Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th

Chris Doty · Post by **Chris Doty** » 22:54 Tue 29 Jan 2013

DRT wrote:This feels like a plan that is very much coming together, but I don't yet understand the theme.

I think the theme should be understood to be:

Doty is bringing ~12 bottles of port for your general enjoyment. Should you feel that 12 bottles may be insufficient for our purposes (entirely likely, given prior experience), you are welcome to offer support.

I have a particular, non-port request for each of you as well, but will send those via phone/email/PM.

Get pumped!

Chris Doty · Post by **Chris Doty** » 22:55 Tue 29 Jan 2013

DRT wrote:
Chris Doty wrote:
SCP-DFF wrote:I feel like a Goddess...
Please consider yourself invited to any tasting I am involved in -- and it sounds like quite a pity that we'll be counting you out of these festivities!
Be very careful here, Chris. It is only with great age and experience that JDAW and I have learned to manage the expectations of a complex creature such as SCP-DFF without her realising what we are up to. Wisdom does indeed come with age.
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i have always listened attentively to your guidance, and do not plan to start making exceptions at this stage. duly noted.

Chris Doty · Post by **Chris Doty** » 23:00 Tue 29 Jan 2013

DRT wrote:Bring a bottle of VP wrapped in foil (and hopefully not poured down your leg) ...

Missed the parenthetical somehow in the first read. Obviously a killer reference. I am thus slain.

RAYC · Post by **RAYC** » 23:21 Tue 29 Jan 2013

Chris Doty wrote:
DRT wrote:This feels like a plan that is very much coming together, but I don't yet understand the theme.

I think the theme should be understood to be:

Doty is bringing ~12 bottles of port for your general enjoyment. Should you feel that 12 bottles may be insufficient for our purposes (entirely likely, given prior experience), you are welcome to offer support.

I have a particular, non-port request for each of you as well, but will send those via phone/email/PM.

Get pumped!

This is very generous.

I'm of course keen to contribute some way - either by a bottle, a reimbursement or - if it's felt that a sufficient or nearly-sufficient volume of bottles is already committed to the tasting - i'd be more than happy to team up with one or more others to add a "special occasion" bottle as a joint contribution.

Post by **jdaw1** » 23:32 Tue 29 Jan 2013

RAYC wrote:I'm of course keen to contribute some way - either by a bottle, a reimbursement or - if it's felt that a sufficient or nearly-sufficient volume of bottles is already committed to the tasting - i'd be more than happy to team up with one or more others to add a "special occasion" bottle as a joint contribution.

Seconded.

Post by **DRT** » 00:54 Wed 30 Jan 2013

jdaw1 wrote:
RAYC wrote:I'm of course keen to contribute some way - either by a bottle, a reimbursement or - if it's felt that a sufficient or nearly-sufficient volume of bottles is already committed to the tasting - i'd be more than happy to team up with one or more others to add a "special occasion" bottle as a joint contribution.
Seconded.

An excellent idea. I'm in.

Chris Doty · Post by **Chris Doty** » 03:25 Wed 30 Jan 2013

DRT wrote: An excellent idea. I'm in.

Me too!

WS1 · Post by **WS1** » 12:53 Wed 30 Jan 2013

Chris Doty wrote:
WS1 wrote:Hi Chris,

I am in England that weekend; thought I take a breather after going to a big Burgundy tasting in Austria the weekend befoer and to a very big CDP tasting the week after. But seeing after such a long period of time; am already looking fwd to it. So would like to attend.

Also am sure to find an excellent bt of port to bring by

regards

WS1
Wolfy!

You're a beast my friend, and I am really thrilled that you are going to come out and help celebrate my return to London. Every tasting is more fun with you present, and I look forward to catching up. Was the Austrian tasting something by Gerhard? I've always wanted to attend one of his events -- seems like a fabulous host.

Anyway, I hope all's well,
Chris

Hi Chris,

looking fwd to cu you too. Sent you an e-mail in order to avoid people getting bored about all that Burgundy and CDP...

No doubt you should attend some of Gerhard's events but location wise you are a bit far away. Wrong continent mate!

Have you already thought joining us back here on the old continent (Aehm island!!!!!!!!!

)
I still do not understand why you did not have daily sessions with your port chums overthere involving Port when NY was under water. You could say you missed a golden opportunity!

regards

WS1

Post by **jdaw1** » 14:06 Wed 30 Jan 2013

Chris Doty wrote:Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th

Worthy of commendation is the Doty-esque level of understated modesty in ‟Triumphant”. Praise be to the full-strength CSD.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 14:35 Wed 30 Jan 2013

Friday is easier for me than Saturday, so I am in (Thursday would have been impossible for obvious reasons).

