10/28 and 11/4

Sorry for the delayed response. I'm in for 2. Looking forward to setting a date and selecting wines..and seeing the group again.

Dave

Update:

There have been no objections or alternative dates suggested, so for now I'm going with November 4th.

I've spoken to Deanna at Parcel 104; apparently their smellier is umming and ahhing over the issue of corkage. I've told her I want a flat rate of $100 per head or it's no deal. She's going to talk to him and the kitchen and come up with a suggested menu by Friday. We'd need a minimum of $3000 for that room, which means at least 30 people though I think it holds up to 40. They would also give us a special room rate for anyone who wanted to stay the night. It's my preferred venue, but only if they are prepared to be flexible on the corkage.

I called 231 Ellsworth again today. The person I spoke to also ummed and ahhed on the corkage but said that it wasn't their final call, so I need to call them back and see what "Richard" says. Their room only holds 28 people - there are currently 40 on the interest list. I've got a banquet menu and it looks pretty good; we'll have to see if they can give us a decent deal.

Lion and Compass has a room that holds about 30 (need to get an exact number) and has promised to send me a suggested menu early next week.

Third Annual Cult Smackdown, provisionally scheduled for 4th Nov 2006

The List:
DaveTong x2
LC17SMP 1 + 1ND
DavidN
ScottJ
Tanglenet x2
JBWines x2
WineGeek
Babnik x2
SFWine
Mark Neal x2
PaulK x2
Dave_Spriggs x2
TomG x2
RandyW x2
OrindaDave x2
GATC x2
---
Saut x2
Hudamang x2
Winebrat
S2KRacer x2
Winetex
Eric White x2
Brent Null x2
gfleener x2
GChadwick

Still not heard from:
Skwid
Paul_H

Tell the somm at Parcel 104 that this is a "Chaine des Rotisseurs / Mondiale" event and see what he says.

(Shane dee rotis airs / moan dee al)

===================================

Check out Lavanda Restaurant in Palo Alto.

Or maybe The Woodside Pub.

Third Annual Cult Smackdown, provisionally scheduled for 4th Nov 2006

The List:
DaveTong x2
LC17SMP 1 + 1ND
DavidN
ScottJ
Tanglenet x2
JBWines x2
WineGeek
Babnik x2
SFWine
Mark Neal x2
PaulK x2
Dave_Spriggs x2
TomG x2
RandyW x2
OrindaDave x2
GATC x2
Paul_H
---
Saut x2
Hudamang x2
Winebrat
S2KRacer x2
Winetex
Eric White x2
Brent Null x2
gfleener x2
GChadwick

Still not heard from:
Skwid

That short edit timeout is really annoying me

That's well over 40 people. A lot! How many did we have last year Randy?

If that's what we had last year I would tell the restaurant something like 25 people. I'd rather tell them we have more than we thought than less than we thought.

I got a call back from the Lion and Compass - no issues with corkage there. "Ten bottles or fifty, it doesn't matter" were his exact words. They will be sending me a suggested menu.

Quote:

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If that's what we had last year I would tell the restaurant something like 25 people. I'd rather tell them we have more than we thought than less than we thought.

---

If we went below 30 we would be relegated to the side room, which is basically an area partitioned off from the main bar by frosted glass panelled doors.

Amazing, they are willing to forego corkage... I predict it will be at the Lion & Compass....

I've never been to Lion and Compass. I never think of it. It would be interesting.

Are you saying, Dave, that there is $0 corkage? If so, is that something negotiated or is it their regular policy?

231 Ellsworth are willing to charge a flat fee to cover glass usage of $225, based on 5 glasses + 1 champagne flute each for 30 people, and will waive corkage. We would be responsible for handling the wines ourself, as we did at Arcadia.

I spoke to the restaurant manager at Parcel 104 and I should hear back from them on Monday.

Dave, Does this mean your thinking about expanding the tasting to 10 flights of 5 wines each?

Maybe we can taste the entire 2002 vintage.

On a serious note, I think that is a great idea. (fixed corkage) If I remember correctly, last year there were a few bottles passed around after the tasting part was over and there were quite a few of us around until quite late.

Dave,

Why is there a line above my name on the list? Am I on the waitlist for this? I'm confused now. 231 Ellsworth would be pretty cool.

Here's the menu. Cost is $100 per person, inclusive of all tax and gratuity, and no corkage.
The private "Library" room holds 28. The semi-private "Rose Room" holds up to 50.


Reception

Piper Sonoma Brut
Chef's Hors d'oevres
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Soup and Salad

HOUSE GREENS SALAD Organic Lettuces, Orange Lavender Vinaigrette, Toasted Almonds
COMPASS CAESAR SALAD Romaine Hearts, Egg-less Dressing, Parmesan, Garlic Croutons
SOUP of the DAY
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Entrees

PAN ROASTED FILET MIGNON, `au Poive Verte’ Scallion Mashed Potatoes, Green Peppercorn Brandy Sauce, Asparagus Vegetables
GRILLED SMOKED STURGEON Szechwan Pepper Cabernet Glaze, Yukon Potato Fricassee with Fennel & Celery Root, Grilled Asparagus
HERB ROASTED RACK of LAMB Tomato Fennel Confit, Tuscan White Beans, Sauteed Kale, Rosemary Jus
VENISON STIR FRY in Japanese Plum Wine shiitake mushrooms, pearl onions, garlic sauteed chard, crispy risotto
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Desserts

LAVIN'S CHOCOLATE TORTE
FRUIT SORBET & BERRIES
CHEESECAKE of the DAY
COMPASS TIRAMISU