BWE London 2023: March 22, 1251 restaurant

[Comte Flaneur]

This is the unofficial warm up/training session before the convention starts on Thursday

I have booked for eight people - I think we have six confirmed unless I have missed anyone?

My proposed options are a few mid-ranking Bordeaux wines, which I think are drinking beautifully now

Jim
Joel
Daniela
Howard - 2000 Bon Pasteur
Alex
Ian - Options: 2001 D’Issan, 2002 Domaine De Chevalier Rouge, 2004 Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge

[JoelD]

Sounds like a fun idea, Ian. All of your wine choices sound great for this. Along similar lines/age, I could bring any of the following:

1990 La Louviere, 1998/2000 BAMA, 2000 Malartic Lagraviere, 2000 GPL, 2001 Rauzan Segla. Any preferences?

I'll also likely bring an interesting, hard to find grower Champagne. As long as the most don't mind one on the lower dosage side.

[jckba]

Not attending but I still have an opinion and I would opt for your 01 Rauzan to go up against the 01 D’Issan as that would make a nice flight.

[Hm$(still)]

‘00 Bon Pasteur….and dessert

[JimHow]

Still deciding on my red for this warm up night.
Shall I bring a 168th Krug for starters?

[JoelD]

Still deciding on my red for this warm up night.
Shall I bring a 168th Krug for starters?

I love the 168 krug so I wouldn't say no to that. I am most likely going to bring a cool grower champagne. Possibly one that is a 2012 base like the 168 so those could be fun next to each other. Are you sourcing that locally? If there's a good price I might have to grab some.

[JimHow]

No, I’m going to bring my wines over.
So much for pacing ourselves!
Ok I’ll bring the 168th Krug for Wednesday night and I’m leaning towards a 2012 La Mission as my red, it seems to be a favorite of Mr. Leve and others on CT. I’ll probably bring another bottle of Champagne for the hotel room.

[JoelD]

Sounds good. We can figure it out when we're there also. I'll probably bring the 01 Rauzan Segla or 01 Pichon Lalande. I don't have many 02's or 04's, or 12's except Smith Haut Lafitte and Pontet Canet.

[JimHow]

On Wednesday night I'll bring a bottle of 168 Krug and one half bottle each of 1998 Angelus and 1998 Pavie.
That should be plenty for 6 of us "pacing" ourselves in this warm up dinner.

I'll bring a 170th Krug (or two?) for the hotel, Joel, when Timmy and Nicola get into town we can have a pre-dinner toast on Thursday or Friday, and of course anyone else is invited.

[Comte Flaneur]

Thanks Jim

I think we should definitely pace ourselves tomorrow…

I think I might bring D’Issan 01 but instead I could bring SMith Haut Lafitte 2004 or La Conseillante 1970…low ullage but the first one out of the case was very good…

This is the message from the resto…I suggest we go 5 rather than 8 course…hope this works for you Joel


Hi Ian,
I hope you are well.

Ahead of your booking with us at 12:51 would you be able to let me know which menus you and your guests would like to have?

We have two 5-course taster menus(£45pp) to choose from either Standard or Vegetarian.

Just to be aware that we don't have a vegan or dairy/lactose-free menu.

If you could also let me know if there are any dietary requirements we would much appreciate it.

We also offer an 8-course taster menu upgrade for both menus but the whole table needs to have the same size menus .......this is pre-order only.
It includes James's famous fried chicken, a special course created by James each week and to finish a delightful cheese course. This is perfect for a celebration or just if you want to try all of James's food creations! All for an extra £25pp.

We have a drinks pairing to complement your taster menu that includes a selection of wines exclusively chosen by James himself.
If you could let us know in advance if you would like to add to your booking, the price is £40pp. (8-course £50pp)

If you are coming to dine with us for a special occasion just let us know.
If it's for a birthday just let us know their name.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Many thanks
Sue
Booking manager 12:51

[JimHow]

On the British Airways plane in Boston, heading out shortly!

[JoelD]

Thanks, Ian. I’m sure that will work fine.

I have a 2001 Rauzan segla with me. As well as a few other 80s BWE favorites that I would be happy to bring as well or instead. 83 gruaud larose, 85 beychevelle(375ml), 89 beychevelle and 89VCC(although I think blanquito and Nicola would want to drink this so I may save it for a lunch, can you make a lunch?)

Have a safe flight, Jim. See you tomorrow!

[AlexR]

5 course suits me just fine.
Alex R.