Friday March 23rd dinner 7 PM AT BISTRO CACAO -- UPDATE

[NoahR]

I am hoping to make it with my wife. Sorry for last minute wavering. All still depends on finding a babysitter...
Cheers! Noah and Courtney Raizman

[marcs]

Hi Noah! Hope to see you there, we've met a couple of times at Eric Tomasi's dinners (I'm Marcus). I really wouldn't miss BWE if you can get there, it's always a blast!

[JimHow]

Hope you and Courtney can make it Noah!

[DavidG]

Noah we need another surgeon to balance out all the lawyers and business folks.

[stefan]

What is the starting time? It, as well as the address and telly, should be added to the initial post.

[marcs]

I just updated the initial post to include that info, thanks.

I am realizing I have never put together a dinner of this size and now understand why people ask for payment in advance. It's probably too late to do that now, but open to suggestions on how we should handle the logistics of paying the night of the dinner. E.g. pay when we come in or settle up at the end when people are leaving and we're all extremely tipsy.

[Nicklasss]

I'm asking for an extra special favor from the BD : I know that Friday is a Anything But Bordeaux night, but as it will be the first time many of us will meet Noah, and it is the only dinner his wife and he can attend, I would feel really bad to not sample a red Bordeaux in their company, as we are BWE.

I know, I'm like that.

Nic

[JimHow]

Dispensation granted, Nicola.

[marcs]

Agree with Nic, people should feel free to let a thousand flowers bloom on Friday night. As long as the *theme* is anything but Bordeaux, the *exceptions* can include some Bordeaux!

[Jay Winton]

sounds good to me!

[DavidG]

Marcus - do whatever you think will be easiest for you regarding payment. IMO up front is easier. At this point maybe have people check in with you on arrival at the restaurant to give you a check or cash.

My routine once I have a pretty good estimate of all-in costs is to round up to the nearest $5 to keep it simple and cover any minor underestimation. Not applicable here but if I collected too much I spent it on prizes for our blind tasting winners.

[Jay Winton]

Marcus - do whatever you think will be easiest for you regarding payment. IMO up front is easier. At this point maybe have people check in with you on arrival at the restaurant to give you a check or cash.

My routine once I have a pretty good estimate of all-in costs is to round up to the nearest $5 to keep it simple and cover any minor underestimation. Not applicable here but if I collected too much I spent it on prizes for our blind tasting winners.

I always included extra for a glass or two of champagne for everyone but since our man from Florida is exhibiting his usual generosity, no need. I've also used extra bucks for some additional cash tips if appropriate.

[DavidG]

Yup, bigger tips are good too. Makes them glad they hosted us and pays it forward for the next dinner/group.

[Michael-P]

I’m in for 1 for Friday. Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Even if there’s Pinot all around me.
Michael-P

[NoahR]

I am excited for Friday. I hope everyone can still make it in despite the snow blanketing the area!

I am picking out some fun bottles for Friday - perhaps a mag of ‘99 Vignes de L’Enfant Jesus, another burgundy, some Northern Rhône perhaps, an ‘83 JJ Prum WS spat and who knows what else!

[sdr]

Marcus - do whatever you think will be easiest for you regarding payment. IMO up front is easier. At this point maybe have people check in with you on arrival at the restaurant to give you a check or cash.

I gather we have decided to each pay our fee directly to the restaurant. I assume therefore that a credit card is fine.

Stu

[marcs]

Marcus - do whatever you think will be easiest for you regarding payment. IMO up front is easier. At this point maybe have people check in with you on arrival at the restaurant to give you a check or cash.

I gather we have decided to each pay our fee directly to the restaurant. I assume therefore that a credit card is fine.

Stu

Sorry, I thought that would be possible but I just called and it now turns out there is an issue. I'm going to update the main post in a moment, but they say they cannot actually run all the CC on the actual night, because it is too busy. I should have checked in on this earlier.

What we have decided to do is submit as many CC numbers as possible in advance to the restaurant. I am having them send me a PDF form on which you can put your credit card information. I will forward each form to the restaurant to be charged $140/person for the dinner, based on our current stated attendance of 22 people. Everyone who does not get me the CC info in advance please bring cash to the restaurant and check in with me when you arrive.

I promise not to look at CC information and to delete the files after sending.

Sorry about this, I've never put together a dinner this big and wasn't thinking about the hassles involved with actual payment...this is a learning experience.

[DavidG]

No worries Marcus.

I'll bring cash. You deserve a few extra miles/points on your card for your efforts.

[SF Ed]

I'm going to bring cash too. Usually makes it easier for all concerned.

SF Ed

[stefan]

No problem for us. Lucie loves to pull cash from the ATM.

[JimHow]

I'll bring cash.

[Nicklasss]

Cash for us too. To keep it easy.

Nic

[Jay Winton]

Cash is fine.

[marcs]

Regarding payment, I just sent a PM to everyone with my personal email address (prefer not to post directly on the site). If you wish to use a credit card please email me as soon as possible and I will send you the restaurant's credit card form. As described in the PM, you can fill out your authorization on the form and I will send to the restaurant so they can charge you in advance. I need all credit card info by early afternoon tomorrow. Please also indicate how many people you will be bringing.

I know most of you said above you are bringing cash. That is fine, if you are bringing cash just bring $140/person and transfer it to me at the beginning of the evening.

Thanks much!

[NoahR]

Marcus - just emailed you. Thanks for putting this together

[Michael-P]

Cash it is!

[NoahR]

Courtney and I are in an Uber in March-on-Washington traffic. 10min away hopefully.