OK, I'll arrange it.

We need to work out the date first. Here are my thoughts--

While Fridays or Saturdays might work better for folks coming from afar, I think it will limit the dining choices since this is the holiday season. So, I am thinking we need to do it mid-week and we'll all just have to deal with going to work the next morning (or take the day after off). I think many have mentioned Thursdays being better days. Mondays might work, but that also limits dining choices, I think.

So my vote would be for a mid-week thing on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Since we want to do this earlier in the month, this makes the list of dates thus--

Wed Dec 1
Thu Dec 2
Tue Dec 7
Wed Dec 8
Thu Dec 9
Tue Dec 14
Wed Dec 15
Thu Dec 16

I need to personally nix Dec 2 and Dec 14 from the list, so this leaves--

Wed Dec 1
Tue Dec 7
Wed Dec 8
Thu Dec 9
Wed Dec 15
Thu Dec 16

What date works best for those that are interested?

If it isn't a Saturday, Thursdays are best for me. Unfortunately either Karen or I have standing commitments for Mondays, Tuesdays, and some Wednesdays. Therefore, I think either Dec 9 or 16 are best. Of course, Friday's work for me too. If we look, we could probably find a place for a Friday night if we decide pretty quick.

Any thoughts on a theme? How about an Aussie night? Or another Steak and Big Cab night?

Given that Mrs. Doc, Anil, and I will be in Guatemala for work and play from Dec 4-Dec 14, I vote for Dec 1, 2, or 16.

Doc

Dec 1&2 are the only days were are available until the 17th. Aussie sounds good to me with beef style restaurant high on my list.

I hate to appear like I have nothing going on in my life, but at this point in time, the TravelReps are completely open for any of the potential nights. Whatever theme is determined for the evening will work for us. Not a problemo....

T-Rep

It looks like Dec 1, 2 and 16 are the most preferable, probably the 2nd being the best.

I have a community association meeting the first thursday of each month, but I can blow these off every once in a while if I really need to.

So what do you all say about the 2nd, then?

Now, as for a theme.....December is in the holiday season, it's starting to get cold and so on. So I totally agree it must be a red event. I annoint it the DC Crü's ['Better Red than Dead' ( ) event. Everyone brings something red -- and ONLY red -- to this. Vintage, producer, varietal, etc are all up to you, but no whites allowed, no sweets allowed, got it?

Now, while I like a great steak and all, I find it incredibly easy to replicate this at home. So, I'd prefer we hit someplace different. What do you all think about that?

I have a few ideas in mind, and I'll be checking Open Table to see what is available.

TJ:

The second is fine on my end......and Better Red than Dead is a great theme. If you'd like to pass on a steak joint, how about Italian?

T-Rep

Guys,

It is probably a dollar or two (or three) more than the median DC Cru outing, but you should all try Taberna del Alabardero, even if it is not for this. Although I was only in DC for 18 months, I can say with great confidence that it is probably the best restaurant in DC. Certainly, I had my best meals in DC there. There is lots of fish and seafood on the menu, but there is also a great selection of interestingly prepared red meat. And even the seafood is prepared in a hearty style (seafood paella). So, it might be a good selection for a holiday feast. If you do select it, coordinate with David Bueno, the manager/somellier. Don't even speak to anyone else.

a

Whiner....

Good idea. I remember you and Jaimetown posting notes regarding your meal there and both of you raved about it. Not a bad choice...

T-Rep

December 2nd works for me! The theme sounds great, TJ.

I am tenatively in for the 2nd. It depends on when the wife gets home as she is returning from travel that afternoon. Personally, I'd love to do a dinner at Taberna del Alabardero as I've never been there and have been wanting to try it.

Other places we might want to try where we haven't had a dinner yet are Tosca, DC Coast (I know, but that was before we were officially the Cru), or Chef Geoff's.

Tentatively counts us in, TJ. I need to check with Mrs. Doc once I get home from India/Nepal this week. Additionally, I remembered yesterday that I may be going to a reception at the Australian Embassy on either the 1st or 2nd in honor of World AIDS Day that week.

Doc

So anything new regarding this dinner?

I'm not gonna know my avalability until the week of the event because of work, but I am now awaiting the core group confirming a location and a date/time (although it seems 12/02/04 has some serious interest).

Plus there are many rival x-mas (or seasonal) dinners happening that week, so I want to get a good read on this so I can start turning down less exciting (read: no good wine) events that overlap.

I thought that the T-Reps would be able to attend but I have to be in Philadelphia on Thursday evening, for a Friday and Saturday meeting. Sorry to miss the Cru but we'll have to hook up for a January deal. Actually, Mrs. T-Rep and I were thinking it was our turn to have you all over to Casa Travelrep for a January thing. Probably the second or third week of January....the 15th or the 22nd. Anyone interested???

T-Rep

Not to jump over the December event, but an event at Chez Travelrep in January sounds super groovy, too!!!

Thanks Ray....as long as you're willing to drive down 95 to the Dulles Airport area, we'd love to have you and Rita.

Gents--

Here's a recap of what we know--

Who is in for Dec 2nd
Jaimetown (1 or 2?)
TJ (1) -- assuming we get a group together

Who Is Tentatively In
raybanz (1 or 2?)
Doc (1 or 2?)
Dinwiddie (1 or 2 or 3?)

Let me know if I goofed this up.

Considering it's just Jaimetown and I that are in for sure on the 2nd, should we just go ahead and scrap this and move the date to the 16th?

I have checked OpenTable and here are some options depending on the size of the group--

6-top
701 -- 6:30 or 7:30
Bistro Bis -- 6:30 or 7:00
Chef Geoff's (Downtown) -- 6:15 or 7:00
Corduroy -- 6:30 or 7:00
Firefly -- 6:30 or 7:00
Mendocino -- 6:30
TenPenh -- 6:30
Tosca -- 6:30
Vidalia -- 6:45 or 7:00

8-top
15ria -- 6:30
701 -- 6:30
Bistro Bis -- 6:30 or 7:00
Chef Geoff's (Downtown) 6:00 or 7:00
Corduroy -- 6:00

Looks like Cashion's isn't om OpenTable, but I could call them too if we're a go for Thursday.

Let me know y'all!

I might be in for this, depends on the workload.

A party at the T-Reps next months sounds cool too.