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RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/5-7/2008

 
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RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 7/29/2008 4:09:04 PM   
RoundersRob

 

Posts: 634
Joined: 7/1/2006
From: Santa Cruz, CA
Status: offline 		yup - just about a month away.  Any new info?  We've already booked hotel and flight.

(in reply to mjobtx)
Post #: 211
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 7/29/2008 7:07:54 PM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 895
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline 		Here is a question for you all while we wait to sign up with paypal.  What time do you suggest we start?  7PM, 6PM (I think any time after 5 is ok with the venue).  The event will need to be over by midnight.

Craig

(in reply to RoundersRob)
Post #: 212
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 7/29/2008 8:07:50 PM   
stevetimko

 

Posts: 115
Joined: 2/20/2007
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: mjobtx



Stevetimko, saw your post in another thread re: Rhone but didn't know if it was related to the CT weekend or not.  Can you direct me to the thread for info?




It's 6 p.m. on that Sunday at Restaurant Zoe in downtown Seattle. If you're interested in going, let me know and I'll save a spot. It's not part of the official CellarTracker!palooza. I've posted a thread on the Squires board to see if there's any interest there.
http://dat.erobertparker.com/bboard/showthread.php?t=176540
email me at timko_steve@yahoo.com

< Message edited by stevetimko -- 7/29/2008 8:25:28 PM >

(in reply to mjobtx)
Post #: 213
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 7/29/2008 8:15:36 PM   
mjobtx

 

Posts: 115
Joined: 11/20/2004
From: Plano, TX
Status: offline 		Craig,

How many people are we expecting for Saturday?  The time we start depends on the format more than anything.  I am not quite clear on how things will be orchestrated.  Is dinner a sit down affair or buffet?  How will the wines be made available during the meal?  

In my personal opinion, I think we should have at least an hour to meet, greet, and begin tasting before dinner.  If you start that process at 6PM, then dinner could start at 7PM or 7:30PM leaving plenty of time for mixing after dinner.

I also haven't seen anything about how the Friday night offline is coming together although spontaneity will be the rule of the night for that one.

_____________________________

PlanoWino

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 214
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 7/29/2008 8:52:03 PM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 895
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: mjobtx

Craig,

How many people are we expecting for Saturday?  The time we start depends on the format more than anything.  I am not quite clear on how things will be orchestrated.  Is dinner a sit down affair or buffet?  How will the wines be made available during the meal?  

In my personal opinion, I think we should have at least an hour to meet, greet, and begin tasting before dinner.  If you start that process at 6PM, then dinner could start at 7PM or 7:30PM leaving plenty of time for mixing after dinner.

I also haven't seen anything about how the Friday night offline is coming together although spontaneity will be the rule of the night for that one.


The count now is about 100 for Saturday night.  I think a 6PM start would be good with dinner around 7:30.  There will be a table of cured meats, artisan cheeses, fresh bread right from (or close to) the start.  Otherwise, the dinner menu was posted somewhere earlier on this thread. 

I thought we'd set up different tables for the wines and try to loosely categorize them somehow (whites/roses/sparkling, cabs and blends, syrah, dessert,  for example) and I was hoping there would magically be enough of a variety that we can progress through the evening.  We'll probably set up some sort of a blind table for fun.  The nature of the dinner served will be very loose and allow us to taste with different wines.  I am hoping to have the food available for most of the evening so you can eat, taste, and go back for more.  We'll have tables and possibly stand-up bar-like tables for resting plates and elbows. 

I'm still not sure how we will serve the wine.  We will be pouring ourselves but I'd like it to not turn into a free-for-all.  Perhaps some of us can rotate at a table for pouring (good for mixing as well).  We should try to get the first taste of our own wine.

One thing I want to stress is to bring an index card with the name of your wine (and any info you like), your handle and name.  We will, of course, have cards available at the door for those who forget.  We'll keep it with the bottle so we know who brought it.

