WINTER

2 0 1 7 DES MOINES EMBASSY CLUB NEWSLETTER

TOAST TO A GREAT

Manhattans on Grand – Jan 27

Valentine’s Dinner – Feb 14

Dinner and a Show

Feb 10, Mar 17, April 7

NEW WEBSITE

www.embassyclub.com

Downtown 7th & Grand Avenue, 34th Floor Des Moines, Iowa 50309515.244.CLUB

West 520 Market StreetWest Des Moines, Iowa 50266515.244.WEST

DEAR MEMBERS,

www.embassyclub.comVisit us on Facebook! facebook.com/dmembassyclub

Michael

A toast and our wish to you for a

great 2017 and our sincere hopes

you had a magnificent year past!

JANUARY

This Dining certificate shall not be applied toward private events, alcoholic beverages, service charges, or applicable taxes. This certificate must be presented to the food and beverage server at time of use. This certificate has no stored or cash value. This certificate is non-transferrable, may not be reproduced, and may not be combined with any other offers. It is valid only to current Des Moines Embassy Club Members. Other exclusions may apply.

Staff: Please staple this certificate to the completed ticket.

Please present to your server at time of service.

Redeemable

January 3 – 31, 2017

toward a la carte food charges.

DINING DOLLARS

DES MOINES EMBASSY CLUB Downtown – or – West

$50 FEBRUARY

This Dining certificate shall not be applied toward Valentine's Dinner, private events, alcoholic beverages, service charges, or applicable taxes. This certificate must be presented to the food and beverage server at time of use. This certificate has no stored or cash value. This certificate is non-transferrable, may not be reproduced, and may not be combined with any other offers. It is valid only to current Des Moines Embassy Club Members. Other exclusions may apply.

Staff: Please staple this certificate to the completed ticket.

Please present to your server at time of service.

Redeemable

February 1 – 28, 2017

toward a la carte food charges.

DINING DOLLARS

DES MOINES EMBASSY CLUB Downtown – or – West

$50 MARCH

This Dining certificate shall not be applied toward private events, alcoholic beverages, service charges, or applicable taxes. This certificate must be presented to the food and beverage server at time of use. This certificate has no stored or cash value. This certificate is non-transferrable, may not be reproduced, and may not be combined with any other offers. It is valid only to current Des Moines Embassy Club Members. Other exclusions may apply.

Staff: Please staple this certificate to the completed ticket.

Please present to your server at time of service.

Redeemable

March 1 – 31, 2017

toward a la carte food charges.

DINING DOLLARS

DES MOINES EMBASSY CLUB Downtown – or – West

$50

Thank you for being a Member of the Des Moines Embassy Club. As is tradition, we are pleased to offer you $150 in dining certificates to begin the year. We hope they give you an opportunity to strengthen relationships or make new memories. Cheers! – The Board of Directors of the Des Moines Embassy Club

Also, our thanks to you as the Clubs showed significant increases in sales and to the staff that accomplished the many capital projects, many of which are not viewable when you visit, but important to smooth operations. For example, the new accounting/management software, several dozen new computers, enhanced WiFi systems, numerous printers, Point of Sale, CRM, banquet modules not to forget both Club phone systems all were a huge behind–the–scenes leap forward.

These updates were made to allow you, the Member, new conveniences such as paying your bill online, viewing last night’s dinner ticket, and making reservations from your smartphone.

More visible: the 33rd floor of our Downtown Club’s renovations are only a few tweaks away from complete

with the new carpet coming soon. Need a space for 300+? We have it! Join us as we will enjoy a Member open house on the first Thursday of March the 2nd. Great appetizers and the sparkling wine is on us!

Back to not easy–to–see, we have replaced at least half of the massive refrigeration condensers at the West Club along with new patio furniture, four more wine lockers and garden table pergola.

The entire staff sends their thanks for the gracious Member Holiday bonus distribution. Much appreciated and deserved.

Please make a resolution to see us often in the New Year!

