Winter Chill Dinner 2011

"I'M HOT!"

Thus ended the annual Winter Chill Dinner as Randy unexpectedly left the group photo shot before Sydney the waitress could take an official photo with  Stevo's camera.  No matter, she caught a couple good ones with Bazzano's and Zerio's.

It was another great night, once again booked well in advance and with a lot of pre-communication by Dinner Master Steve Brickey at Nu Nus in Colchester. Everyone arrived promptly at 7 pm, and for once no threat of snow to cause furtive looks at one's watch during the evening.  Plenty of good wine (and we actually left a couple bottles undrunk...that bears a review of the Big Chill standards). 

While waiting for appetizers, Carrie took the floor to recount the successful Chill gatherings of 2010:

• Jan 16: Winter Chill DInner at Nu Nus
• Feb 7: Super Bowl Party at Rosenfields
• Mar 7: Chill Wine Get Together at Bazzanos
• Apr 4: Easter at Sweeneys
• Apr 24: Dinner in honor of Brickey at Mercy High
• May 1: Kentucky Derby Party at Brickeys
• May 30: Memorial Day Party at Rosenfields
• Jul 4: Pool Party and Picnic at Bazzanos
• Jul 17: Fireworks Party (and birthday) at Brickeys
• Jul 31: Graduation and Rest and Relaxation Party at Zerios
• Aug 21: Winefest at West Hill Lake Club with Sweeneys
• Oct 14-18: Big Chill XIV
• Nov 7: Gathering at Ken Fitch Memorial

With a lot of "huzzahs" and good memories from the past Chill year, Baz made a motion (no, not that motion...) that Carrie be named historian for the oncoming year, which was approved and accepted by She Who Must Be Obeyed.

The appies of antipasto, mussels and bruschetta were fantastic, as there were no empty plates.  Everyone enjoyed their salads and entrees, with the racks of lamb taking honors (we think it's so the guys could just say "Nice rack!").  Coffee and desserts were taken care of, and then on to the gifts.

Before the Yankee Swap, the girls were treated to nice gifts of votive candle holders from Claire, and pretty handmade earrings from Vicky.  The swap gifts were as usual unique and fun, and Zerio went home with no winnings,which is fair as he scoffed the scratch tickets from Stevo, who grabbed them from Vicky.

The bill was paid, and the group photos were set up, until Randy's sudden departure.  So we all left with full stomachs and good cheer again, looking forward to Chill 2011.

Should be a good one...