Chris - let me know if you want help in making arrangements, booking the venue etc. You should have my phone number and email but PM me if you need reminding. Feel free to chase us through TPF if we're not responding to your requests. Who do you want us to send our one word descriptions of you to? (Or if this is being read by JDAW - "To whom do you want us to send our one word descriptions of you?")

All - I'm in for the share of a special bottle, but we don't have too much time to get one organised. ANyone have anything in mind?

All - least we can do is to cover the cost of CSD's food bill

DRT - I sniggered out loud (SOLled?) when I read your question to SCP-DFS regarding the words "Taylor" and "Vertical".

Post by **jdaw1** » 16:45 Wed 30 Jan 2013

AHB wrote:(Thursday would have been impossible for obvious reasons)

The ‟reasons” are’t obvious to me.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 21:54 Wed 30 Jan 2013

jdaw1 wrote:
AHB wrote:(Thursday would have been impossible for obvious reasons)
The ‟reasons” are’t obvious to me.

The reasons might not apply every 14th of February, but when they apply they are obvious.

Chris Doty · Post by **Chris Doty** » 06:14 Fri 01 Feb 2013

WS1 wrote: I still do not understand why you did not have daily sessions with your port chums overthere involving Port when NY was under water. You could say you missed a golden opportunity!

WS1

Always a bastion of sensitivity, compassion and strength.

Chris Doty · Post by **Chris Doty** » 06:17 Fri 01 Feb 2013

jdaw1 wrote:Worthy of commendation is the Doty-esque level of understated modesty in ‟Triumphant”. Praise be to the full-strength CSD.

Post by **jdaw1** » 22:23 Fri 01 Feb 2013

First draft of the placemats.

CSD a leftie, IIRC.
Done what I can with the little obedience of
Chris Doty wrote:perhaps each guest could email jdaw a one word description of myself or the period of time I spent in london

Post by **DRT** » 17:06 Sat 02 Feb 2013

jdaw1 wrote:Done what I can with the little obedience of
Chris Doty wrote:perhaps each guest could email jdaw a one word description of myself or the period of time I spent in london

Ignoring such a simple request is bad. Trying to comply with such a simple request and failing miserably is quite remarkable.

Post by **PhilW** » 11:44 Sun 03 Feb 2013

DRT wrote:Ignoring such a simple request is bad. Trying to comply with such a simple request and failing miserably is quite remarkable.

Indeed. I've never met Chris, but as a minimum "generous" would seem an undeniable starting point, given the tasting arrangement! I'm unfortunately am not available that week (and would have been hesitant to take up such a generous offer having never met Chris) but it sounds like it could be a very interesting tasting, and hopefully I'll get to meet Chris another time in the future.

benread · Post by **benread** » 13:15 Sun 03 Feb 2013

benread wrote:I shall do my best to create a pass. Having just cancelled a boys weekend to act as nursemaid to a sick wife, I think my chances are good!

Confirmed. Happy to contribute to proposal regarding a 'special' bottle if someone has something in mind? Will PM a 'word'.

WS1 · Post by **WS1** » 21:25 Tue 05 Feb 2013

would also like to contribute; please let me also know.

regards

WS1

Chris Doty · Post by **Chris Doty** » 16:48 Thu 07 Feb 2013

DRT wrote:
jdaw1 wrote:Done what I can with the little obedience of
Chris Doty wrote:perhaps each guest could email jdaw a one word description of myself or the period of time I spent in london
Ignoring such a simple request is bad. Trying to comply with such a simple request and failing miserably is quite remarkable.

Do or do not, there is no try.

Chris Doty · Post by **Chris Doty** » 16:49 Thu 07 Feb 2013

jdaw1 wrote: CSD a leftie, IIRC

Could I be anything else?

Chris Doty · Post by **Chris Doty** » 16:50 Thu 07 Feb 2013

PhilW wrote:
DRT wrote:Ignoring such a simple request is bad. Trying to comply with such a simple request and failing miserably is quite remarkable.
Indeed. I've never met Chris, but as a minimum "generous" would seem an undeniable starting point, given the tasting arrangement! I'm unfortunately am not available that week (and would have been hesitant to take up such a generous offer having never met Chris) but it sounds like it could be a very interesting tasting, and hopefully I'll get to meet Chris another time in the future.

