Now that the holidays are approaching, do we want to have one (maybe two) offlines before we write off 2004? I was thinking about this and had some ideas on themes:

- Cabernet and steak (and something else for t-rep)
- Champagne and sushi (we've never done an Asian restaurant)
- Italian

Better start planning now as holiday schedules get packed quickly.

Jaimetown,

The first two sound great.

Not that it matters in terms of planning, but I will not be in town Nov 14-26 (India/Nepal/T-day).

Then, Pat, Anil, and I will be in Guatemala from Dec 4-14. So, if there are other dates when you plan which work, count me in most likely.

Doc

Jaimetown....

Sorry to have missed you at Doc's house over the weekend. You missed a good one.

As for something for November/December, I'm certainly game. The steak and cabernet offline would still work for me, as it did at my first offline with the Cru last year at The Caucus Room. I did fish and brought some pinot. I like the sushi theme as Japanese is one of our favorites. Sounds good for me. An Italian theme is also okay, but I'm most intrigued by the champagne and sushi dinner. Maybe we could also do fine sakes with sushi...just a thought. Are you thinking of a weekend or midweek? I'm pretty much available at this time...

Thanks,
T-Rep

My last 'official' Crü offline was in July, so I am overdue for an official event (missing out on Doc's dinner was too bad, what was I thinking?).

I am game depending on the date for EITHER the Deember or November event, but not both.

I'm actually looking to try a different restaurant this time. Asian would be good. Italian would be good. Steak is always, good, but I can make a great steak at home, I'm looking for something more interesting and difficult to prepare as my meal and the wine can be paired up easily enough.

All ideas sound good. Weekends are better, but you might get me down for sushi and champagne during the week

I think we have enough interest for a Champagne and Sushi dinner - anyone have any good locations in DC? I think T-Rep mentioned Kas Bistro as a good place.

Would you guys like to do this in November (probably in the next two weeks) or December?

Any would be ok with me, though I am not a big champagne drinker but love sushi. It would just mean that I have to go out and get some champagne since I only have one in the cellar and I'm saving that for my 20th anniversary.

JT...

Kaz Sushi Bistro is on Eye Street near 20th or 21st Streets. Kaz used to be the sushi chef at Sushi Ko in Georgetown and left a few years ago to open his own place. He does great sushi as well as some Asian fusion dishes such as a tuna napoleon, a great short rib dish, or so Mrs. T-Rep says and has a very nice collection of good sakes. They don't have a private room as far as I know, nor do I know how large a group they'll confirm. In any event, it's a really good sushi restaurant. I'll be happy to contact them if that's what we decide to do.

T-Rep

Quote:

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Kaz Sushi Bistro is on Eye Street near 20th or 21st Streets. Kaz used to be the sushi chef at Sushi Ko in Georgetown and left a few years ago to open his own place.

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But does he permit corkage? I know that Sushi Ko does (or did) but this too new to be on the Wide World of Wine's corkage list. (Not that means anything, the list isn't all inclusive.)

T-Rep that would be great if you can ask. Inquire about stemware too, if they don't have anything, we can (gulp) bring our own, especially champagne stems. I'm also willing to purchase a sake or two off their list to try.

JT:

Will do during the day today...

T-Rep

I hope to make this one. If I can I've got my Cab picked out already.

Kaz Sushi is pretty good, but I doubt they have decent stems. Maybe there is another must go to sushi place that we can verify is kewl and also allows corkage and has decent stems???

I'm going to do a little research to also pose some alternatives just to keep everyone on their toes.

So here's the scoop on Kaz Sushi Bistro....

They don't have a special room for group dinners but could put together enough two tops to accommodate us. I said anywhere from 10-12 people and they can easily handle a group of that size. If it becomes larger, we just have to let the restaurant know.

They don't have a supply of champagne stems but will allow us to bring our own since they don't serve champagne. They charge $15.00 for corkage and will have no problem with us bringing in our own juice.

November will work better for the restaurant as they start to get holiday parties in December.

So, what's next? Choosing a date? Mid-week or weekend? Choosing a restaurant?

T-Rep

Thanks for the legwork T-Rep!

I would be up for a dinner at Kaz sometime in the next two weeks. I'm usually a mid-week offline kinda guy, so I would suggest Tues-Thurs. How about:

Nov 9-11 (Tues-Thurs)
Nov 16-18 (Tues-Thurs)

Since they have 'small plates' I think a red or two (Pinot maybe) would work too. I can also bring six champagne (Spiegelau) stems.

Also, if we get enough interest, maybe we can have like a Caucus Room type-OL again in December? Dr. T - it would be great to meet you.

Again, these are just suggestions that I'm throwing out - feel free to add your thoughts.

JT...

Not a problem. I can do any of the evenings between Nov. 9-11 but can't do Nov. 17th. You can put Mrs. T-Rep down as a definite for this one...she's the one that turned me on to Japanese food and just loves Kaz's...

Let me know what works for the group and we're there.

If you need a light red, I'm certainly willing to bring a pinot or two...

T-Rep

Thursdays are best for me. November 11 is a holiday and I have it off so that would be fine.

Since I don't drink champagne very often (just when Fred brings some for the Cru gatherings) I don't have stems (well maybe a couple of toasting stems from many years ago). I can bring some Spiegelau stems for Pinot Noir. I have much more Pinot Noir than Champagne in the cellar (since I only have one bubbly there) and am willing to part with some of the WesMar, RC, or maybe a Loring.

Nov. 11th works for me as well.

T-Rep

Nov. 11th works for me I just have to be on a plane early the next morning to go to VEGAS BABY!!! I have stems I can bring, about 6.