Please find a brief summary of events we propose for the projected 4 day reunion bash!
There are certain factors to take into consideration based on the numbers attending and the dates chosen, we plan to begin on a Thursday evening and conclude with an Au Prochain RDV Brunch on Sunday.....it would be great to have maximum participation whichever date is chosen, June, October or November-ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE MY FRIENDS, NO SECONDS nor TURNING BACK THE CLOCK FOR THE 50th REUNION IN GAI PARIS!!!!!!!!
We need firm commitments for the Reunion, to make it “once in a lifetime” experience; if THE FEW, THE PROUD, as we use in The Marine Corps, cannot or will not commit than it is back to norm, lesser an experience / adventure for those who will make the effort to be amongst dear FRIENDS! Those not participating reduce our festival options; we would need to modify our celebration and reduce our explosive 4 day Paris by Night experience!!!!!!
For the negotiations I am playing on 50 person participation, 25 couple’s minimum as a benchmark, as most pricing for private/group reservations are based on a minimum of 50 people some 60. This reduces costs and one can negotiate discounts, however, numbers below the minimums the costs are based on the minimum required; i.e. if 40 person’s present costs will still be based on 50!
High season in Paris is from 1st June – 30th October; tourist’s season, fashion weeks/pret-a porter/haute couture Sept. & October and major trade shows throughout October. To book a large group in restaurants/establishments it is somewhat difficult, hotels the same if not worse as they do not want to fill up with large groups (25-60), which will upset locals who use the restaurant on a regular basis; I know, but this is not the US. Therefore, one has to locate a restaurant/establishment with a nice cadre, central and quality cuisine at acceptable prices. Hotels will take individual bookings with a negotiated group discount.
A good number of you have not returned to Paris for many years and, in particular, not seen classmates since 1964, we believe it best to leave you free to roam Paris by day, except Friday afternoon, have lunches /drinks with chosen friends and rediscover la belle vie sous le chapiteau de Paris!
I believe we will have an extremely memorable reunion based on what we are planning for you; here it is, hope it wets your appetite……….
THURSDAY-BIENVENUE les AMI(E)S: ASP Class of 1964
La Gare, Cocktails outdoor private terrace/patio followed by a dinner; casual, 19:00/7PM
Restaurant La Gare Paris 16ème - Fun & Trendy - Restaurant ...
www.bestrestaurantsparis.com/en/restaurant-paris/lagare.html
Fun & Trendy. 19, chaussée de la Muette - Paris 16ème ... votre repas. A la carte of the restaurant La Gare ... La Gare's famous praliné millefeuille pastry. 11,00 €.
restaurantlagare.com/
The whole complex is being renovated and will be ready for the 2014 season. I am still waiting for management’s proposal and should have it by next week; cocktail and dinner!
FRIDAY- ASP DAY:
Visit present ASP establishment in Garches, a guided tour with Kim Sheehey early afternoon followed by a visit to Pavillon du Barry Class of 64 School, Louveciennes; bussed to and from ASP-ASP PavduB-Paris. I am negotiating with owners of the du Barry complex, not simple as you will see below, Saturday evening venue!
American School of Paris : IB diploma Paris, AP diploma and English ...
www.asparis.org/
American School of Paris
American School of Paris: American International School France is an English speaking school (IB diploma Paris, AP diploma, Advanced placement Paris and ...
Pavillon de Musique de la Comtesse du Barry
www.pavillondemusiquedubarry.fr/
Conçu par l'architecte Claude Nicolas LEDOUX pour la comtesse du Barry, le Pavillon de Musique fût inauguré le 2 septembre 1771. La pureté et la simplicité
Friday evening DOOBIES for cocktails, dinner and Boite de Nuit-TGIF et FRIDAY NIGHT FEVER, ALL IN ONE!!!!!!!!!! Side street off rue Marbeuf 200yds from les Champs-Elysées
Club bar à Paris - Doobies: Restaurant à Paris et location salle
www.doobies.net/
Club/Bar et restaurant à Paris au Doobies. Privatisation sur Paris, club et bar à Paris.
