First, I would like to thank you all for your help in rebuilding our contact list since our old computer crashed. Please continue to send us the email addresses of those who you think would enjoy what we do or have them contact us directly. There are two of you who asked to be delisted whose screen names I am unable to find-this new system doesn't show a list of addresses-so please send me your last name on any request to be dropped from our service. We don't want to pester anybody who isn't interested but we have to be able to find you to take you out of the system.

We are talking to several luxury resort hotels (the small inns that I like just can't seem to schedule us) about the next getaway weekend wherein we bring along some celebrity chefs for a constant round of cooking classes, wine classes, tastings, banquets, and general rowdy foodiness. Please let us know ASAP if you are interested in joining this safari to culinary Nirvana.

Space is available at all events. Reservations are always required. Unless otherwise noted, everything is $65.00 per person inclusive at the door, $58.50 by check in advance, and six tickets which are good for any combination of people/events go for the cost of four and a half ($292.50). The same prices apply to gift certificates and there is no expiration date so advance discounts are good on this and any future schedule listing. While formats vary, we usually have a reception with snacks, a cooking class taught by our host restaurant's executive chef, a wine class taught by the rep of an importer or winery, a banquet with appropriate wines, and a few surprises.

We have a lot more additions coming soon for the summer, but if you go to a restaurant that you enjoy and think we should be doing something with, tell the manager that you are a member of the D C Dining Society and that you recommend they get together with us. Then call me and I will follow up.