My husband David and I arrived a bit early and were very pleased to see that Liesa had posted several “Welcome TTOLers” signs, complete with our logo from the board! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" /> She greeted us warmly, and we joined Ron and Cindy (crmoores), who were already at the bar. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> I’d heard that Los Gauchos had some excellent Argentinian wines, and ordered a Malbec… mmmmm! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drinking.gif" alt="" /> As people filtered in, the appetizer platters started emerging from the kitchen, each one looking and smelling more delicious than the one before! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Tonguea.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> There was bruschetta, crab Rangoon, chicken satay skewers with a wonderful dipping sauce, fried cheese sticks, and an assortment of pastry pinwheels with several tasty toppings- I’m sure I’m forgetting something, but there was TONS of food and Liesa herself was circulating among her guests, passing them out (I always seemed to be in her path, snapping photos of the event!). <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/busted.gif" alt="" /> About halfway through our Happy Hour, Liesa made an announcement officially welcoming all of us to St. Maarten and Los Gauchos, and then she surprised us by pouring champagne for those TTOLers who were celebrating special occasions! Very classy lady, that Liesa! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pirate.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
Of course, all this time the drinks and conversation were flowing fast and furious- everyone seemed to be having a fabulous time, and I heard nothing but compliments about our hostess and Los Gauchos. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/dance.gif" alt="" /> I counted 32 attendees, and several took advantage of the 15% discount we were offered on dinner after the party. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> I truly intended to eat dinner that evening as well, but was so stuffed from the abundance of appetizers, we had to return the next night for dinner. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Oink.gif" alt="" />(You’ll have to read Dawnskers’ trip report for details on the dinner- <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/impatient.gif" alt="" /> for now, you’ll just have to settle for “It was DE-LICIOUS!!!!”)
Special thanks to Berne for making the sparkly, festive nametags so we could keep everyone straight, to snippitts who was so friendly and reminded me that her mom lived in my hometown, and to everyone else who thanked me for organizing the event- I truly enjoyed it and encourage anyone who hasn’t tried it yet to jump in and do it yourself! And an EXTRA SPECIAL thank you to BELAIR, who walked me through every step and shared all of her knowledge with me- I owe ya, girlfriend! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/thanks.gif" alt="" /> Can’t wait to meet you in person in NYC! (And by the way, YELLOW UMBRELLA is a very sweet, pretty woman named Wendy <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Shocked.gif" alt="" />- we hope to meet her husband SMXMartini at the next bash…)
All in all, I HEARTILY endorse Los Gauchos for future TTOL parties, excellent drinks and dinners, and comfortable surroundings, all a result of Liesa’s special touch. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/dancingmonkey.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> Be sure and visit her restaurant the next time you’re on the island, and tell her Dawnskers says “Hi!”!
(I am planning to post pictures as soon as I get the chance to upload them- I still have dial up, so it could take a while <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smashpc.gif" alt="" />… but they’re coming, so stay posted!) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/thanks.gif" alt="" />
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