This is the time of year that many of our close friends
start asking, “Where was it? Where was it?” They’re talking about our Mystery
Lunch.
Our holiday week is always particularly festive. On a
Thursday evening before Christmas we have a Holiday Party at the office,
attracting over 100 clients, family and friends. The food, wine and lively conversation
flow for hours.
Then, the next day, the Mystery Lunch.
Beginning about noon on that Friday, one of Washington’s top
restaurants rolls out a tasting menu for our entire team, offering its best
dishes – with wine to match – in a half-dozen or more courses, plus appetizers
and a sampling of desserts. In between
the courses we have year-end announcements, anniversary presentations, and best
of all, skits, songs and videos from our most creative staffers, including a
production from our first-year “newbies.”
By the time we start heading out, we often see other customers filing in
for dinner.
But best of all: the identity of the restaurant is a total
secret until the absolute last minute. Even as we board cabs from the office,
only the drivers know the address.
Needless to say, everyone begins showing curiosity before
Thanksgiving – questioning, lobbying, even setting up a betting line. And the
staff well understands the criteria that Mimi Limbach and I use in selecting the
venue: it should be relatively new, or at least unknown to most of the team;
the food and service must be top-rated; the chef and management must be happy
to work with us to tailor a special, unforgettable meal; and it needs a private
room that will allow a little rowdiness. Still, so far, the location has always
been a big surprise.

Over the years we’ve enjoyed some of the best
restaurants in town – like Komi (generally considered No. 1 in DC), Mio, 1789, Bibiana, Ris, Oyamel and Zaytinya. And veteran
Washington foodies will recognize the legendary names from the past, such
as Dominiques, Galileo, Red Sage, Kinkead’s and Café Atlantico.
So that’s our Mystery Lunch, one of our favorite traditions.
It’s become a special milestone for wrapping up one year and beginning to ring
in a new one.
And Happy ’15 to you.
Mystery Lunch'!! That is very interesting holiday tradition concept. Thanks for this wonderful post. Well dear, I am finding the inexpensive party halls in Boston MA that I can reserve for Christmas party. Last year I was quite late so I couldn’t get the bookings for my party so I want to book the venue pretty soon.
ReplyDelete