Can those of you from the DC Cru who are available on March 15 send me a private mail message. I've been contacted by Siduri/Novey about a special dinner here in DC on March 15. I'm just starting to work on it and it seems the limit is about 15 bodies and we are looking for someplace to rival the Texas Cru's menu- shown on this link. Siduri/Novey will supply the wines and the line up is very impressive.

Cheers-- Norm

That is a Tuesday. Would we annoint this the official March DC Crü event?

Works for me-- send me an email Thomas as I have some additonal info.

OK-- It looks like the date is the15th . I have several suggestions for places and I'm getting the wines that will be provided from Siduri this week and I'll meet with the chef's to see what they can do for us. I'm going to try to limit it to a prix fix dinner for not more than $75 and no corkage.

I have three suggestions:
1. Charlie Palmer's
2. Bistro Bis
3. Cytyzn- New restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental with the chef from the French Laundry

so far the count is

Vermagnusson-1
Raybanz-2
Fred-1
Capitolkat-2
JohnnyB-1
Rawreds-1(2?)
Irhf97-1
David Z-1
Winoman-2
Siduri rep-1
Siduri friends- 2-4

So the list is filled unless there is a cancellation. If any of you are unable to attend please let me know immediately. I'll post further details as soon as I get them.

If any of you have other ideas for a dining spot let me know and so long as they are not too numerous to check out I'll try.

Norm

the Mrs will be accompanying me.

As far as restaurant, they all sound good

Sorry that I can't attend as it is a Tuesday. I'd be supprised if CityZen would fit your criteria as according to the most recent WS, they have an embarassing corkage fee of $50. But it would be nice if they did. Hope you all have a great time.

Did you get my pm about my wife? i wouldn't want to attend without her.

If that is a problem with the numbers then we will catch you the next time ... sorry for the confusion.

OK-- boys and girls here's the latest. I talked to Le Paradou--(read the most recent Wine Spectator) and they are going to put together a prix fix dinner for the following wines for $75 plus tax and tip-- shuuush!!- they are waiving corkage. Right now I have 16 for dinner counting the Siduri rep-- don't worry Irhf97 the wife is counted. This should be a blast and Yannik Kam is one of the best if not the best chef in DC.

Here are the wines:

2004 Novy- Sauvignon Blanc, Judge Family vineyard
2003 Siduri- Russian River, Pinot Noir- Sonoma County
2003 Siduri- SantaRita Hills, Pinot Noir- Santa Barbara
2003 Siduri- Garys' Vineyard, Pinot Noir- Santa Luchia Highlands
2003 Siduri-Arbre Vert, Pinot Noir-Willamette, OR
2003 Siduri- Rosella's Vineyard, Pinot Noir- Santa Luchia Highlands
2003 Novy- Judge Family Vineyard Grenache- Bennett Valley
2003 Novy- Christiansen Vineyard Syrah- Russian River
and Either a Late Harvest Viognier or Syrah Port

We are set for the 15th-- but give me some ideas about time as my office is across the street but others may need some more time to get here -- let me know if you want to start early as It's a Tuesday and some may need to get home at a reasonable hour.

We will be serving 2 wines per course and one or two extra depending on the menu-- which I'll get to you as soon as I can..


Cheers-- Norm

Man, I'm envious of you all....instead of joining in the festivities, I apparently would rather be doing a travel agent trade show in Norfolk, Virginia, where I can guarantee that the meal will consist of rubber chicken, cold vegetables and an overdone potato.

T-Rep

Anytime works for me, CK. Looking forward to it. Thanks for setting this up.

I am definitely sorry to be missing this one as well, dang it.

sounds wonderful...

looking forward to it....



Alex

OK-- here it is

a five course dinner at Le Paradou--$75 plus 20% gratuity, and tax
No corkage You already know the wines

The room has been reserved.

The menu is as follows:

Soupe Cremeuse de Morilles, St Jacque Enrobee d'une feuille de Parma
Creamy soup of Morel, Sea Scallops, Parma Ham

Terrine de Foie Gras aux Abricots
Terrine de Foie Gras with apricots

Boudin Blanc de Volaille Truffe, Puree de Pomme Douce, Pomme au Caramel aux Epices
Boudin Blanc with Truffles, Sweet potato Puree, Caramalized Spiced apples

Caille Farcie aux champignons De bois et Pistaches, Pansoti aux Artichausts
Quail stuffed with wild mushrooms and pistachios, Artichoke Pansoti

Saveur de Chocolat, Emulsion au thym, Glace Noisette-citron Confit
Chocolate Saveur, Thyme Sauce and Hazelnut-Citron confit Ice Cream

Let me know if anyone is unable to pay cash as they have asked for single check or you can give me cash or a check for your individual amount and I'll pay. I'm thinking to start at 7PM-- so let me know if that works.

Cheers- - Norm

First of all Norm gets the DC Crue award for easiest offline to plan and execute. I will bring your prize with me on the 15th Norm. Secondly this sounds wonderful and 7:00 works great. One question is there a bar where one who might show up early partake in a little pre-dinner drinkypoo?

Fred-- they do have a nice bar -- so take it easy--- there are a lot of wines to share

Also -- sorry I couldn't get this up to 100 posts before it was settled- - I know it's not the normal course for the Cru- - I'll do better next time as I have several other restaurants who wanted to do this but were crowded with the Democratic leadership in town.

Very nice set up, unfortunately I couldn't have made it either

Somebody take pictures

Menu looks great!!!

7:00 works fine as a start time... Fred, if the mrs. and I can cut out early from work, we will look for you slumped over a stool at the bar around 6:00 or 6:30

This sounds perfect. 7:00 works fine with me. I will try to remember to bring my camera.

BTW, is it safe to assume that the dress code is beach casual and that there is plenty of free parking out front???