Chers Confrères et Consoeurs:

On November 19, twenty of us took over part of the restaurant and the evening could not have been better. The owners Chef David and Amber who were inducted last July rolled out the red carpet for us so we could enjoy every minute spent at Enotria, one of our five restaurant partners. That night the intimate purpose of these dinners totally fulfilled its mission. The most important, being given an opportunity to get better acquainted with your fellow Chaîne members. This particular event was great for this since about half the attendees were recent members and this format allowed them to feel more integrated and part of our chapter.

Chef David had designed for us a five course dinner paired with excellent wines, some of them coming from our own Chaîne wine cellar. In the warm atmosphere of the dining room and Amber’s wonderful genuine hospitality, we savored hors d’oeuvres paired with a Prosecco. The King Crab Ravioli Fennel-Lemon Butter Sauce first course was enhanced by a great Vermantino. The Prosciutto Wrapped Monk Fish, Grappa & Dried Fruit Sauce was complemented by Lachini Pinot Noir 2006. The Dijon & Herb Crusted Lamb Leg, Parsnip Puree, Crispy Brussel Sprouts was balanced by the Fruity, liquorice flavors of Callezione de Marchi 2003 Syrah Toscana. Finally, the Buttermilk Panna Cotta Vanilla Caramel Sauce & Raspberries brought a sweet end to the evening.

 

 

The ambiance was lively and none of us wanted to leave the restaurant. However, the best moments have an end and in closing we thanked Chef David and Amber for the excellent dinner they prepared for us and promised that it won’t be long until we come back to enjoy their great food and Amber’s upbeat conviviality.

As you know, our goal when establishing a partnership with a restaurant is to be as supportive as possible by patronizing their restaurants and holding whenever it is possible some Chaîne/Mondiale events. That is why we started early this year our new program, “Intimate dinners with our restaurants partners”. The program has been well received by our members and consequently we have decided to continue it in 2010, starting on Thursday, January 21 at Olives Café and Wine Bar in Edmonds. We all very excited as it will be the first official event held at this great restaurant. We have decided with Greg Chan, our Vice Echanson that some of these intimate dinners with our partners would be perfect venues for Mondiale events. To fully enjoy the wines that our Mondiale members bring to the dinners to share with their fellow Mondiale members, it works better with a small group and the Chef can better match the food with the theme of the wines served that night. The first Mondiale event on the calendar for 2010 is scheduled on Thursday, March 4 at Enotria. I can assure to our Mondiale members that Chef David is eager to show his matching talents with the wines that will be served that night. Of course Amber cannot wait to host our Mondiale members. Please mark your calendar.

What is the Société Mondiale du Vin?

I realize that some of you are still not that familiar with the Société Mondiale du Vin. La Société Mondiale du Vin is an extension of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. To become a member of the Société Mondiale du Vin, you need to be a Chaîne member. The Société focuses on enjoying, studying and appreciating fine wines and crafted beverages. The Société encourages the collection and dissemination of information on wines and quality spirits and provides recognition for those professionals who are beverage oriented. Société events are, as a rule, less formal than are those of the Chaîne and, as often as not, the primary focus of a Société event is the wine, with food playing an important but, nonetheless, supporting role. Société events have included: a vertical tasting of Opus One; food pairings with Oregon Pinot Noirs; Sauternes and foie gras; a dinner where guests bring a red Bordeaux from the 1970s; and a dinner built around the wines. As other events, we have also enjoyed a Bordeaux evening where we sampled at least 12 different Bordeaux wines, a Burgundy dinner at Coupage Restaurant, a spectacular picnic with an Australian/New Zealand theme and many other fun events.

What makes the Mondiale events different from the Chaîne is that they are different.

1. What makes the Mondiale events different from the Chaîne is that they are different.
2. It is a great opportunity to share some of your own best wines with your friends.
3. The venues are very diverse and original. From Malt tasting to a Champagne evening or even wine makers tasting events.
4. Develop a more in depth knowledge on the do’s and don’ts on wine tasting.
5. Support and take advantage of our Jeune Sommeliers to benefit from their expertise and passion in enhancing our wine education.
6. Meet wine professionals that can present and promote their wines so we can be more experienced when buying wines.
7. Participate in special wine trips.
8. Belong to a group that recognizes the importance of drinking only great wines and loves to share them with their Mondiale fellow members.

 

 

As you can see this is quite different from the Chaîne, although the spirit and enthusiasm are a common denominator. If you would like to know or interested to join the Mondiale, please contact our Vice Echanson, Greg Chan, doctorgregory@comcast.net

As usual, please check our website to access the calendar of events, all the pictures of our past events, the chapter directory, the list of our partnership program and a multitude of useful information. www.seattlechaine.com

I am looking forward to seeing most of you on Sunday!

Bien Amicalement et Vive la Chaîne!

Bertrand