November 12, 1997

Dear Confreres Et Consoeurs:

I am pleased to announce our final Chaine event for 1997, a very special Holiday Gala at Siena. This grand and culinarily exciting evening will be Sunday, December 14th, 1997 at 6:00 p.m.

Our host, Maitre de Table Robin Fernandez, and Siena Executive Chef Art Inzinga are planning a sumptuous evening of wonderful foods and wines. Art has developed an innovative menu that I can't wait for us to experience; a seven course extravaganza of flavors and textures.

For each course, we will experience one food or ingredient, prepared in a variety of ways. Say, for example, one course may feature duck. Possibilities for that course may include the crunch of a seared duck breast with a silky sautéed foie gras, and a complex duck confit, appropriate sauces and accompaniments included! Or maybe a rich maple cured hickory smoked duck and truffle mousseline with a sumptuous roast duck breast and… The next course may feature wonderful mushrooms, and the next may use? Well, you get the idea. Each course will allow us to enjoy the many varied flavors and textures that one ingredient can provide. Pretty exciting stuff, huh? And who can forget Siena's fabulous and memorable service?

This will be a black tie event with decorations in order. May I please have your reservations by December 6th, 1997. Address them to me to avoid post office confusion. The cost is one hundred ten dollars ($110.00) per person per member couple, and one hundred twenty dollars ($120.00) per guest. We will accommodate guests on a space available basis. Valet parking will be provided.

I look forward to seeing you at this wonderful holiday evening at Siena!

Vive la Chaine!

Peter J. Hanowich
Bailli de Pittsburgh
Chambellan Provincal