For The Love Of Port

Guys - I somehow totally derped out on that one. I meant to type June 13th, the date Marco had liked, which is a Saturday and typed the 16th.

I'd like as many people as possible to make it - so let's try this. Please reply with a Saturday in June that you could make it and we'll see which date fits the most.

I could do Saturday June 6, 13th or 20th.

Gents,
Sadly and regretfully I don't think I'll be able to fly in from Los Angeles in June. In particular I have a commitment on June 13th unfortunately (I am getting my MBA part time while still working full time and have exams that day). As you know, I'd love to join, but it looks like I won't be able to this time. I very much appreciate your keeping me in the loop and in consideration.

I hope you take pictures and write tasting notes!

Cheers,
Mark

I can do any of the weekends in June. For voting purposes, I choose the 13th.

As long we are still going to the restaurant near the casino, my designated driver will have something to do while she waits.

Gary

I think all the Sats are good for me, with a preference for the 13th...

Being a poker player I can try working out any weekend where I play during the day on Saturday and drink during the night and recover on Sunday in the room before driving/taking ferry back to NY. All I would ask is it be close to either mohegan or foxwoods casino. I may be able to kidnap a friend who loves port but not poker.

Gary & David - Mohegan sun is literally around the corner, a 1.1 mile drive: http://tinyurl.com/qczbedg

For any who have a spouse/friend who isn't interested in gambling the Spa at Norwich Inn is equidistant: http://tinyurl.com/o8ttpk7
I've heard only very positive reviews of both the spa and the accommodations. http://www.thespaatnorwichinn.com/

For anyone who overnights, besides the casino, there are plenty of appealing Saturday (day) & Sunday options; that are ~20-25 minutes away and located near 95 so many will basically be driving past it on their way or way back.
-Mystic Seaport & Aquarium Mystic Seaport is a national treasure, highly recommended if you've never been there:http://www.mysticseaport.org/
-In Mystic you'll also find the Old Mistick Village Shoppes which is a unique shopping experience. http://tinyurl.com/p9oq97a
-Dowtown Stonington is pretty & appealing in terms of small town shopping. They have an excellent farmers market Saturday morning.
-Stonington is also famous for it's scallop fleet and you can buy 'Bomster' scallops via an honor box 24/7 for ~$15/lb - bring a cooler (they're flash frozen on the boats). Get some red shrimp too!
-In Noank is Abbots Lobster in the Rough, a fun place for an outdoor summer lobster feast: http://tinyurl.com/qfufpbk
-In Noank you'll also find the Book Barn which is an epic used book store..in some barns http://tinyurl.com/mk2ls3e

So - any thoughts on a theme?
Grape?
Vintage or decade?

Given the inherent rarity of Madeira, anything too restrictive (like a vintage) would be tough. We could leave this fairly open and organize the bottles in order of sweetness during dinner. Perhaps a minimum of 50+ years old? We could post possible candidates here. Within easy reach, I have a 1958 D'Oliveira Boal.

I'm open to other themes, but I may have to go to offsite storage.

Oldest vintage I have on hand is 1968. I have some non-vintage madeira from the 1940's, but I don't think they are that good tasting to show up with.

OK - 47 years or older it is. :)
1968 was an excellent year - I've really enjoyed the D'Oliveira Bual and even more so the Blandy's Bual & Verdelho.

I'm pretty strong in 1950's..from the top of my head
H&H 1957B, Barbeito 1953B, 1957B, 1954M, 1958M. Blandy 1958B & 1959B

I guess I'll bring a '58 Blandy's bual so we can compare house styles in the vintage.

~4 weeks to go.

Gentlemen please decant your Madeira. :)

So, to make this official, was it the date, place, and time?

I can bring 1954 Justino Henriques verdelho. It will be a change of pace from the boal.

Date: Saturday June 13th.

Time: Good question - what works best for those of you coming a distance? My only thought is after 2 - they serve dim sum 12-4 and it tends to be loud until 2. If we do it at 4 we'll have the place largely to ourselves.

Place:
Golden Palace Chinese Restaurant
Address: 2173 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Uncasville, CT 06382
Phone:(860) 848-1247

Any time is fine with me, although my preference is for later. If we make it closer to 5:00PM, my wife might join in... she's not much of a Madeira person, but enjoys good Chinese food.

Sounds good - let's do 5 PM then.

Final roll call?
Me
My brother Chris
Marco + 1
Gary
Moses


Jim? Frank?

Also; I'm going to work out a largely set menu with Ping, the owner. I'm also making clear the need to stage courses as they tend to bring it in large waves.

Are there any food allergies/aversions/dietary restrictions I need to be aware of?

Figure duck, pork, shrimp, lobster, peanut/s oil, etc..

Also - don't forget you'll want to bring glassware. I'd recommend at least 2 glasses and I'm thinking about bringing some champagne to open with - overkill?

Sounds good. No diet restrictions for me. My wife is not definite yet, it now depends if we can get a sitter. I will let you know.

Thanks for setting this up!

Baby sitter acquired. Both me and my wife will attend...

Matt K wrote: Golden Palace Chinese Restaurant
Address: 2173 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Uncasville, CT 06382
Phone:(860) 848-1247

FYI... for those using GPS... it looks like Google Maps has this address in Montville rather than Uncasville.

I'm going to take one for the group and get out fishing Thursday or Friday so we can have some black sea bass and/or fluke. :)