Phil,

You would obviously be a most welcome addition to our tasting -- I'm sorry to hear you are unlikely to be able to make it. Hopefully we'll meet up sometime soon.

Post by **DRT** » 20:40 Fri 08 Feb 2013

Chris Doty wrote:re: venue, the bung hole, while perhaps having a different connotation in English than in American, should be a perfectly suitable venue, and please feel free to let them know that we're coming

When visiting The Bunghole earlier this week I mentioned that we were coming. There is a problem. Other people intend being in The Bunghole on the same evening and beat us to the booking.

The question of whether or not we can be accommodated comes down to numbers. How many confirmed attendees do we have?

Post by **DRT** » 18:57 Sat 09 Feb 2013

DRT wrote:How many confirmed attendees do we have?

I'm going to answer my own question!

Attendees:

AHB
BMHR
CSD
DRT
JDAW
RAYC
WS1

I will ask The Bunghole if they can accommodate seven.

Post by **DRT** » 19:19 Sat 09 Feb 2013

jdaw1 wrote:First draft of the placemats.

I have spotted an omission

Post by **jdaw1** » 22:04 Sat 09 Feb 2013

Updated draft of the placemats.

DRT wrote:
jdaw1 wrote:First draft of the placemats.
I have spotted an omission
Fixed.

Please could AHB or CSD carefully check the current draft of the placemats.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 22:47 Sat 09 Feb 2013

DRT wrote:
DRT wrote:How many confirmed attendees do we have?
I'm going to answer my own question!

Attendees:
AHB
BMHR
CSD
DRT
JDAW
RAYC
WS1
I will ask The Bunghole if they can accommodate seven.

I think Chris is intending to invite some of his non-TPF London based friends. Best ask if they can accommodate 10.

If not, should I see if Hix Chop House and Oyster Bar or Portal can cope?

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 22:49 Sat 09 Feb 2013

jdaw1 wrote:Updated draft of the placemats.
DRT wrote:
jdaw1 wrote:First draft of the placemats.
I have spotted an omission
Fixed.
Please could AHB or CSD carefully check the current draft of the placemats.

I've tried to, but your website is crashing my installation of IE9.08

Post by **jdaw1** » 23:06 Sat 09 Feb 2013

Right-click link. Save as!. Open with Adobe Reader, so not in the browser.

Post by **DRT** » 23:19 Sat 09 Feb 2013

AHB wrote:
DRT wrote:
DRT wrote:How many confirmed attendees do we have?
I'm going to answer my own question!

Attendees:
AHB
BMHR
CSD
DRT
JDAW
RAYC
WS1
I will ask The Bunghole if they can accommodate seven.
I think Chris is intending to invite some of his non-TPF London based friends. Best ask if they can accommodate 10.

If not, should I see if Hix Chop House and Oyster Bar or Portal can cope?

They have already told me they will struggle with more than six so we had best make alternative plans.

I have asked Helen and Jack to suggest alternative Davy's places that might be accommodating. I think Hix will struggle with glasses, which were a bit naff anyway, and Portal might be a struggle to book on a Friday night.

Perhaps the Davy's steak house we used to use in the city?

AHB, as you are Doty's "man in the know" can I leave this to you, please?

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 23:46 Sat 09 Feb 2013

I'll see what I can do.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 10:40 Mon 11 Feb 2013

I have made us a provisional booking at Davy's at Canary Wharf, a table for 7-10 at 6:30pm. 31-35 Fisherman's Walk, E14 4DH; nearest tube is Canary Wharf.

Ian Wright (TPF's old friend from the Crusting Pipe - when it was a friendly place to go) wasn't in today but I'm hoping to catch up with him tomorrow to confirm arrangements.

Post by **jdaw1** » 11:51 Mon 11 Feb 2013

Davy’s at Canary Wharf, London E14 4DH.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 20:20 Mon 11 Feb 2013

A slight problem has occured, which should be cleared up on Tuesday and I will then be able to make a clear statement about whether we are meeting at TBH or at Davy's at Canary Wharf on Friday.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 12:58 Tue 12 Feb 2013

I can now confirm that we will meet at The Bung Hole, 57 High Holborn WC1V 6DT. We have the private dining room, Helen having called in a favour from the other wine tasting group who use the room.

The room is officially our from 6:30 but space will be found for us if we need to arrive early to prepare.

Chris - you should issue instructions as to whether you need help to prepare or would prefer people to stay away.

Chris Doty · Post by **Chris Doty** » 16:04 Wed 13 Feb 2013

AHB wrote: Chris - you should issue instructions as to whether you need help to prepare or would prefer people to stay away.