VOID VOID VOID

BOARD OF DIRECTORSJohn Irving, Chairman Baker Electric, Inc.

Tom Gayman, Vice Chairman R&R Realty Group

Barnes Kelley, Secretary EMC Insurance Companies

Jennifer Leachman, Treasurer Leachman Lumber

Tanner Kinzler, Ex-Officio Kinzler Companies

DIRECTORSKate Banasiak Diversified Management Services

Thomas Boesen Boesen Family of Florists

Mary Boote Global Farmer Network

Teri Button Principal Financial Group

Kevin Croft American Equity

Keith Erhard Northwestern Mutual

Aaron Hamrock McCarthy & Hamrock, PC

Kent Henning Grand View University

James Holcomb Bradshaw, Fowler, Proctor & Fairgrave, PLC

Mike McCoy Heartland VIPs

S. Ahmed Merchant Merchant Investments

Eugene Meyer Greater Des Moines Partnership

Rita Perea Rita Perea Consulting

Ron Romig Ruan Center Corporation

Benjamin Ullem Retired

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Josue Sandoval Banquet ManagerNeighborhood: Josue has lived in Des Moines since he was 10 years old.

Club Member: He first joined the Club’s banquet department in fall of 2001. Over the years, he has been promoted from a banquet server to a banquet manager. Josue is a vital part of our daily food and beverage operations.

Morning Routine: On a normal day, Josue wakes up, gets the kids ready for school and drops them off, hits the gym, and then heads in to work. On his days off, he enjoys hanging out with friends and family, playing soccer, or cooking. His favorite dish to prepare is seafood. He is also a big fan of comedy and comedy shows. It came as no surprise when he told us that he would prefer to have lived in the 50s and 60s era. One day, Josue would like to visit Brazil, but this year, his goal is to skydive for the first time.

Favorite Club event: The Great Gatsby Gala.

Favorite Club dish and drink: He enjoys our Dover Sole dish and many of our a-la-carte dishes for dinner. Although he isn’t a fan of coffee, his drink of choice is a tequila and Sprite with lots of lime juice.

Where you can find him: You can find Josue most weekdays and Saturdays at our Downtown location for lunch, dinner and special events.

Thank you for being a great member of the team, Josue!

HOLIDAY PARTIESHaven’t booked your holiday party yet? It’s not

too late! Book your holiday party in January to

receive a free Champagne toast added to your

menu OR $250 off room rental.

Serve the best food of the season in the greatest venue in town! Call 515.244.2582 to book today.

Every Wednesday – Winter Family Night5:30 – 9:00 pm | $13++ per person Children age 6-12 eat half price, 5 and under eat free

Take the chill off with our special cold-weather menu featuring house-made tomato soup, rotisserie chicken, white cheddar macaroni and cheese, and apple crisp a la mode. Reservations encouraged.

Member MixerThursdays: Jan 19, Feb 16, Mar 165:00 – 7:00 pm | Complimentary

Our West location hosts this event every third Thursday of the month. What better way to get to know your fellow members than over cocktails and complimentary hors d’oeuvres? No nametags, no agenda, just a great social environment. Non-member guests are welcome to attend with you. No reservations necessary.

Valentine’s DinnerTuesday, Feb 14 5:30 – 9:00 pm Enjoy Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart at your club. Whether you prefer the elegance and city light views of downtown or the causal sophistication of our lakeside location, you’ll find a romantic setting ready for your Valentine’s celebration. Enjoy an irresistible four-course menu featuring fresh seafood, lamb chops, and a cheese tasting. Reservations required.

Rush Hour MenuTuesday / Wednesday / Thursday 5:30 – 6:15 pm | $30++

Skip rush hour traffic! Come to our Downtown location to kick back after a long day with a special three-course dinner menu. The cost includes a glass of wine. Menus change every week. Reservations encouraged.

