March 7, 1997

Dear Confrere:

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PITTSBURGH CHAINE HISTORY, WE HAVE TEAMED THE CULINARY AND SERVICE TEAMS OF BOTH BAUM VIVANT AND THE HYEHOLDE WITH A THEME THAT COULD RESULT IN THE MOST DECADENT CHAINE EVENT IN RECENT HISTORY. Now that I have your attention, I am pleased to announce our next Chaine gala at The Hyeholde, on Sunday, April 13, 1997 at 6:00 p.m. The entire Hyeholde Restaurant will be reserved for our exclusive use. It's dining rooms are a grand setting befitting our evening.

Maitre de Table Tony Pais, his Baum Vivant team, Chef Drew Lise and The Hyeholde team and our hosts, Barbara and Quentin McKenna will treat the Chaine des Rotisseurs to an All Rossini Gala. Gioacchino Rossini?

The same guy that wrote operas like William Tell also created culinary treasures like Tournedos Rossini. Rossini had a lust for 3 ingredients, Fois Gras, Truffles and Rich Reduction Sauces. So join us for a decadent menu where each of the seven courses will have at least one, but more than likely, all 3 of these ingredients. And rumor has it that some opera singers may show up with their Rossini repertoire, too.

And if the combined culinary teams of Tony Pais and Drew Lise are not enough horsepower to do this justice, Maitre Rotisseur Traiteur Gene Lichter from Benkovitz will be a guest chef, too. He will handle, among other things, the seafood course. Uncle Gene's last guest chef appearance was when the Chaine re-opened LaForet for one dinner in December of 1993! Not a bad line-up, huh?

This will be a black tie event with decorations in order. May I please have your reservations by Wednesday, April 2, 1997. Address them to my attention to avoid any post office confusion. The cost is one hundred thirty five dollars ($135.00) per person per member couple, and one hundred forty five dollars ($145.00) per guest. Truffles are $400.00/lb. And foie gras is not exactly chopped liver either. (pun intended) If you have a seating preference, let me know. Guests will be accommodated on a space available basis. Seating is limited, so respond as soon as you can.

So take a look at the attached, ". . thoughts on Gioacchino Rossini." I tried to put together some insight on Rossini the man, to make this gala more meaningful. See you at The Hyeholde!

Vive la Chaine!

Peter J. Hanowich
Bailli de Pittsburgh