Gathering in the early evening at the famed Madison Hotel, located on Fifteenth
Street a stones throw away from the White House, Black Tie Members and their Guests registered in the Montpelier Foyer. The
Host Committee, composed of John Bradley, Neil Dixon, Ronald Geatz, John Hager, Joshua T Hatfield Smith, Jim Kampe, and co-chairs
Robert Jamroz and Jordan Morgenstern greeted each Member and Guest personally and welcomed them to the event.
With some seventy-two members and Guests, the gathering was one of the
Chapter's best attended events since the Chapter's 10th Anniversary Event held at the National Press Club in 2008.
As registration commenced, goblets of Rock Rabbit Sauvignon Blanc and 14-Hands
Chardonnay circulated in the capable hands of the white gloved staff. Cocktails were prepared and served in the spacious
Montpelier Ballroom. Widely circulated were butlered Hors D'oeurves such as Wild Mushroom Beggars Purse, Asparagus Wrapped
in Prosciutto di Parma, Beef Wellington, Seared Beef Carpaccio with Spicy Aioli and Shaved Parmesan Cheese, Smoked Salmon
Rosette on Pumpernickel with Horseradish Dill Cream, and Crispy Cone and Basil Goat Cheese, Olive and Grape Tomato.
During the cocktail reception Members of the Host Committee and Chapter
President Robert Pullen succeeded admirably in the introduction and assimilation of our twelve Guests and ten Members from
other chapters among many Members considerably enhancing the camaraderie at this opening phase of the evening's festivties.
At the sound of chimes struck by a strolling white gloved waiter, Members
and their Guests paraded from the Montpelier Ballroom into the warmly candle-lit Dolly Madison Ballroom.
Meeting the gathering were table centerpieces created especially by the
Host Committee that were stunning in their elegance, sophistication, and simplicity: White Orchids ascending from a mound
of petite clear glass diamonds illuminated from below with bright white lights within a square glass vase. In addition,
each diner was presented with a 100 carat 'diamond' napkin ring as a rememberance.
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Greeting everyone, President Pullen yielded to the award winning Gays Mens
Chorus of Washington under the direction of Assistant Director Christopher Harris. Assembled in the Dolly Madison Ballroom
Mezzanine, the chorus sang a medley of anthems used by both Canada and the United States during the 19th century - God Save
Our Queen! and My Country Tis of Thee! - ending with a rousing 'O Canada' and 'Star Spangled Banner'. Admist a standing
ovation and resounding applause, President Pullen introduced attending Members from other chapters, namely, Fort Lauderdale,
New York/New Jersey, Palm Springs, and Rehoboth Beach/Lewes. After introducing the Host Committee, President Pullen
introduced twelve guests, many of whom were attending their second Black Tie event indicating a significant expansion of the
Chapter's membership in 2012.
Under the leadership of award winning Executive Chef Arnel Esposo, the
dining evening commenced with a soup sampler of Lobster Bisque, Chilled Spicy Gazpacho, and a Cream of Cauliflower with
Truffle Oil accompanied by a Berginer White Zinfandel.
Endive, Frisee, Radicchio, and Bibb Lettuce with Spiced Walnuts and Walnut
Oil Vinaigrette followed with a 14-Hands Chenin Blanc. Intermezzo included a Champange Sorbet Garnished with a Frozen Lemon Twist with a Poema Cave 'Penedes' Sparkling Wine.
Entrees, such as Petite Filet Mignon with Drizzled Cream of Horseradish topped
with Fried Leeks, or Grilled Chilean Sea Bass with Roasted Red Pepper Coulis, or Criss Crossed Lamb Chops Grilled with Rosemary
Olive Oil, were served with Wasabi Mashed Potatoes and Blanched Spring Asparagus acompanied by Rodoney Strong Sonoma Merlot,
14-Hands Chenin Blanc, or Rock Rabbit Sauvignon Blanc.
The evening repast concluded with individual Creme Caramels Garnished with
Raspberries and Blackberries and accompanied by Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies. The dessert was served with Poema Cave 'Penedes'
Sparkling Wine. A selection of coffees and teas completed the dessert course.
President Pullen named the Fall Host Committee Co- Chairmen, Allan Rexinger
and Jack Varga; he also encouraged attendance at the upcoming International
Black Tie which will be hosted by the Palm Beach Chapter will take place on May 12 - 16, 2011.
As President Pullen bid a fond farewell to the evening's formal dining
experience, Members and their Guests continued to mingle and converse highlighting our underlying philosophy: 'Good
Fellowship, Excellent Food, and Superb Wine'.
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