Lastly, about Friday, I'm still trying to solidify information with Eric, so I cannot tell you more than has been said by him in the past:  BBQ format (likely grilled salmon),  bring a bottle, have fun, behave yourself (no peeing on the LeVine bushes)  

Hope this helps.
Craig

(in reply to mjobtx)
Post #: 215
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 7/30/2008 11:47:15 AM   
mjobtx

 

Posts: 115
Joined: 11/20/2004
From: Plano, TX
Status: offline 		Thought I would bring the menu forward again:

            ~ Cheese Board ~

                               Artisan Cheeses, Cured Meats,
    Fruits, Nuts and Dahlia Bakery Breads and Toasted Oat Crackers

                                              ~ Station ~ 
                       Roll your own Lettuce Cups ~ Iron Chef Style 
                                        Cumin Crusted Lamb  
                        Exotic Mushroom Rub with Love Black Cod
                                             Bibb Lettuce

                                            ~ Relish Bar ~
                                  Cow’s Milk Yogurt Tzatziki 
                             Roasted Sweet Red Pepper Capannata
                                           Mushroom Relish
                                          Coriander Chutney
                      with Sliced Breads from our Dahlia Bakery

                               Buttermilk Mac’ n Cheese Salad


                                             ~ Sweets ~ 
                                  Chef Garret’s Giant Crostada 
                      Triple Coconut Cream Pie Bites  (Eric's Favorite)

Looks like the challenge will be in the rotation of people and wines.  Maybe the caterer has some ideas about that.  It could quickly turn into a Japanese subway boarding scene if we don't come up with a good process.  Assuming that we can spread out the food stations, I wonder if we could have the attendees place their wine at the food station that they feel is the best fit for their wine (cheese, mains, desert)?  If that makes a modicum of sense, then the trick will be to inform everyone.

_____________________________

PlanoWino

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 216
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 7/30/2008 11:59:07 AM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 895
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: mjobtx

Thought I would bring the menu forward again:

           ~ Cheese Board ~

                              Artisan Cheeses, Cured Meats,
   Fruits, Nuts and Dahlia Bakery Breads and Toasted Oat Crackers

                                             ~ Station ~ 
                       Roll your own Lettuce Cups ~ Iron Chef Style 
                                       Cumin Crusted Lamb  
                       Exotic Mushroom Rub with Love Black Cod
                                            Bibb Lettuce

                                           ~ Relish Bar ~
                                 Cow’s Milk Yogurt Tzatziki 
                            Roasted Sweet Red Pepper Capannata
                                          Mushroom Relish
                                         Coriander Chutney
                     with Sliced Breads from our Dahlia Bakery

                              Buttermilk Mac’ n Cheese Salad


                                            ~ Sweets ~ 
                                  Chef Garret’s Giant Crostada 
                     Triple Coconut Cream Pie Bites  (Eric's Favorite)

Looks like the challenge will be in the rotation of people and wines.  Maybe the caterer has some ideas about that.  It could quickly turn into a Japanese subway boarding scene if we don't come up with a good process.  Assuming that we can spread out the food stations, I wonder if we could have the attendees place their wine at the food station that they feel is the best fit for their wine (cheese, mains, desert)?  If that makes a modicum of sense, then the trick will be to inform everyone.


I think that if there are one or two rotating people at each table pouring wine then the pours will be more reasonable and orderly.  I think I may rely on you who regularly frequent the forum to take the lead to help pour.  It could be good for meeting others as well.  Spoke with Eric, and I think we are going to ditch the blind table.  It's a great idea but perhaps just not the right venue for it.  When you arrive, someone will be at the door to get you signed in and they will likely lead you to the table most appropriate for your wine so they don't all get mixed up.  Sound reasonable??
Craig

(in reply to mjobtx)
Post #: 217
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 7/30/2008 12:09:00 PM   
mjobtx

 

Posts: 115
Joined: 11/20/2004
From: Plano, TX
Status: offline 		Sounds great.

_____________________________

PlanoWino

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 218
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 7/30/2008 3:46:29 PM   
RoundersRob

 

Posts: 634
Joined: 7/1/2006
From: Santa Cruz, CA
Status: offline 		yup - sounds great indeed. 

They have lots of stems?

(in reply to mjobtx)
Post #: 219
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 7/30/2008 3:50:13 PM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 895
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline 		Probably standard Riedel Red/Bordeaux stems.  Not sure they will have enough for many switches, though.  I'll bring some wax pens to "tag" your glass.

(in reply to RoundersRob)
Post #: 220
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 7/30/2008 3:59:00 PM   
RoundersRob

 

Posts: 634
Joined: 7/1/2006
From: Santa Cruz, CA
Status: offline 		That's all good.  Just hope that they have enough.