SAMPLE MENU: Starter choice of Club Salad or Soup of the Day; Entree choice of 8 oz. Sirloin Filet, Sesame Chicken, or Cajun Shrimp; Dessert choice of Cr ème Brûlée or

Chocolate Lava Cake. Member Mixer Thursdays: Jan 5, Feb 2, March 2 5:00 – 7:00 pm | Complimentary

What better way to get to know your fellow members than over cocktails and complimentary hors d’oeuvres? Our Downtown location hosts this event monthly on first Thursdays. No nametags, no agenda, just a great social environment. Non-member guests are welcome to attend

with you, and no reservations are necessary.

WESTReservations: 515.244.9378 / embassyclub.com

DOWNTOWNReservations: 515.244.2582 / embassyclub.com

EVENTS & TASTINGS

Black Walnut "Risotto" with Mushrooms and Carrot Puree

INGREDIENTS 5 tablespoon olive oil

1 small yellow onion diced

1 lb. black walnuts

¼ cup sweet vermouth

4 cups chicken or mushroom stock

1 lb. meaty mushrooms such as chanterelle or porcini, washed and patted dry

2 cups carrots, peeled and diced

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 pinch salt

2 cups spring water

TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS

DOWNTOWN

Rush Hour Menu

WESTWinter Family Night

DOWNTOWNRush Hour Menu

WEST & DOWNTOWNMember Mixer see dates below

DOWNTOWNRush Hour Menu

Manhattans on GrandFriday, January 27 5:30 – 11:00 pm | $40++ per person

Have a gas—it’s all about class at the Des Moines Embassy Club! Enjoy 1960s-themed drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and food stations throughout the evening. Come well-coiffed and decked out! Invoke your inner John or Jackie Kennedy: a tailored silhouette is the name of the game. Gentlemen, think three piece suits, and ladies, fab dresses that hit just below the knee. There will be a prize for best-dressed! Price of admission includes one signature drink. Call 515.244.2582 or register online to RSVP.

Daddy/Daughter Date Night Saturday, February 25 5:30 – 9:30 pm | $50++ per dad, $25++ per daughter

Bring your daughter or granddaughter to the Club for a night you will both treasure. Treat her to a special dinner at the Club, where she will be presented with a flower and you will have an opportunity to have a photo taken together. Girls are encouraged to dress up for the occasion or wear their favorite princess dress.

Dinner and a Show Allow the Club to provide a perfect evening on the town! Begin with dinner at our Downtown location, and end by taking in a Broadway performance at the Civic Center. Keep your car parked in the heated underground Ruan Center parking lot and walk to the Civic Center in the skywalk! Show tickets come at a discount from regular box office pricing.

The Sound of MusicFriday, Feb 10 Show 7:30 pm | Show Tickets: $75

Jersey BoysFriday, March 17 Show 7:30 pm | Show Tickets: $75

Fun HomeFriday, April 7 Show 7:30 pm | Show Tickets: $75

Valentine’s DinnerTuesday, Feb 14 5:30 – 9:00 pm

Enjoy Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart at your club. Whether you prefer the elegance and city light views of downtown or the causal sophistication of our lakeside location, you’ll find a romantic setting ready for your Valentine’s celebration. Enjoy an irresistible four-course menu featuring fresh seafood, prime beef, and caviar. Reservations required.

METHOD Bring spring water, diced carrot, turmeric and salt to a boil. Cook carrot until just tender. Puree. and set aside.

Lightly brown onions in 2 tablespoons of olive oil at bottom of pressure cooker with a pinch of salt.

Add black walnuts, and cook until lightly toasted. Add sweet vermouth. Continue cooking until pan is nearly dry, then add chicken or mushroom stock.

Cook under pressure for 25-30 minutes.

Release pressure, strain contents reserving liquid in a separate bowl.

Place 1/3 of walnut in a blender; purée walnuts adding small amounts of reserved pressure liquid. Purée until smooth.

Set aside.

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add mushrooms (do not over load the pan), sauté until caramelized or they are fully cooked and browned. Deglaze with 1/4C pressure liquid, and reduce until almost dry. Season to taste.

Reheat pureed walnut mix, adding whole walnuts. Reheat carrot puree.

