Cynthia,
Received your message. I will get things together at my end this week and respond to the address posted earlier in the thread.
Thanks!

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

Thanks, irisarbor. Of those who have voted, so far we have a couple that seem equivocal, and two that are decidedly pro-lobster. So unless there is some clamor for fish in the next few days, we'll stay with the more lobster option.

Of course, this doesn't have to be the only time we ever do this. We can organize these a couple of times a year, either for those who are not free on the specified night, or for those who want to find out what else Patrick can do. I have a fantasy of having a dinner that recreates specific dishes I enjoyed at Le Francais over the years, including the double duck consommé with quennelles and the legendary salmon stuffed with lobster mousse and truffles baked en croute and served with three sauces. So everyone can be thinking about other dinners we'd like to have. Patrick will do anything we want.

Now I just have to put my wine pairing cap on...
of course the vast majority of these courses will pair phenomenally well with my favorite wine....Champagne...LOL

irisarbor wrote:Now I just have to put my wine pairing cap on...
of course the vast majority of these courses will pair phenomenally well with my favorite wine....Champagne...LOL

Yes -- just about everything goes well with Champagne!

How long of a trip is this from the loop without a car? I checked the CTA website its doable but It seems kind of long!

HI,

I would take the train to Buffalo Grove, then taxi over. Later someone can drop you off at the train. If you coordinate yourself, then someone could also meet you at the train.

Regards,

I was asked by someone to find out what would happen if we had a blizzard on Saturday March 8 -- so I asked, and Patrick said we'd eat on Sunday, March 9. All the food will have been bought, so we can't reschedule later than that.

But it won't snow. It will be lovely and clear, and we'll all have a wonderful time.

Patrick did ask that I get him a final count by March 3, so that means I need to have everyone confirmed by that date. We are nearing our maximum headcount, so don't wait till the last minute if you can help it.

I am a little uncomfortable taking the menu to a wine store and relying on their suggestions. Also, I feel guilty (slightly) about showing up and not contributing some wine.

So I was wondering if anyone going to this dinner had some suggestions on what I should bring.

D.

Champagne could go with the first three courses and the dessert, unless you wanted to bring something quite sweet to go with the foie gras (Monbazillac, Sauternes, or similar), to keep with tradition. Or, if you'd prefer to match the meat course, a nice cabernet. As has been noted, you should not need to match every course, as we'd be inundated if every individual brought four wines -- and I can assure you from experience, LTHers enjoy sharing.

The very wise Cathy2 suggested I copy and move forward the list of who has reserved, who is confirmed (by virtue of paying), and who is still tentative, for folks who may not have waded through the whole three pages in search of the list. So here, again, is the list of who I've heard from.

So far, reserved but not paid:
Jean Blanchard - 2
dougk -1
Cookie Monster - 1
Todd and Jenna B. - 2
BAD - 1
tarte tatin - 1
JOJO - 1


Already paid/confirmed:
agnes fong - 2
dodger - 1
Cathy2 - 1
Cynthia - 1
Terry H - 1
Barb P - 1
ronnie_suburban - 2
Capsu78 - 4
groupw - 1
Laura W - 1
chapulin & rgl201 - 2
irisarbor - 2
GAF - 2

Send me a check for $125 (or hand me a check or cash, if you see me before March 3 ). You can send checks to Cynthia Clampitt. As with the holiday party, we'll consider you confirmed once I get your check.

And in case it's useful (as it, too, is fairly far back in the thread), here, again, is the info on time and location:

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 7 pm.

dodger:

My wine suggestions:
(and they are just mine- your tastes or others tastes could be different...)
IF you don't want champagne

For the first couple of courses I'd consider a Viognier (white)
which is slightly fruitier and a little more body but pairs nicely with a lot of food-
If you can find it- (sometime Binnys has it- I love the one from Garretsons)
Another thought might be a sauvignon blanc or Italian falanghari (sp?)

