed on it being Sunday the 25th? If so, Richard, do you want to call Dean or should I? We would need to know how many folks will attend (round numbers) since he will probably give us the back room upstairs. We also have to decide how we want to do it. Do we want to have everyone pick what they want and pay, or as before order a bunch of appetizers and cheese plate for the table and everyone pick their entree and dessert and split the check evenly?

Din... Let's go with Sunday, March 25th. Count Mrs. T and I in. Since you've been talking with Dean already, do you think that you can set it up? I like the idea of doing a bunch of appetizers/cheese and everyone going for their own entree/dessert. So, who's in? Dinwiddie T-Rep/Mrs. T T-Rep

Rich,

Love the picture, but that looks like a david or a jerry, not a rich.

I'll call Dean and tell him what we are interested in doing. Personally, since it is a Sunday, I'd think we could probably do it a little earlier than our normal 7:30 start, perhaps 6:30. That will give us time to enjoy ourselves and still get home at a decent hour. Everyone chime in if you want to be included in the count. I'll need to give Dean an approximate number.

I'm still in for two, and indecisive on the dinner arrangements, although I tend to prefer cheese for dessert. Any theme on the wine, I'd probably bring one & buy one there? Damn, this site keeps getting fancier.

Jace,

Cheese for dessert is no problem, though there are those who will instead go for Dean's grappa list. I've normally started with a cheese plate then had the gelato with balsamic for dessert. But we can work it out anyway that suits you.

If you have never been to Dino, you will really enjoy the wine list.

As to a theme, I don't know if we have one this time, we don't always go with a theme. If anyone has a Kosta Brown to bring, I know that Dean would love to taste it, he said he hasn't had the opportunity yet. I don't know if mine will arrive by then, but here's hoping. I will probably bring a Pinot Noir since that is what I have the most of, but everyone else, please chime in with thoughts.

Din... I'll be happy to bring a KB or two for me and Mrs. T.... T-Rep

Does anyone have any thoughts on my suggestion that we start at 6:30 instead of 7:30 since it is a Sunday dinner? I need to let Dean know when we will be there. (I'll also let him know that Rich is bringing a KB.)

I also need to give Dean an approximate count. So far we have:

In

T-Rep and Ms. T-rep - 2
JaceG and (Ms. JaceG?) - 2
dinwiddie - 1

Maybe

TJ (and Debbie?)
jamietown (2?)
winoman (2?)

Out

Dave (and his liver)

Since it's a Sunday night, I like 630PM better since Monday's a work day. Just my 2 cents... T-Rep

I should find out tomorrow whether I can make it or not.