*** BWE DC 2020 Convention Friday March 6 dinner Bistro Bis

DavidG · Post by **DavidG** » Sun Nov 03, 2019 3:49 pm

Bistro Bis, which did a great job for a BWE dinner last June, will be the venue for our Friday, March 6 dinner.

Location: 15 E St NW, in the George Hotel
Start time: 6 PM (Champagne, hors d'oeuvres)
Seated Dinner: 7 PM

Cost: $170/person all-in, including hors d'oeuvres, dinner, corkage, room fee, glassware, tax, tip.
(My original estimate was $165. I miscalculated on what gets taxed.)
Please bring cash or check to the dinner. I'll collect on arrival.
Cancellation deadline has passed. If you have a last-minute change in plans, PM me for an address to mail a check.

Wine theme: "Free for All."
Traditionally, we've seen Champagne, German Rieslings, Italians, Rhones, Burgundies, but anything interesting is welcome. Even Bordeaux, though the Saturday main event is Bordeaux. Definitely want some Champagne for the 6-7 PM social hour.

Peggy and I will likely bring the following:
2004 Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires
1990 Olga Raffault Chinon Les Picasses
2000 Chave Hermitage
Subject to change/alternate inspiration from others.

The List
David + Peggy
Jim H.
Stefan + Lucie
Marcs
Chris + Marjorie
Jim + Cherie
Eric + Janet
Nic + Marie-Claude
Noah + Courtney
Total = 16

The Menu

Passed Hors D'Oeuvres 6-7 PM, followed by seated dinner:

: Menu.jpg (38.74 KiB) Viewed 2856 times

JimHow · Post by **JimHow** » Sun Nov 03, 2019 3:51 pm

Excellent!
I'm in.

sdr · Post by **sdr** » Sun Nov 03, 2019 9:17 pm

Yep (x2).

Stu

stefan · Post by **stefan** » Sun Nov 03, 2019 11:57 pm

Lucie and I are in.

marcs · Post by **marcs** » Sun Nov 24, 2019 5:12 am

I am of course in as well.

But bumping this thread because I am using it to get a sense of what the crowd will be for Saturday. As I said the restaurant I have in mind for Saturday night has a hard cap of 36 people. But I can certainly find another if necessary -- if we get well above 36 we could just go back to Charlie Palmer.

I will start a separate thread for counting for Saturday in the new year, but in the meantime please feel free to indicate if you will be "extra" for Saturday (i.e. not there on Friday but in for Saturday).

sdr · Post by **sdr** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 4:59 pm

Update, please.

Anyone else planning to attend? Only 8 so far.

Stu

Jay Winton · Post by **Jay Winton** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 6:15 pm

We can't make Friday but should be able to attend Saturday.

sdr · Post by **sdr** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 9:43 pm

I’m inquiring about Saturday too of course.

Stu

JimHow · Post by **JimHow** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 10:51 pm

I’m in.

Winona Chief · Post by **Winona Chief** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 11:24 pm

Probably need to add me to the list - Marjorie, too.

Chris Bublitz

marcs · Post by **marcs** » Sun Dec 22, 2019 1:28 am

I think we need to get this up to 20-25 people if we are going to be doing private rooms, otherwise the minimums will kill us

Not that we shouldn’t do it with less, just that the restaurant strategy is different

DavidG · Post by **DavidG** » Sun Dec 22, 2019 10:15 pm

Do you have a maximum out-of-pocket limit, Marcus?

marcs · Post by **marcs** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 1:26 am

I can find a restaurant for any number of people, it’s just that different numbers call for different strategies. The issue is private rooms with minimums.

Mirabelle, one restaurant I was looking at, has a $2,000 minimum total before tax and tip, with $150/person charged on a per-person basis when the numbers get large. Wouldn’t make sense to go there with 10 people, it would with 20.

But there are a lot of options, just would be helpful to know how many will be there

DavidG · Post by **DavidG** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 6:55 am

Marcus, I’m not totally naive here. Even with only 10, which is where we currently stand, a private room is a significant plus. That is what I will aim for, respecting any requests not to exceed a maximum amount. People are coming from out of town and my assumption is that good food and a venue conducive to conversation and plenty of space for sharing is a higher priority than the lowest possible price. If anyone is concerned about costs feel free to PM or email me.

sdr · Post by **sdr** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 4:50 pm

Thanks, David. A private room would be nice, if possible and practical.

