Chers Confrères et Consoeurs:

It is hard to believe that we are already sending the invitations for our annual Christmas party. It seems that the one  we had last year at the beautiful home of Arlene Wright and Beni Turan was just yesterday. Since we have scheduled the party earlier in the month, let’s hope that this time the snow and cold weather will spare us. On behalf of our Chapter, I would like to express all our gratitude and heartfelt thanks to Bernt Bodal for having very graciously offered his spectacular home for hosting our Christmas party. If the weather cooperates, we will be blessed with a pristine view of Puget Sound and the Olympics as a backdrop.  Our event is taking place on Sunday, December 6 starting at 5:30PM. This will be the perfect place to have fun and enjoy the festive spirit.  This is a place that will bring our party to a dimension that will be remembered by all of us, so this is a party you do not want to miss. As you know I am always concerned by your well being so I would highly recommend that you consider “car pooling” with a designated driver or hiring a limo, just to be safe and responsible.

This year, I am very excited to announce that Daniel Mitchell, owner of "Midas Touch Catering” and Maitre de Table Hotelier will be catering the event. He will be assisted with young culinary students of the Edmonds Community College. You can expect an abundant and filling selection of "heavy" hors d’oeuvres served with Champagne, white wines and a broad sample of our Chaîne wine cellar red wines.  Also, to give you an easier access to the food, there will be multiple stations spread out throughout the house, as well as numerous passed trays.

For directions to Bernt’s residence, please click on the following Mapquest link: www.mapquest.com

All the details regarding the Christmas party are listed on the invitation (attached at the bottom of this message).  As you know, members are the lifeblood of our Society and I am very happy to announce that Eric Smith, Jim and Jean Kunz and Jens and Pat Quistgaard have just joined the Chaîne. If you enjoy the Chaîne, most likely your friends will also. The Christmas party is a great event to bring in new members as they will discover what the Chaîne is all about - good food, great wine and wonderful camaraderie.

Like last year we had to adjust the price, as it has to take into account the cost of the valet parking which is quite significant but necessary.

As we are getting closer to the end of the year, I would like to share with you some Chaîne business:

1. Enotria Intimate dinner- Thursday November 19.  If you have not send in your invitation yet, please hurry as we only have few more spots left. (Reservation attached)
2. 2010 Chaîne events. Considering the positive response of the new program, intimate dinners with our restaurant partners implemented this year, we have decided to re-conduct this program for 2010.  We have now five partners, and the first 2010 intimate dinner will be taking place at our newer partner’s place, Olives Café and Wine Bar in Edmonds on Thursday, January 21 (to be confirmed). This year we will combine two Mondiale dinners with our Intimate dinners. Greg will be sending to our Mondiale members the dates of these two events. He is also planning a Mondiale Induction.
3. Local Jeune Commis Competition: The competition will be taking place at the Renton Technical College on Saturday, February 20.
4. National Jeune Commis Competition: This year we have the honor to host the National Jeune Commis competition. It will be held on Saturday, May 22 at the Renton Technical College. On Saturday evening we will be hosting a dinner at the Westin in Bellevue where we will be announcing the winner of the competition and enjoying a great dinner with all the competitors and judges.
5. 2010 Induction Black Tie Gala: The date of May 22nd has been cancelled. The new date and location will be announced to you soon.
6. Annual Chaine dues: Soon you will be receiving your 2010 National dues renewal invoice. For non-professional members, the amount is $200 per year. Spouse members’ dues are $75. Mondiale members’ dues are $35 per year. In addition, there is a suggested annual Foundation contribution of $25.  Please send your checks to the National office in New Jersey as indicated on your dues renewal notice at your earliest convenience. Early in 2010, we will be issuing the Seattle Bailliage local chapter dues renewal notice. These local chapter dues are $125 for members and $50 for spouse members. We appreciate your understanding of the differences between these 2 dues renewal processes. Thank you.
7. As a reminder, you can access the Chaîne calendar by logging on our website: www.seattlechaine.com or by clicking on this link: http://www.seattlechaine.com/htmldocs/members/calendar.shtml. The username is Goose and password Roaster. Please keep in mind that the dates and locations can on occasion change for practical reasons.

Please join us for a Christmas celebration where you will find all the Chaîne magic ingredients: friendship, food, wine and fun.

Bien Amicalement et Vive la Chaîne!

Bertrand