Guys,

I had thought that November 10 (the Monday before Veterans day) would be a good date. It allows those of us lucky to have Vet's Day off the chance to sleep in the next day, and it doesn't interfere with Thanksgiving plans (or TJ's Caps tickets)

TJ has suggested Zaytinya for our November gathering. It would be easy to have lots of different stuff since it is a mezze place. I've never tried to pair that type of food with wine. It might be interesting figuring out what to bring to match the food. Probably something Italian, French, or Spanish. (I'm not sure I want to try the Lebanese and Greek wines)

The only problem is that they do not take reservations after 6:30pm. We could try for 6:30 if that doesn't create a problem for those of you who don't get to work before 7am like I usually do. I also wonder how a place like Zaytinya, which is very hot, would react to a table of 6-8 taking up a table for 3+ hours.

Other places I have thought about since I have never been are Lavandou, Two Amy's, Sesto Senso (I had lunch here during RW) or Petits Plats. Then again, there is steak night, but maybe we should save that for another night.

Thoughts?

Quote:

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Zaytinya would be kewl, as would the others you mentioned, dw. I am only tangentially familiar with Two Amys, too. What can you tell us of the other places? No matter what, I am sure they are great, for you are the consumate foodie.

If we do go with Zaytinya, I could make a 6:30pm start time with enough warning. I also have a bottle of the 2000 Numanthia Toro that I'd love to crack at a place like Zaytinya.

Hey dw, maybe you should start another DC Crue thread over in the offlines section with your most recent post copied over there. Oh, and I agree with trying to keep it earlier in the month, don't want to interfere with Thanksgiving as you mentioned. I am also out of commission on the following evenings -- Nov 8, 14, 22 and 28 (all Caps home games I have tix for)...

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This is what I said in the other thread. BTW, looks like a new poster, travelrep, is looking to join in on the fun, too.!!

Din-
Best way to find out is to give em a call. I like the thought of steak night too and with the holiday's coming up maybe this could be our pre-pre DC Crue holiday party? huh?

Travelrep- Welcome! I should warn you though our motto is "abandon all hope ye who enter here!"
This is a great crue. Laid back, fun, and knowledgeable. These dinners are a blast, just show up time and place with a bottle that either fits the theme of the night or the menu and get comfortable because we take our sweet time.

Oh guys by the way, I have a client dinner tonight at Oceanaire Seafood Room. I thought that could be a good choice sometime. I'll report back tomorrow if I'm still standing.

My vote is for steak!

Steak would work for me, too. I'll just be Mr. Cheapskate and not order dessert & apps. $50 at Bistrot du Coin was kewl on a regular basis, $90 at Butterfield9 was a little bit on the high side for me on a monthly basis...

Just had a thought - Lavandou has FREE CORKAGE on Mondays...

Oh really. That is interesting considering how many bottles we bring. Heck with it being a holiday the next day, we could even open a couple of the spares.

Only if you promise to bring the spare you brought last time Din!

I was planning to bring that as my primary this time.

I just called Lavandu, they confirmed that the corkage fee is waived on Mondays, and that it did not matter how many bottles we brought. Their menu is provencale cuisine and has hors d'oeuvres in the $6-9 range, and entrees in the $16-20 range. That means we can keep the cost down, especially if there is no corkage fee.

Oooooooo. FREE CORKAGE?! I didn't know he was in jail!

Seriously, Lavandou sounds great. Is there a website?

TJ- Here you go

http://www.americascuisine.com/dc/lavandoumenu.html


FREE CORKAGE!!!!

D'oh. Many thanks. I just went and found this link, too--

http://www.lavandourestaurant.net/

Looks great. If people want steak then I would suggest Charlie Palmer only becuase they do not charge corkage on US bottles of wine. So a Cali Cab night wouldn't cost a dime in corkage!

Thoughts?

Yeah Free Corkage!!! I wasn't in jail, but I did just get back from CT and MA land, the trees are turning and nights are getting shorter....

I like Lavandu-free corkage-, but seriously, I'd go anywhere since I don't get out often enough. Also, my offer still stands on tapping my friend for a favor at Morton's in Georgetown if y'all want to do steak night.

You just let me know and I'll be there.

Travelrep here...

Fred and TJ, thanks for the okay to crash the party.

Don't want to appear whipped but I have to run the evening by Mrs. Travelrep to get her okay to play...

Lavandou seems okay by me. I'm a veg head...don't eat meat or anything that had legs but do fish. Any place that seems good for the rest of the group is okay.

Thanks for being an equal opportunity group!

Corkage, what's this about Morton's? What did I miss?

Lavandou sounds kewl. Dinwiddie, wrap it up. We need to talk wine next!

travelrep, run it by all you like. Just make sure you're there!

My friend waits tables at Morton's g'town, he's hooked us up before when we did a group/wine dinner (waive corkage, some free appetizers). No guarantees for a large group-, but I can ask him what he can do (I would guess at least waive the corkage).

I second Lavandou. All in favor say "aye"

Good now onto the wine..........

I'm thinking something french???

I REALLY want to open one of my 98 Vieux Telgraphe La Crau's

I am up for bringing anything. I could still bring a Numanthia, or something else. I have little French stuff, a few CdPs, a few 2000 Bordeaux's a few Cotes du Rhones... I'll have to see what else I have....

OK Crue.

Lavandu it is. Monday, November 10. Should we make it 7:30 or do you want to start a little earlier, like 7? Let's get a count so I can make a reservation.

As to what to bring, look at the menu and plan accordingly. I think French is appropriate, but so is a lot of other stuff. I've been wanting to open another bottle of the 97 Tapestry and the Cab Franc that was my "backup" last time would also be in the running. Most of my CNdP is not ready yet but I have a few of the 2000 Domaine Brusset Gigondas Le Grand Montmirail I want to try. Something from the Languedoc would also be a good match. And there is always that Bordeaux I had in my "back pocket" at Bistro Au Coin.

Well, who's in this month?