2 Rue Robert Estienne, 75008 Paris, France
+33 1 53 76 10 76
Boite de nuit Paris - Diner paris - Brunch Paris
The cost is based on a minimum of 50 people maximum 60. It will include champagne cocktails/nibbles to begin with followed by an extraordinary quality buffet dinner, the night club includes either a bottle of champagne or a bottle of liquor for 5 all for the price of Euros 95/person. Kick off around 20:30 (30 mins earlier if preferred) until closing time 0500 sunrise!!!!!!!! In a private area of the club-restaurant, immediate access to the dancing area.
SATURDAY-REUNION BAL, if June ASP Class of 2014 Graduation Ceremony at 17:00/5PM
I checked with Pavillon du Barry office’s to see costing etc. for an evening/Saturday soiree and for a morning brunch on the Sunday:
1/ reservation is a fixed price be it weekend or weekday (high season 1 May-30 Sept); standard proposal- grounds/Pavillon from 17:00 to 01:00, bare cost Euros 5,170, low season 4,370 Euros, then one must contract separately with a caterer for cocktails, dinner, champagne, wine, tables, linen, personnel etc……music another cost, cost would easily double (however, I did not go further in contacting a caterer). Estimated minimum cost another 5,000 Euros easy 10,000 Euros total without music and transportation which I would think would be an additional 1,000 Euros; therefore a estimated minimum of 200 Euros a person 400 Euros a couple.
2/ Brunch/Lunch at du Barry location cost 5, 570 Euros plus caterer etc., 4,370 Euros. Low season 3,770.
I am talking to them to allow us to visit grounds and the Pavillon for a group fee
Du Barry is way too expensive to hold an event.
Suggested and fantastic in venue, quality and pour la finale!
A “DINER CROISIERE” on our own private bateau mouche LE PARISIEN (cost is based on 60 persons minimum): http://www.bateaux-mouches.fr/en
20:00 Embark, 30 mins later or 30 mins earlier, our choice; total 3 hrs cruise dinner. Cocktails, dinner, wine, pianist, open deck, all tables have window views
Total cost per person/couple, 2 options;
a/ Menu Excellence 129 Euros/person, couple 258 Euros (ASP association discount original cost 140 Euros/person
b/ Menu Prestige 91 Euros/person, couple 182 Euros (ASP association discount original cost 99 Euros/per person
Attached are proposal and the 2 menus
When we have to reserve and confirm dates, we will be required to make a 50% down payment, the remainder a month (to negotiate) before the event. These sums will need to be collected in advance and soonest; those that have not voted and plan to come please state your preferred date on our reunion site ASAP. Jeff has agreed to set up a bank account for this purpose; it avoids confusion, one source payment and accounts can be seen by all.
I have yet to have the estimated cost of the Thursday opening night at La Gare, cocktails and dinner, however, I will put a max cost as follows: Thursday 80 Euros/person, 160/couple; Friday bus transportation 500 Euros, drinks/dinner/night club at Doobies 95 Euros/person, 190/couple; Saturday dinner cruise 258/couple estimated total for 2 = 700Euros. Based on present rate of exchange I would say $1000.00 per couple/$500 individual. Jeff will follow up with an email outlining how he wants to proceed, possibly 2 payments!?!
I have a superb 4 star hotel near the Champs-Elysees, one street inward near the Rond-Point, brand new for €250 for a couple and will discount once I can provide dates; most in that range run between €300-400! Also a lovely 3 star plus on rue de Passy, 16th, between €168-230/night
Still need to establish Thursday evening cost and Sunday brunch; I will update you soonest based on commitment.
Lastly, now it is decision time, both Jeff and I need to know numbers, firm commitments, based on the following criteria/options (we are erasing the existing RSVP survey, starting fresh as Friday 28 March closing Saturday 5 April);
Between 28 March-April 5 to commit, go to www.aspclassof64.com and RSVP firm commitment. On April 6 we will post the date of the Reunion.
Voila Classmates, cheers - Gerard