The Progressive Culinary Arts Movement
Would Like To Have You For Dinner

At the home of Steve & Fiona
Saturday, August 21st, 2004
From the Sparkling of the Afternoon to the Gloaming of the Evening to the Gleaming of the New Day
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Steve Friedman, Fiona Russell, Lorin Kleinman, & Ian Fisk would like to invite you (and your guests) to:

A Progressive Culinary Arts Movement Dinner

What we're offering: What we're asking: Where it will be: When it will be:
This will be an audience-participation performance in five acts. You need not attend all of the acts to be admitted to the show. But you must let us know if you are coming.

Act 1: Getting there. It's 20 minutes east of Charlottesville, VA -- about a 2-hour drive from DC. Vehicles will be leaving Washington DC on Saturday morning.  See the FAQ below.

Act 2: An afternoon in the country. People tend to arrive between 1pm and 3pm. There’s a private lake, tennis courts, and fields-a-plenty. Chess, Frisbee, Apples to Apples, Tennis, Balderdash, and other such sports will be available. Bring towels & sunblock.

Act 3: Dinner! Steve will slaughter the vegetables and have a feast for us ready to eat by the early evening. We ask that you bring dessert or drinks (wine, home-brewed beer, cranberry juice, elixir of life, love potion #3.14159, polymorph juice, etc…). If you made the dessert or drinks yourself, that is ideal.

Act 4: Betwixt the Gloaming and the Flashlight of Dawn. Well, this varies from event to event, but usually involves swimming and/or paddle-boating on the lake. Inhibitions are optional, though you're welcome to bring them along.

[Alas, not enough people showed an interest in Tubing, so act 5 will be more lazy days in the country.]

Do you have questions that are not answered below?
Email or call the person who invited you.
Or contact Ian at 202/462-2943.


Frequently-Answered-Questions

What's a PCAM?
The PCAM is a tradition that started in February of 1993. On a more or less monthly basis, we provide our friends and acquaintances with a multi-course meal, and in exchange all we ask is your company, cheerful conversation, and that you bring either drinks (alcoholic or non-, your choice), dessert, or Portable Art.

Portable Art? What do you mean by that?
Something small enough to bring with you, and something that other folks can enjoy. This might be a poem to read, a painting or sculpture to leave about, or a musical instrument that you will play later in the evening. Please do not bring anything easily breakable. Some means of artistic creation will also be available onsite.

Should I let you know if I'm coming or not?
Absolutely. Please let Ian Fisk know if you would like to attend, so can arrange transportation and give Steve a headcount to cook for.

Can I bring friends?
Yes, provided you let us know. One or two will probably be fine.

Other than Drinks or Dessert and/or Portable Art, What else should I bring?
Primarily, your imagination. Also -- Towels, Sunblock, games, tents, camping gear.

How am I going to get there?
If you need or can offer a ride, let us know. (By "us" we mean Ian Fisk if you're coming from DC, or Fiona Russell if you're coming from the C'ville area). If you're catching a ride, some folks return Sunday morning, & most do so on Sunday afternoon. If you need to return on Saturday night you should probably have your own car, although we can try and match people up as needed. Directions are available upon request.

Are you kid friendly?
Alas, baby goats tend to eat the camping gear. Human children, on the other hand, are welcome. Since alcohol will be present, children who are old enough to want to drink but too young to do so legally must be watched closely.

Who runs PCAM?
The PCAM is coordinated by a cast of several. This particular PCAM will be managed by Ian, Steve, Lorin, and Fiona, not necessarily in that order. PCAM attendees consist of a cast of irregulars along with an unhealthy mix of folks who have never attended.

What kind of food is served?
Mostly Vegetarian. We will endeavor to accommodate vegans and other restricted diets, provided we are warned in advance.

I'm allergic to furry creatures that are not human. Will this be a problem?
Steve and Fiona share their home with cats and dogs. The main area of the house is cat-free but not dog-free. Bring your allergy drugs if you need them. No part of the evening will require you to be inside the house for extended periods of time. (If it rains, there is a covered porch.)

I'd hate to leave my non-human companion at home all weekend. Can I bring him/her?
Probably. Check with Steve or Fiona.

If I spent the night, where can I sleep?
Most people bring tents. Charlottesville has plenty of hotels, although you'll want to find a room before 11pm on Saturday night. A round trip from DC for the evening is possible, but not advised.

"A radical is someone with his or her feet planted firmly in the clouds"