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 221
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 7/30/2008 4:03:13 PM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 895
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: RoundersRob

That's all good.  Just hope that they have enough.


Assuming 100 attendees, how many would you suggest I order keeping in mind they are charging us $1.50/glass.  We are also responsible for any breakage.

(in reply to RoundersRob)
Post #: 222
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 7/30/2008 4:04:08 PM   
RoundersRob

 

Posts: 634
Joined: 7/1/2006
From: Santa Cruz, CA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: cgrimes

quote:

ORIGINAL: RoundersRob

That's all good.  Just hope that they have enough.


Assuming 100 attendees, how many would you suggest I order keeping in mind they are charging us $1.50/glass.  We are also responsible for any breakage.


Honestly, I have no idea.

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 223
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 7/31/2008 11:30:47 AM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 895
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline 		I'll talk to the caterers but I suspect we'll need at least 1 1/2 glasses ordered for each attendee.  After a few drinks people can't keep track of their glass in a party of 6-8 much less 100

(in reply to RoundersRob)
Post #: 224
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 8/1/2008 4:25:22 PM   
tarheel17

 

Posts: 9
Joined: 6/5/2008
Status: offline 		Just wanted to be clear...
My husbamnd and I are only available to come to an event on friday night (need to be in OR for a wedding saturday). Didn't want anyone to be counting me +1 for saturday night (though I'm bummed to miss out, of course).
If the small event at Eric's is still on, we, of course, are still interested in meeting other CTers. I'll keep checking back to this thread for any further updates....

(in reply to RoundersRob)
Post #: 225
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 8/2/2008 11:48:20 AM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 895
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: tarheel17

Just wanted to be clear...
My husbamnd and I are only available to come to an event on friday night (need to be in OR for a wedding saturday). Didn't want anyone to be counting me +1 for saturday night (though I'm bummed to miss out, of course).
If the small event at Eric's is still on, we, of course, are still interested in meeting other CTers. I'll keep checking back to this thread for any further updates....


Thanks for clarifying.  Will make a note of that.
craig

(in reply to tarheel17)
Post #: 226
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 8/5/2008 9:07:17 AM   
mbannon

 

Posts: 268
Joined: 10/1/2004
From: Portland, OR
Status: offline 		Uh oh.  A perfect storm of home-front issues is brewing...better move me and my spouse from the "Yes" column to the "Hopefully, But Not Necessarily" column.  I haven't canceled my hotel reservation yet, but it's looking dicey.

Grrr.

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 227
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 8/5/2008 9:36:56 AM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 895
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: mbannon

Uh oh.  A perfect storm of home-front issues is brewing...better move me and my spouse from the "Yes" column to the "Hopefully, But Not Necessarily" column.  I haven't canceled my hotel reservation yet, but it's looking dicey.

Grrr.



Sorry to hear that.  Just PM me when your plans solidify one way or another.

(in reply to mbannon)
Post #: 228
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 8/10/2008 1:32:01 PM   
stevetimko

 

Posts: 115
Joined: 2/20/2007
Status: offline 		Any word on when people can pay for this? This isn't going to turn into a Sam's Bordeaux futures, is it?


(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 229
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 8/10/2008 6:18:55 PM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 895
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: stevetimko

Any word on when people can pay for this? This isn't going to turn into a Sam's Bordeaux futures, is it?




I'll communicate with Eric this week about this.  Not sure what the status is.  But don't worry, you just show up and we'll worry about the bill part of it.  For anyone who may have missed earlier posts (or for budgetary purposes), the cost will be about $80-85 per person. 
Craig

(in reply to stevetimko)
Post #: 230
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 8/11/2008 8:59:24 AM   
yipen

 

Posts: 12
Joined: 6/9/2008
From: Portland, Oregon
Status: offline 		So, now you plan to take bill at the event evening? So cash and check only? I just don't want to miss this event

Yi-pen 

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 231
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 8/11/2008 9:05:03 AM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 895
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline 		No, hopefully you will be able to prepay this through Paypal prior to the event (much easier for both of us).  Me being in Boston and Eric in Seattle, I just don't know how close he is to getting the Paypal set up.  I have an email out to him at this time and will update you all as soon as I can.  I'm sorry if there was any confusion.
Craig

(in reply to yipen)
Post #: 232
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 8/11/2008 3:12:32 PM   
mbannon

 

Posts: 268
Joined: 10/1/2004
From: Portland, OR
Status: offline 		Well, I'm out.  Darn.  Was looking forward to some seriously good wine and company.  Sorry folks.

