gavel gavel! BVBC post-brunch review

The inaugural BVBC brunch took place yesterday at the Capital City Diner and it was a success! Seven of us convened in the outside area behind the diner car for a lovely meal in the summer heat (but it wasn't so bad because we were under umbrellas and the good company distracted from the warmth). The ordered dishes included:

• strawberry-topped waffle
• biscuits & gravy platter
• corned beef hash platter
• chicken & waffles (Capital City Diner's specialty)
• hash brown platter

Our waitress was flustered but friendly enough. I ordered the hash, and wished my hash was a bit more crispy - it could have spent a few more minutes on the griddle, but my side pancake was fluffy, tasty, and I appreciated the option of adding just one pancake to my platter, rather than the popular stack. My eggs were perfectly over-easy. One of the reviews for the chicken & waffles was "I think Creme's (as in U St's Creme Cafe) is better, but this waffle is good." We had a cx&waffles virgin, so I'm excited to see him order it at future BVBC gatherings to develop his cx&waffles tasting expertise.

Despite the diner's super tiny size and no reservations policy, there wasn't a long wait at 1130am on a Sunday morning. There is street parking available and H St is nearby should you want some post-brunch drinks from some of the neighborhood's newer establishments (Capital City Diner being a traditional diner, there is no alcohol served).

All in all, it was standard diner fare that fulfills that brunch-time hunger and provides enough midday calories to fuel a great afternoon nap. Given its location and accessibility, I would probably only return if a) I was already in the area, b) it was a convenient meeting place for others, or c) I had other plans in the area.

Thanks to everyone who was able to make it!

One more thing - 2 items have been added to the terms & conditions (at the bottom). This is a trial-and-error process, so if you think of anything else, let me know!

See you next time!

REintroducing the BON VIVANT BRUNCH CLUB

OK - so planning brunch isn't so easy. Here is the updated terms and conditions. Thanks for bearing with us while we figure it out.

The BON VIVANT BRUNCH CLUB

For those of you who received a coveted invitation, welcome. The Bon Vivant Brunch Club (BVBC) is an invitation-only gathering of convivialists who share an appreciation for good food and good times (and the joy of going home to a nice nap afterwards). 

You will find all the terms and conditions in this posting. Confirmation for the first gathering will be distributed via email.

How this is going to work:

1. BVBC will be held every last Sunday of every other month unless noted by me or G (ie if we're busy, out of town, lazy, etc..). I'll work out the schedule and post and/or email it.

2. BVBC locations will be determined by a vote.  Suggested locations (chosen according to number of people expressing interest) will be sent to those who have expressed interest..  The place with the most votes wins. Suggested additions to the list will be considered, but selection is not guaranteed. (Disclaimer: most of the restaurants chosen will be new to us, so if they suck, you can't blame us.)

3. BVBC will convene around the same time every brunch day - 1130am. If reservations are not taken on a particular week, an earlier arrival time may be needed and will be noted in the email of details that will go out before brunch day (see 4. below).

4. Reminder emails will be sent out every first Sunday of each brunch month (with the exception of the first gathering). These emails will ask for a head count of those interested. RSVPing to these emails guarantees a seat. Details regarding arrival time, reservations, price range, gratuity charges, crowd conditions, back-up plans, RSVP deadline, etc will be in this email.

5. RSVP by email by the Sunday before brunch day (one week before brunch day - this is subject to change depending on popular places that require booking weeks ahead). RSVP only if you are attending - no need to let us know if you can't make it (hope to see you next time!).

6. Depending on the restaurant, there may be a maximum number of people. This is due to the desire to keep brunch day intimate. It would also be easier to get a table at places that don't take reservations with a smaller group. 

7. Post-brunch reviews are welcomed.

8. If you know of someone who would like to be added to the BVBC mailing list, let me know!

9. If you would like to bring a friend, just let me know when you RSVP for a brunch day. All are welcomed, as long as you RSVP early enough in the case of an imposed cap (see items 4 and 6 above).

Did I leave anything out? If so, let me know! Also, email me or G if you don't want to partake in the fun that is BVBC (our feelings won't be hurt, but we'll miss you).

OK - fingers crossed! I hope this works!