For the Lamb- most people would go with a Cab, which is fine, but if you don't want to go with something that tannic and big, a Malbec or Syrah/Shiraz might be really nice, or a a bigger pinot noir- my fave is La Crema- pretty easy to find- another option would be a you can't go wrong Bordeaux

Dessert-
I love a nice Moscato or ice wine- or even a reisling-
even though they are sweeter the acidity balances the sweetness and it's refreshing rather than cloying.

Again- everyones tastebuds are different-
and I am admittedly an ABC girl- (anything but Chardonnay)
These are my thoughts-
If you live near Schaeffers- they usually have tastings on fri or Sat, and wine discount center is also great with their advice as well-when I tell them what I like they are usually spot on in their recommendations.

I know we'll probably bring 3 bottles between the 2 of us, Champagne, Red, Dessert? and doubt we'll finish anything ourselves without sharing (except maybe the champagne )

irisarbor wrote:dodger:


For the first couple of courses I'd consider a Viognier (white)
which is slightly fruitier and a little more body but pairs nicely with a lot of food-
If you can find it- (sometime Binnys has it- I love the one from Garretsons)
Another thought might be a sauvignon blanc or Italian falanghari (sp?)

Actually, Trader Joe's usually has a nice Viognier. You're less likely to get guidance there, but wine is often good and nicely priced.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I think I have enough to be a little more knowledgeable when I start my search. I think this will be interesting to see how everyone thinks the food and wine will pair up.

D.

Four of our "maybes" have now determined that they won't be able to attend this event, so that means we have a few places available on the guest list, if anyone wanted to come but hasn't rsvp'd yet.

Due to a conflict in scheduling the space where our dinner will be held, Patrick has said that our dinner needs to start at 7, rather than 6:30, so we aren't running into the people from the previous event (which isn't his event, it's something the owner of Berutti's scheduled).

So the March 8 dinner is now scheduled for 7 pm.

Sorry for any inconvenience. (And glad to accommodate the few who wished a later start time.)

Cynthia,
7 pm not a problem.

Can you confirm my party has moved to a "confirmed" status. I haven't seen the bank activity yet and just wanted to make sure the Postal Service did its thing.

Thanks

Capsu78 wrote:Cynthia,
7 pm not a problem.

Can you confirm my party has moved to a "confirmed" status. I haven't seen the bank activity yet and just wanted to make sure the Postal Service did its thing.

Thanks

I haven't gotten to the bank yet, having been out of town, but if you look at the list above, you'll see that you are indeed in the confirmed list. So not to worry. (And I should get to the bank tomorrow, so you'll see the check clear soon.)

Looking forward to meeting you at the dinner.

And if anyone else is wondering if they are confirmed, see the list above. Let me know if you're not going to make it -- and if you are going to make it, please get me your check.

Do you have room for one more? How much? I am coming from River Forest, if someone needs a ride...it is a bit of a ride...Jojo

You bet we have room for one more, JoJo.

It's $125, including tax and tip, but bring your own wine. Mail the check to me as soon as you can, to confirm your reservation. (Address and additional info, including the menu, for matching with wines, are above.)

Greetings, Fine Dining Fans.

Here's an update on what we've got so far.


Already paid/confirmed:
agnes fong - 2
dodger - 1
Cathy2 - 1
Cynthia - 1
Terry H - 1
Barb P - 1
ronnie_suburban - 2
Capsu78 - 4
groupw - 1
Laura W - 1
chapulin & rgl201 - 2
irisarbor - 2
GAF - 2
Todd and Jenna B. - 2
Cookie Monster - 1
BAD - 1
JOJO - 1

Of those not yet paid, I've heard from everyone EXCEPT dougk. I've PMd dougk twice and emailed him directly once, with no reply. If anyone in the forum knows who he is, please let him know that if I don't hear from him this week, I'll have to assume he's not coming.

It's not too late to join us, if you've just discovered this and would like to come. (Because of those on the earlier unconfirmed list, I've just heard from two who have decided to cancel.) Just PM me . Deadline is March 3. As with the holiday party, we'll consider you confirmed once I get your check.

