JUST WHEN MEMBERS of the Baltimore Chapter of Chaine des Rotisseurs, a food and wine appreciation group, thought it couldn't get any better, it did. That's what the chapter's bailli (that's their equivalent of a president) Duke Goldberg and his wife, Marlene, had to say about the group's recent event at the beautifully renovated Radisson Plaza Lord Baltimore Hotel.
The occasion was the chapter's annual induction dinner, planned by members Mary Ann Cricchio, Sharon Goldstein, Bob White and Goldberg, who selected "The Orient Express" theme featuring foods and wines from countries of Europe. But it was business before pleasure as the formal induction ceremony, led by Chip Brennan Jr., Mid-Atlantic bailli, conferred an array of titles on Charles Baber, VP Prudential Securities; Eric Buckner, also a VP at Prudential Securities; chef Jonathan Charmatz, Suburban Club; Daniel W. Crone III, president Valley Furniture; Dr. Ira L. Fedder; Steven A. LaShier, USF&G VP; M. Memar' Sadeghi, general manager Carousel Hotel in Ocean City; chef Charles A. Talucci, Hillendale Country Club; and David L. Wells, Wells Liquors.
After the ceremonies, members and their guests gathered in the Versailles Room, where Mumms Cordon Rose Champagne flowed and tasty hors d'oeuvres of lobster, foie gras, shrimp and caviar were served. I've been to many of their gourmet dinners and have found that this gourmet eating club enjoys not only good food and wines, but also the pomp and circumstance that accompanies it.
As everyone entered the magnificent Calvert Grand Ballroom, the Singing Strings, a seven-piece violin orchestra, played tunes from around the world. As a white-gloved wait-staff served rockfish, duck, a trio of loin roasts, salads and dessert, the violins played music from the country from which the course originated.
The people responsible for all the good food and drink were chef Ernest Herzog and hotel food and beverage manager Philippe Fontanalli, who received a standing ovation for giving members an evening they will be talking about for years to come.
Movie premiere
"Turbulence," starring Ray Liotta and Lauren Holly, attracted more than 800 people to its Baltimore premiere at the Senator Theatre. The premiere was a benefit for the American Foundation for Urological disease and Prostate Cancer research. The opening-night party raised about $55,000. First-nighters were treated to a reception catered by Paolo's and Samuel Adams Boston Brewing Co.