Stu

Nicklasss · Post by **Nicklasss** » Fri Jan 17, 2020 2:26 am

So, I guess March 5-6-7 is still shaping up. Again, like for Bordeaux later in March, I'm not sure yet i can attend the DC weekend either. I'll know more in a week or two.

In any case, is the theme still anything but Bordeaux on Friday, and 1990/2000 Bordeaux on Saturday?

Nic

stefan · Post by **stefan** » Fri Jan 17, 2020 3:44 pm

Looks like a small convention. Where are the CA folks who usually come?

DavidG · Post by **DavidG** » Fri Jan 17, 2020 3:46 pm

I do like the idea of a 1990/2000/2010 theme for Saturday, but as always we're welcoming of all interesting bottles. I don't think there's been much discussion of a theme for Friday.

marcs · Post by **marcs** » Fri Jan 17, 2020 5:09 pm

stefan wrote:Looks like a small convention. Where are the CA folks who usually come?

Yes, I can't believe that we would only have ten people for our 20th anniversary in the nation's capital...the Bordeaux get together later in the month shouldn't have such a devastating impact on attendance. Perhaps will start another thread to drum up more participation?

DavidG · Post by **DavidG** » Tue Jan 21, 2020 8:22 pm

Adding a couple of friends...

ericindc · Post by **ericindc** » Wed Jan 22, 2020 12:05 am

Janet and I are in.

DavidG · Post by **DavidG** » Wed Jan 22, 2020 12:53 pm

Excellent news, Eric!

ericindc · Post by **ericindc** » Fri Jan 24, 2020 8:00 pm

Question, do you guys declare wines beforehand? Also, since there are alot of people for this dinner as well as the Saturday dinner, is everyone bringing 2 bottles (or a magnums) of each wine?

DavidG · Post by **DavidG** » Fri Jan 24, 2020 11:28 pm

Saturday is Bordeaux, with Champagne to start. There was some sentiment towards 1990s and 2000s but all years are welcome. As people start posting what they'll bring, other themes might emerge. We're not rigidly organized.

Friday is even more loose. Usually anything but Bordeaux. A theme or two often develop. Burgs, Italians, or Rhones often show up. Plus some Champagne and dessert wine. Some announce specific wines, others just a region.

I'm bringing 2 bottles each of the blind wines for Saturday to insure there's enough to go around. That's not a requirement or even desirable for every wine unless you want a lot of leftovers. And in DC it's illegal to take leftovers out of the restaurant.

Occasionally a mag or duplicate bottles show up, but it's mostly single 750s. With so many people and wines we tend to take tasting pours. It's ok if some bottles don't make it to everyone's glass. That said, if you're bringing the 1990 Petrus, 2 bottles would be nice.

ericindc · Post by **ericindc** » Mon Feb 03, 2020 3:43 am

has anyone decided on a theme for this dinner, or we doing a free-for-all?

DavidG · Post by **DavidG** » Mon Feb 03, 2020 4:28 am

Let’s vote on a theme. See poll above.

Nicklasss · Post by **Nicklasss** » Mon Feb 03, 2020 5:42 am

Announcement from my part in the next coming days?

I'll do my best.

Nic

JimHow · Post by **JimHow** » Mon Feb 03, 2020 1:38 pm

I vote “Bordeaux” but I don’t see that as an option.

stefan · Post by **stefan** » Mon Feb 03, 2020 3:57 pm

Has anyone looked into hotels and flights?

DavidG · Post by **DavidG** » Mon Feb 03, 2020 5:20 pm

We can do Bordeaux both nights if that's what people want. Usually Friday is something other than Bordeaux.

DavidG · Post by **DavidG** » Mon Feb 03, 2020 6:52 pm

Regarding hotels:

I will be staying at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill March 6-8, using Hyatt points. It's close to Bistro Bis and Union Station, which works for me as I'll take the train to DC. Not sure where the Saturday dinner will be. Here are the hotel options within a block or two of Bistro Bis and within 1/3 of a mile from Union Station (prices from hotel websites, other online bookers may offer slightly better rates):

Washington Court Hotel - $142/night + tax
1 block from Bistro Bis, 1/3 mile from Union Station
I stayed recently, nice rooms.