And in case it's useful (as it keeps vanishing into the past on this thread), here, once again, is the info on time and location:

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 7 pm.

(The menu appears earlier in the thread, if you want to plan the wine you'll be bringing.)

Seven is great!. I'll mail the check monday from Forest Park. Should have it in one day.

Does anyone want a ride from the River Forest area? JOJO. Could take two.

JOJO wrote: I'll mail the check monday from Forest Park. Should have it in one day.

Alas, not one day, or two. But I'm certain I'll get it by week's end. (The Postal Service has trouble with apartments, I think.)

But Cookie Monster's check arrived today. Thanks, CM.

I take it no one is in communication with dougk.

Otherwise, all systems are go, and I'm looking forward to seeing you all on the 8th. I checked the advanced weather forecast, and while it will still be chilly, there are at least no major snow storms predicted.

And for those who've been to Chaihanna who are coming to this, Berutti's is about a block north of Chaihanna. Hope that helps you gauge the distance.

I just stopped in at Grand Cru Wine Merchants, to pick up a few interesting bottles to enjoy at home (owner Craig B posts here, and I'd wanted to check the place out for some time). While browsing, I noticed a Free Tasting Schedule for the shop. Fortuitously, there is actually a tasting on March 9, the day of our French Dinner. So if you haven't picked out your wines already, you could drop in at Grand Cru from 1-5 and sample a bunch of dandy wine and perhaps make your selection then. Of course, if you don't live out this way, you might not want to bother with a wine tasting that ends two hours before dinner begins, but if you are out here in the 'burbs, it gives you a chance to recover -- and chill any whites you buy -- before the main event.

And if you haven't been there, Grand Cru is worth checking out, at least if you're in the neighborhood. It's a spiffy little shop with a wonderful selection of beautiful wines. And owner Craig B used to work at Le Français, so he might be your best bet for matching wines with the menu, as he knows Patrick's food.

Address for Grand Cru is 1826 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights.
847-392-9463
http://www.gcwines.net

Final list.

I'll be calling Patrick today with our final numbers.

I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday.

agnes fong - 2
dodger - 1
Cathy2 - 1
Cynthia - 1
Terry H - 1
Barb P - 1
ronnie_suburban - 2
Capsu78 - 4
groupw - 1
Laura W - 1
chapulin & rgl201 - 2
irisarbor - 2
GAF - 2
Todd and Jenna B. - 2
Cookie Monster - 1
BAD - 1
JOJO - 1

Looking forward to seeing many of you tomorrow night at the French dinner in Buffalo Grove.

Just a final note -- Patrick said he will be greeting us with a glass of champagne -- so if you haven't done your wine shopping yet, you may not have to worry about the amuse course.

Cynthia,
Thank you for the kind words it was nice to meet you. Please feel free to stop by the shop at anytime until we close at 7pm if the 1-5pm time is too early. The wines that we are tasting will be open throughout the night (everything might not be left).

In conjunction with the tasting I will also be having a clearence sale as well.

Best,
Craig
Grand Cru Wine Merchants
847-392-9463

Thanks to all who came to the dinner. I really enjoyed meeting a lot of new folks and seeing some old friends. An LTH party is always a good party.

Thanks for putting it together. The food was lovely and the company and conversation even better. JOJO See you at the next food event...

Cynthia, thanks so much for putting together such a wonderful meal, where the food and the company matched each other for quality. We hope that the photos will be posted on the board before we leave the gray and windy city for sunnier climes,
Robert

chapulin wrote:Cynthia, thanks so much for putting together such a wonderful meal, where the food and the company matched each other for quality. We hope that the photos will be posted on the board before we leave the gray and windy city for sunnier climes,
Robert

Robert,

I'd be interested in your take on the meal, in particular if anything stood out to you as being particularly interesting and/or tasty.

Enjoy,
Gary