The Debut of SWIRL

Ladies and Gentlemen, Amateurs of Vin, One and All,

With this posting we begin a journey that started two and one-half years ago, in response to the severe and potentially paralyzing aftermath of the "re"-election of george bush aka "the shrub". Or, more precisely, the second stolen election in a row.

The realization that monies to support human causes (social justice, environmental protection, civil liberties, etc.) would be further shrinking in the oil bath of DC politics led me to wonder if I couldn't use our existing talents and resources to provide a foil to this aridscape. What, I pondered, could I do to raise money for causes that I believed in?

Lucky man that I am, I am surrounded by people who love food and wine. So, it seemed obvious: create a nonprofit that relied on these passions and, from there, begin what can probably best be described as "A life well lived is the best revenge" in action.

Sadly, the nonprofit has languished, but I remain undeterred. It will happen eventually. In the interim, this blog, to chart our dinners, our wines, our travels, our exploits, all in the course of said "revenge". The shrub? He'll get his due in the course of events. We, the Charter members of SWIRL, flourish in the glow of things well loved.

Stay tuned, for this adventure is not about me, but we. We are nine strong and we have many things to discuss, none more important than the exquisite meals that we share, the extraordinary wines that accompany these meals, and our traditions...most notably the annual selection of a modern day monarch. In 2007, we are ruled by Queen Kay, duly chosen during the epiphany meal that marks the beginning of our vinous calendar.

So hail SWIRL lovers of Bacchus and share with us, as we share with you, the tales of our repasts, our special bottles and our journeys into the heart of humanity. For, in the end, we are more than the transient occupant of the White House. We are more than politics. We are people hell bent on the good life.

Salut!