Ok.

I have an appointment around 5pm around Holborn, and will be coming to the venue (bottles in tow) straight from there. I will certainly need help preparing, but as these are to be served blind, I'm hoping AHB can be available to assist in the decanting / etc.

Everyone else can go to a nearby pub when they're free and be on standby until we're all set.

how does that sound?

flying out tonight -- can't wait to see eveyone after such a long absence!

woo woo woo

Chris Doty · Post by **Chris Doty** » 16:05 Wed 13 Feb 2013

AHB wrote:I can now confirm that we will meet at The Bung Hole, 57 High Holborn WC1V 6DT. We have the private dining room, Helen having called in a favour from the other wine tasting group who use the room.

This, btw, is fabulous news!

Clearly this is the appropriate venue for such an event, and I am glad the trophy and the bottles will be arriving at the same location!

Thanks alex (and helen)!

WS1 · Post by **WS1** » 17:16 Wed 13 Feb 2013

Hi,

due to a private emergency Icannot come on Friday. I am very sorry, if there is any finacial loss suffered through me I pay for that.

regards

WS1

Chris Doty · Post by **Chris Doty** » 18:54 Wed 13 Feb 2013

Wolfgang,

I'm very sorry to hear the news and hope that everything works out OK. I will be in London until Monday afternoon, so I hope we will be able to catch up at some point during my visit.

We will raise a toast in your honor and will miss your company.

Post by **jdaw1** » 20:28 Wed 13 Feb 2013

Updated draft of the placemats.

”“WS.

So we will be six people (CSD, BMHR, JDAW, AHB, RAYC, DRT), twelve bottles from CSD and one from the team. Should the ‟Triumphant” Mr D. keep some of his fine bottles for another challenge another night? That would be his decision.

Chris Doty · Post by **Chris Doty** » 20:41 Wed 13 Feb 2013

jdaw1 wrote:
So we will be six people (CSD, BMHR, JDAW, AHB, RAYC, DRT), twelve bottles from CSD and one from the team.

Should the ‟Triumphant” Mr D. keep some of his fine bottles for another challenge another night? That would be his decision.

1.) If we can please print a 3 extra sets of placemats, it is possible that some outsiders may yet be able to find time to attend our little party (possibly a friend Tim, possibly my sister Liz, and possibly Liz's boyfriend, Laurie)

2.) I do not anticipate reducing our tasting, but I guess we can make this a game time decision (I am in London until Monday afternoon, so possibly a small afternoon snack that weekend may be in order)

Also -- can you please print all the placements and bring to TBH? thx

Post by **jdaw1** » 21:39 Wed 13 Feb 2013

Updated draft of the placemats.

First names replace initials.
+Tim, +Liz, +Laurie,

Deleted_User_1 · Post by **Deleted_User_1** » 23:29 Wed 13 Feb 2013

Sounds great...welcome back Chris...sorry that I am way too late to join you...have fun.

Post by **jdaw1** » 16:48 Thu 14 Feb 2013

Chris Doty wrote:please print all the placements and bring to TBH?

For whom would this be easiest?

RAYC · Post by **RAYC** » 17:59 Thu 14 Feb 2013

jdaw1 wrote:
Chris Doty wrote:please print all the placements and bring to TBH?
For whom would this be easiest?

Happy to do this

Post by **DRT** » 20:12 Thu 14 Feb 2013

Chris Doty wrote:Everyone else can go to a nearby pub when they're free and be on standby until we're all set.

Executive decision: those not decanting to meet at The Old Nick, 20-22 Sandland Street, WC1R 4PZ, between 17:00 and 18:00 to await instructions.

g-man · Post by **g-man** » 18:37 Fri 15 Feb 2013

hopefully you guys can build up his tolerance so that we can have a proper drinking when he comes back stateside.

RonnieRoots · Post by **RonnieRoots** » 14:28 Mon 18 Feb 2013

3 days later and not a single man has gathered enough strength to write a review or tasting notes? That must have been quite a triumphant return!

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 21:18 Mon 18 Feb 2013

RonnieRoots wrote:3 days later and not a single man has gathered enough strength to write a review or tasting notes? That must have been quite a triumphant return!

Well, it was a triumphant return, but I then spent all weekend painting and working like a dog today. It will be a while before I have time type up my handwritten notes!

Post by **jdaw1** » 21:24 Mon 18 Feb 2013

Mr D should start the review thread. Then I’ll create TN threads, linking thereto in the usual manner, and post my own TNs.