The NYC mini-gathering was a rousing success!!!

Catman and I met at the Marriott World Trade Center. I was proptly presented with a tie for my birthday present!!!! Blue and green with a vineyard pattern. It is now my official neckware for F/T mini-gatherings! We then decided to take care of the most pressing concern which was, of course, thirst. Up the elevator to Windows on the World... and a couple of Sam Adams to remove any remaining edge of the work week from our dispositions. (By the way, for those of you with no plans for the Millenium celebration, you could empty your retirement account and spend an evening there high atop NYC. I predict it will be cloudy that night so I'm going to pass). Anyway, 7 pm approached so it was off to Sparks for dinner. We were seated immediately and somehow some gin was mixed with some tonic and some limes fell in with the ice and then these heavenly concoctions were delivered to our table. Aaaaaah! (Side note: We noticed several single diners around us enjoying meals... our server informed us that single diners were common and not frowned upon at Sparks).
Catman and I both ordered the sirloin (well done and medium rare, respectively...) and two side orders: spinach and hash browns (the steak house standards). Upon arrival, the sirloins were more like NY Strips, that is to say, very flavorful and juicy. These guys know steaks. Washed down with a Markham merlot, we were very pleased with Sparks. Out the door and around the corner we found ourselves at the Whiskey Blue bar at the W Hotel. Another G&T, and a lovely view of the beautiful hostess behind the bar. Then back to the Marriott for some shut eye before a Shuttle flight back to DCA the next morning.

Three cheers for Catman and his now legendary hosting capabilities!!!

Cheers