George Hotel - $144.40/night + tax
Bistro Bis is in the lobby, 1/4 mile from Union Station
I stayed a year ago - older hotel, some rooms had heat/hot water issues, why we switched to Washington Ct

Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill - $147/night + tax advance purchase, $159 + tax refundable, $3 less if you're a Hyatt member
1.5 blocks from Bistro Bis, 1/3 mile from Union Station
Never stayed, nice lobby, heard good things.
I am booking this one using points.

Phoenix Park Hotel - $135/night + tax adv purchase, $159/night + tax refundable
1 block from Bistro Bis, 1/4 mile from Union Station
Never been

Liaison Washington Capitol Hill - #134.10/night + tax advance purchase, $149/night + tax refundable
1 block from Bistro Bis, 1/3 mile from Union Station
Nic and I stayed there 2 years ago, it was nice.

I need to put a deposit on the restaurant. I'll reserve for 13 since Jim's trial schedule is uncertain. There will be no problem adding another at a later date.

stefan · Post by **stefan** » Mon Feb 03, 2020 7:21 pm

No MichaelP? And maybe no JHow?

By April Lucie I and I may be the only BWEers to have missed only one annual meeting.

DavidG · Post by **DavidG** » Mon Feb 03, 2020 7:24 pm

I updated my prior post with specific hotel options near the Friday venue, Bistro Bis.
Stefan, it does look like we'll have more locals than travelers. You may win the farthest traveled award for this one.

JimHow · Post by **JimHow** » Mon Feb 03, 2020 7:46 pm

So, my plan is to be there.
As I said, I have a manlaughter trial starting on Monday morning, March 9th.
The complicating factor is that the judge has told us to "pencil in" jury selection on that Friday, March 6th.
We are litigating motions and getting experts lined up this week.
You never know for sure whether these cases are going to go to trial.
I know the DA isn't very excited to litigate this case but he is getting pressure from the victim's family.
Worst case scenario I will be there on saturday night, I'll book a flight Saturday morning and return Sunday morning.
Ideally, I would like to be there Friday night as well, but that will not be possible if we have to pick a jury on that Friday.
I'll keep you posted. But you can definitely count me in for Saturday night. Friday night is still iffy at this point.

DavidG · Post by **DavidG** » Mon Feb 03, 2020 7:49 pm

No problem Jim. We all hope you can make it Friday and that you can plead out your case or have charges dropped. There will be a space for you if you can make it. If you can give me 3 or 4 day's notice we should be fine.

DavidG · Post by **DavidG** » Mon Feb 03, 2020 9:10 pm

Nic: I hope you can make it!

Since the group is less than 20, we have two options for a room at Bistro Bis:

1. A small private room with an accompanying room charge of $350, about $25-30 more per person. Room for several tables and milling about. Probably more isolated and sedate, but easier for conversation and milling about.

2. The mezzanine, with no room charge. A group of 13 BWEs (including Jim, Nic, Marcs and a number of others) used this room for our June 2019 get together. It worked. It is separate from the rest of the restaurant but is open to the main restaurant below, so no real sound separation. It's one large long table so that those at one end are not conversing with those at the other. There was room for a small side table for the wines and limited room for moving about but it can be done. Maybe noisier/merrier than the private room.

Any preferences either way? If up to me, I'd spend the money on the private room, but I will go with the group's wishes.

stefan · Post by **stefan** » Mon Feb 03, 2020 9:22 pm

Private room.

stefan · Post by **stefan** » Mon Feb 03, 2020 10:38 pm

We booked the Hyatt Capitol Hill for 11PM arrival on Thursday and departure on Sunday.

JimHow · Post by **JimHow** » Mon Feb 03, 2020 10:48 pm

Good job, can’t beat the QPR of the Hyatt Capitol Hill.

stefan · Post by **stefan** » Mon Feb 03, 2020 11:03 pm

Well, their $20 add on for nothing gave me pause, but the total price was not bad.