Read other letters from Bertrand
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Chers Confrères et Consoeurs:
During last year’s picnic at the Dochnahl’s residence, the weather had decided to play bad tricks on us. For most of the event the sky was threatening with dark clouds ready to drop buckets of water upon us. For a while we were able to “dodge the bullets” until the last item of the live auction was auctioned off, and then suddenly the first rain drops started to gently drizzle upon us but rapidly increased in intensity, forcing us to retreat inside and under the covered deck overlooking the estate. This year I feel that we deserve a picnic without rain, but if for some obscure reason the rain decides to show up, we will be fully prepared. I heard that there was a very narrow micro climate just above Edmonds that should protect us from any rain intrusion. No room for “déja vu” this year!
This year Richard and Edwina Baxter have very graciously offered their beautiful house as a new location for our annual picnic and scholarship auction, and we are all very thankful for their hospitality. Our picnic is scheduled for Sunday, August 23rd at noon. Like last year we have advanced the time of the picnic so it is more in tune with our lunch clock.
I am thrilled to announce that the food will be prepared by the Chef and owner of the Olives Café and Wines Bar in Edmonds, Michael Young, our latest newcomer of our partnership program. He will be assisted by Dany Mitchell, culinary instructor at Edmonds Community College and some of his students. Here is a preview and sample of what you will enjoying on the menu: Foie Gras Lollipops, Grilled Ahi Salad Nicoise, Asparagus Mimosa, Chilled Shellfish Platter, Rotisserie Prime Rib French Dips, and House Made Ice Cream Sundae Bar.
s usual you will be welcomed with some bubbly and Rosé wine to enjoy during lunch. This will also be an opportunity for you to dig out some of your best wines from your wine cellar to share at the table with fellow Chaîne members.
As you know, members are the lifeblood of our Society. If you enjoy the Chaîne, most likely your friends will also. The picnic is a great event to bring in new members as they will also see that not only do we appreciate good food, wine and camaraderie but that we are very active in supporting and helping young professionals.
On the day of the picnic as we have done in the past, we will be raising money for our Scholarship Fund with our annual “low key” auction. This Fund helps young culinary students in need of financial assistance to pursue their education or to give capital grants to culinary technical colleges. This year we all feel the pinch of this tight economy so imagine how painful and difficult it must be for young students with limited income.
Barbara Walker, our Scholarship Chair, along with John Fisher’s valuable input, have put in many hours to make this program successful and accessible to a growing number of culinary schools all across the State. You as members can make a difference with a monetary donation and/or the items you will be bidding on during the auction. You can participate by making a tax-donation of fine wine, wine accessories, gourmet dinners, restaurant gift certificates, funds for the purchase of wine or art to help us make this day a very special one. Barbara will be sending you a donation form by mail and e-mail soon. Please let us know one week in advance what your donation will be so we can print an accurate catalog. This year, I am committed to limit the live auction to very few items; the bulk of the auction items will be primarily featured in the silent auction. Also, during the lunch we will be passing around a hat where you can make a personal cash donation or check to the scholarship fund. Any amount will make a difference so you might want to bring your check book. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
It is very possible that we will be having that day a very special guest, Varin Keokitvon, the winner of the National Young Chef competition. It will be an opportunity to congratulate and give him all words of encouragements for the October International Young Chef competition taking place in New York.
Our next events are:
- Chaîne dinner at Il Terrazzo restaurant on Sunday, October 25.
- Chaine Intimate dinner at Enotria on Thursday, November 12
Finally, as usual I would recommend you to patronize the restaurants that are part of the partnership program: the Madison Park Café, Café Juanita, the Steelhead Diner, Enotria and Olives Café and Wines Bar. They will always appreciate your business and you will always enjoy their warm hospitality and fine food.
Please, get your reservation form in early in order to help us to be more effective in the planning of the event. (Deadline August 18).
In the meantime, 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
See you all on Sunday, August 23rd!
Bien amicalement and vive la Chaîne.
Bertrand
PS: Below is the invitation you can print, cut out and return to Lynn Lindsay. You can also download the form by clicking on the Word Attachment document. The directions are attached.
Bailliage de Seattle
Annual Summer Picnic- Scholarship Auction
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Baxter’s Residence
11505 Makah Road
Woodway, WA 98020
(425) 774 8982
Noon – Welcoming Réception
$75 per person- Members and Spouse or Significant Other $85 per person – Non Members
Dress: Summer casual, With Chaîne ribbons
