Okay -- we've got enough folks to make sure this happens. (Of course, people can still sign up -- our max is 40, but we had to have at least 12.)

So far, reserved but not paid:
GAF - 2
Jean Blanchard - 2
groupw - 1
dougk -1
Cookie Monster - 1
Todd and Jenna B. - 2
irisarbor - 2
BAD - 1
Laura W - 1
Capsu78 - 4
tarte tatin - 1

Already paid:
agnes fong - 2
dodger - 1
Cathy2 - 1
Cynthia - 1
Terry H - 1
Barb P - 1
ronnie_suburban - 2
jygach - 1

And the "maybes":
chapulin - 2
davecamaro1994 - 2

Send me a check for $125 (or hand me a check or cash, if you see me before March 8). You can send checks to me -- PM me for the address. As with the holiday party, we'll consider you confirmed once I get your check.

Does 6:30 work for most folks as a start time?

I need to check w/ significant other this evening, but count me in for one, possibly two.

We had to check the date to make sure we were likely to be in town, but it looks promising. Count on us ... but is there any chance you could make it a bit later, arouind 7, for those of us who live further away? One way or the other, we will be there,
Robert and Catherine

Bonjour, chapulin.

Hmmm. Start time. Well, I don't have any real objection to a later start, but we can see what the rest of the group thinks. My thoughts are that it's a Saturday, so most folks aren't waiting until they get out of work to start on their way, plus if you have far to drive, driving home a bit earlier might seem more desirable. But I'll check with Patrick and see how he feels about a later start time. (The "staff" will just be coming in for our dinner, so there might be issues with their schedules. But I'll ask. If we have enough people who want the later time, I'm sure paying "overtime" won't be too much of an issue.)

6:30 works for us! I'll send the check today, thank you again!

Agnes

I am in party of one.

Since there was some discussion of time, based on input in this thread, as well as some PMs, it looks like 6:30 is the popular choice. I'll be talking to Patrick today, and confirming that start time.

I'm updating the list of those attending and those paid at the top of this page in this thread.

We've had one cancellation and one "yes" moved to "maybe."

We can still add more to the list, if you're interested and still haven't responded.

I hope you can join us. Based on previous experience, I'm expecting an exceptional meal.

It also occurred to me that info is rather scattered through this thread—and I know that has been an issue in other threads in the past—so here, in one place, is the location, date, time, cost, and payment info.

The dinner will be held at Berutti's Deli, 771 S. Buffalo Grove Rd., Buffalo Grove. (almost immediately north of Dundee on east side of street, across from Dominick's).

The dinner is being held Saturday, March 8 at 6:30 pm.

The cost is $125, which includes tip and tax, but wine is BYO.

Mail your check to me (address above), or hand me cash or check when you see me.

Hi- I found it-silly me
I have to check with hubs-
but I think the date should work for us
so tentatively count us in for 2
I'll let you know for sure in about a week-(he's out of town right now)
Elaine (& Frank)

Wish I could make it but I will be travelling extensively for work the next 6 months so can't commit to anything that far in advance. I will have to catch up with you on the next one. Can't wait to see the menu and the pics.

Irisarbor -- added you to the maybe. Hope you'll be able to join us

Cool . The maybe would be me +1. Not sure if my wife would want to join me

Hi there-
heard from the traveling hubs
He said we're a yes- it will be our first official LTH event-
unless we manage something before then...LOL
I'll send you a check in a week or so (after my next payday )
Thanks for doing all the planning Cynthia
E

A few people asked me if I could get info on what Patrick will be preparing for us, to help them decide what wines to bring. So here's what Patrick is planning:

caviar amuse
hot and cold foie gras
lobster (surprise or chartreuse)
Poire William sorbet
lamb two ways (possibly en croute and rack)
salad
cheese
dessert
mignardise

Patrick did ask if we'd rather have less lobster per person, and perhaps add a fish course, because he worries that people expect more courses these days. I said I thought that seemed unnecessary. However, it's not too late to alter that, if a major percentage of those attending would rather have less lobster and add a fish course.