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 233
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 8/11/2008 5:46:29 PM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 895
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: mbannon

Well, I'm out.  Darn.  Was looking forward to some seriously good wine and company.  Sorry folks.


Sorry to hear that, Matt.  Hope things get sorted out.  Next time...

(in reply to mbannon)
Post #: 234
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 8/14/2008 4:50:09 AM   
rstark

 

Posts: 13
Joined: 2/4/2006
Status: offline 		We are signed up for both Friday and Saturday. Is there a post somewhere with all the following information:

1. starting times and places for both events
2. lists of hotels in the area
3. guidelines for wines to brought to both events. don't want to be either a schnorer or a show-off

I find it works best to keep the top post of the thread updated with the newest info. BTW, I'd be happy to pour for an hour Friday night. If you'd like me to start soliciting volunteers, i can take that on.

Thanks for all this hard work, Cathy!

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 235
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 8/14/2008 9:32:06 AM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 895
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: rstark

We are signed up for both Friday and Saturday. Is there a post somewhere with all the following information:

1. starting times and places for both events
2. lists of hotels in the area
3. guidelines for wines to brought to both events. don't want to be either a schnorer or a show-off

I find it works best to keep the top post of the thread updated with the newest info. BTW, I'd be happy to pour for an hour Friday night. If you'd like me to start soliciting volunteers, i can take that on.

Thanks for all this hard work, Cathy!


Ok, I can answer some of your questions at least:

1. The main event will be Saturday Sept 6th at 6PM at The Uptown Hideaway http://www.uptownhideaway.com/  There will be food (see above) and of course wine which you all will bring.  The cost will be $80-85 per person.  I am still working out the details for payment with Eric.

2. I honestly do not have any further details about the proposed Friday event chez Levine.  All I can say is stay tuned.

3. Hotels close by:  Comfort Suites,  Hampton Inn

4. Bring 1 bottle wine per person to each event.  As for the quality/expense, just use your judgement.  We want people to have fun and drink well, not  to impress others.

I'd be grateful to have you pour and to round up some folks to help you.  If we have people pouring then the event will flow much better (pun intended)

I am really looking forward to meeting you all and am getting excited for this event.  Details of planning will be ramping up in the next couple of weeks so keep checking in.
Craig

< Message edited by cgrimes -- 8/14/2008 9:33:08 AM >

(in reply to rstark)
Post #: 236
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 8/14/2008 10:44:56 AM   
mjobtx

 

Posts: 115
Joined: 11/20/2004
From: Plano, TX
Status: offline 		And along with the wine, bring a 3" x 5" card containing the information on the wine you brought.  At a minimum that would include:

Vintage, e.g. 1998
Producer/Designation, e.g. d'Arenberg, The Dead Arm
Varietal if you know, e.g. Shiraz
Your name and handle

Just for grins, I added the CT tasting score at the time I made out the score.


_____________________________

PlanoWino

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 237
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 8/14/2008 11:21:41 AM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 895
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: mjobtx

And along with the wine, bring a 3" x 5" card containing the information on the wine you brought.  At a minimum that would include:

Vintage, e.g. 1998
Producer/Designation, e.g. d'Arenberg, The Dead Arm
Varietal if you know, e.g. Shiraz
Your name and handle

Just for grins, I added the CT tasting score at the time I made out the score.



Michael, Thanks for adding that...
We'll have index cards for those who forget.

(in reply to mjobtx)
Post #: 238
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 8/14/2008 12:20:24 PM   
stevetimko

 

Posts: 115
Joined: 2/20/2007
Status: offline 		By the way, is there a specific sign up place? I've just expressed my interest in the threads.

(in reply to cgrimes)
Post #: 239
RE: FIRST ANNUAL: CellarTracker weekend, Seattle, WA 9/... - 8/14/2008 12:32:49 PM   
cgrimes

 

Posts: 895
Joined: 10/8/2007
From: Massachusetts
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: stevetimko

By the way, is there a specific sign up place? I've just expressed my interest in the threads.


Steve,  I have you down already for Saturday only, right?  Will you be a party of 1 or 2? 

Otherwise the only specific sign up will be when you can pay for the event (hopefully soon).

(in reply to stevetimko)
Post #: 240
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