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The University Club, founded in 1904 under the leadership of President William Howard
Taft who constructed its headquarters adjacent to the Imperial Russian Embassy on 16th Street NW three blocks from the White
house, formed the venue for the DC Chapter's "Capital Elegance', an evening recreating the famed and famous 1920's.
The Host Committee, composed of co-chairs, Gordon Tanner and Robert Patlan,
Howard Brevard, John Coulter, Jack Carver, Robert Moore, Donald O'Neal, John Padden, Phillip Schmitt, and Armando Rascon,
created an immediately welcoming environment by warmly greeting each Member and Guest upon their arrival.
The evening's festivities commenced with Members and Guests enjoying cocktails
and hors d'oeuvres, such as Artichoke and Boursin Cheese Beignet, Petite Beef Wellington, and Petite Sauteed
Crab Cake avec Remoulade,
served in the Club Library with the portraits of prominent Washingtonians
such as Speaker Tip O'Neal, General Black Jack Pershing, Supreme Court Justices Vinson, Warren, and Black, Presidents Dwight
Eisenhower and John Kennedy seemingly smiling upon the Members and Guests and conveying their well wishes for the Chapter's
dining event.
During cocktails the Host Committee succeded admirably in the introduction
and assimilation of our seventeen Guests - a record number for the Chapter - among many of the Members and considerably
enhanced the conviviality of the opening phase of the evening.
The evening continued with Members and Guests ascending the Club's grand
staircase to the University Hall for the Black Tie Dinner.
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Prior to dinner commencing, Chapter President Pullen welcomed the Members
from the New York/New Jersey and Rehoboth Beach-Lewes Chapters, and introduced the seventeen Guests attending the event with
the prospect of joining the Chapter in due course.
With Executive Chef L. J. Cousson conjuring the finest flavors for a
menu composed of a first course of Boston Bibb Salad with Boursin Cheese in an Aged Sherry Vinaigrette, and Artichoke
Fritters accompanied by an Estrella Chardonnay.
The following courses, either a Grilled Fillet Mignon in a Pinot Noir
Sauce or a Sauteed Crab Cake with Tarragon Tomato Butter Sauce, Basil Mashed Potatoes, and a Roasted Onion, Spinach, and Blue
Chesse Tartlet, accompanied by L. de Lyeth Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma, or a Cousino-Macul Chardonnay from Maippo
Valley.
An Estrella Shiraz was paired with the dessert - a Vanilla-Anglaise-filled
Tart finshed with a Dark Chocolate Candied Pecan Fondant.
As dessert concluded, Chapter President Robert Pullen applauded the Host
Committee for planning and executing a thoroughly successful event. As he asked the Members and Guests to 'save the
date', Pullen announced that the upcoming Fall Event will occur on Sunday, October 3, 2010 and introduced the Host Committee.
President Pullen reminded Members
that the upcoming International Black Tie which is hosted by the Rehoboth Beach-Lewes Chapter will take place on May
8 - 12, 2010. He encouraged one and all to attend the event.
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As the final highlight of the evening's festivities, Host Commitee Member
John Coulter introduced Mr. Peter Fox, a growing national vocal presence, and the leading vocalist with the award-winning
Gay Mens Chorus of Washington. Peter Fox, accompanied by his Pianist, sang
favorite Cole Porter and George Gershwin melodies as well as several songs from his newly released CD to the very warm
appreciation of the Members and Guests.
The Members of the District of Columbia Chapter of the Black Tie Club
International and their select Guests experienced a truly memorable event with 'Good Fellowship, Excellent Food,
and Superb Wine'. The DC Chapter celebrated its first event under the leadership of Robert Pullen with a culinary and entertaining
success rarely matched in the more than 12 years of the Chapter's existence.
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