And please get your money to me. Remember, you're not really confirmed until you've paid -- and it's only five weeks away now.

I'd choose a fish course and less lobster, although with lobster more is more. But I would be interested to see the full range of Patrick's talents. Although I wouldn't mind being outvoted.

Yeah -- I was thinking an additional course would give him one more opportunity to show off. But when he described the lobster dish that was the "more lobster" option -- the whole tale curved around a core of claw meat and other goodies -- it was hard to argue against that. But that's why I left it open. Get another course -- which would, of course, be fabulous, or be forced to eat more lobster. Sigh. Would that all the decisions I had to make in life were this delicious.

Of course, if anyone wants to see more of his range, I'm almost always available for one of the $70 dinners.

Hi,

I will never be invited to dine with Louis XIV 'The Sunshine King,' though the more lobster course sounds like something Louis would appreciate. While Berutti's will never be mistaken for Versaille and the hall of mirrors, I can at least pretend I eat like Louis.

I realize I am getting just a bit silly when I am inclined for the more lobster route when it seems to suggest an over the top indulgent moment.

Regards,

Is there room for 2 more?

=R=

Is this dinner strictly BYOB, or will there be wine available for an additional charge? I am not very knowledgeable about wines.

D.

The dinner is BOOB - bring our own bottles: so if you are not familiar with wine, there will be plenty of good wine to go around. If you have a favorite you can bring it, if not, don't worry.

Cynthia,

I am neutral whether to get an add'l fish course or a bigger lobster course, i trust the chef's decision on that

thanks!

Agnes

ronnie_suburban wrote:Is there room for 2 more?

=R=

For you, Ronnie -- absolutely.

dodger wrote:Is this dinner strictly BYOB, or will there be wine available for an additional charge? I am not very knowledgeable about wines.

D.

Alas, no, there will be no wine available for an extra charge. Patrick brings the food, we bring the wine. As GAF says, you can come prepared to share what others bring, or you can take the list of foods to Binny's or another good wine store and ask them to make recommendations. Of course, with so many folks bringing wine, as you're coming on your own, even if you did decide to pick something up, you'd probably only need to bring one bottle, and then sample what others have contributed.

And if anyone brings too much wine -- just remember to keep the cork, so you can take the leftovers home. (Just make sure you put the open bottles in the trunk.)

Cynthia wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote:Is there room for 2 more?

=R=

For you, Ronnie -- absolutely.

Great! Julie and I would love to experience this.

I'll put a check in the mail this weekend.

Thanks again, Cynthia, for putting this together.

=R=

More details.

Patrick just sent the proposed menu -- "proposed" only if we opt for swapping more lobster for a fish course.

Amuse Bouche:
Cauliflower Cream and Caviar

First Course:
Combination of cold and seared Foie Gras with Fig Compote and Truffle Dressing

Second Course:
Lobster Chartreuse with Mauresque Sauce

Third Course:
Pear William Sorbet

Fourth Course:
Combination of Lamb Loin en Croute and Rack of Lamb with Provencal Sauce
Vegetable Assortment
Couscous

Fifth Course:
Tender Green Salad with three Cheeses

Sixth Course:
Assortment of Dessert: Coffee Crème Brulee
Opera Cake
Raspberry Ice Cream

Seventh Course:
Petits Fours and Chocolates

The menu looks great. I don't often get to 'say' this but the check's in the mail

Thanks again, Cynthia!

=R=

Cynthia,
I am new to the forum, and this dinner looks like it well designed and organized, is close to our home and our schedule is open.
Can you accomodate a group of 4, my wife and myself and another couple?
Let me know and I will get the check written and sent.

Thanks
Dave and Irene, Kathy and Greg.
Hawthorn Woods

Capsu78 -- we're getting close to capacity, but we can fit in four more.

And welcome to the group!

I vote for lobster if opinions are still wanted...
you should see my kitchen....
I collect lobster things...LOL