PLATING On a very large plate, spoon carrot puree onto the center and top with walnut risotto. Place mushrooms down the center of plate. Garnish with drizzled olive oil and fresh clipped herbs.

Call today to make your reservations!

515.244.9378 West515.244.2582 Downtown

FROM THE CHEF'S KITCHEN

TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS

DOWNTOWN

Rush Hour Menu

WESTWinter Family Night

DOWNTOWNRush Hour Menu

WEST & DOWNTOWNMember Mixer see dates below

DOWNTOWNRush Hour Menu

JUST ADDED!

UNCOVEREDOctober 12-18, 2017 | $4995 per person

Explore Cuba’s rapidly changing local culture, flavorful

cuisine, and beautiful countryside from our private villa

in Havana. Meet innovative chefs, local farmers, business

owners, journalists, and sommeliers.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

Explore Cuba as an insider. From behind-the-scenes access to working farms, exclusive gourmet experiences, and candid discussions with community leaders, business owners, innovators, artists, and other local characters.

Enjoy Cuban gourmet experiences. Gain access to the best paladares (family-run restaurants), sit down to a farm-to-table lunch, learn traditional cooking techniques from celebrated chefs, and savor home-cooked meals.

Visit the lush Pinar del Rio province and learn how the world’s best tobacco is grown. Spend the day in Cojimar, a seaside fishing village with plenty of Hemingway history.

Experience hands-on learning from Cuban experts. Roll your own cigars, salsa dance, taste the nuances of aged rums, and muddle your own mojito.

Discover the historic beauty of Havana as it is today on foot and from the seat of a vintage American car.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE:

Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)

Thurs., Oct. 12: Arrive in Havana (L,D)

Fri., Oct. 13: Old Havana (B,L,D)

Sat., Oct. 14: Alamar (B,L,D)

Sun., Oct. 15: Viñales Valley (B,L)

Mon., Oct. 16: Havana (B,L,D)

Tues., Oct. 17: Cojimar (B,L,D)

Wed., Oct. 18: Depart for home (B)

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• 6 nights accommodations at a private luxury villa, including all taxes and fees

• Meals as listed on the itinerary: 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners, plus 2 domestic drinks (water, soda, domestic beer) per person with included meals

• All private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, gratuities, and transportation

• Full guiding services of a dedicated Gourmandly Travel Director throughout

• Private airport transfers on the first and last scheduled day of the program with porterage

CUBA

Only a handful of openings are

left for this trip, so sign up now!

Visit experi.com/embassyclub

to learn more or to register.

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7. First Thursday Member Mixer: Paul McGinnis, Jo Sloan, Bill Conyers, Ann & Bob Bridges

8. Members Gary Dvorchak of Beijing & Ambassador Ken Quinn of the World Food Prize meet for the first time at the Club during a recent lunch. Gary’s family hosted now President of China Xi Jinping in 1985 & Ambassador Quinn instrumental in arrangements to establish initial relations between Iowa & China’s Hebei province during the Governorship of Bob Ray. A great example of our Club’s mission to bring people together!

SAW YOU AT THE CLUB

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1. Third Thursday Member Mixer: Brian Carlson & John Irving

2. Fireworks at the Walz-Strong Wedding

3. Wine Tasting and Sale: Danny Beyer & Michael LaValle.

4. Third Thursday Member Mixer: Mary Russell, Norm & Janet Trentmann

5. Wine Tasting and Sale: Mike & Kate Banasiak

6. Third Thursday Member Mixer: Mike Davis, Marilyn & Phil Schroeder, Terryl & Vicki Wolfswinkel, & Rhonda Davis

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NEW WEBSITE

When you first arrive at www.embassyclub.com, you'll see the "public" face of the site. This information is available to all visitors. Please feel free to browse through the public side before logging in. In the upper right corner of the public homepage, you'll see a place to log in to the "private" member site. Upon your initial log in, you will be asked to change your user name and password. Please protect your log in information as you would any other secure online information.

Once logged in, you’ll see a bulletin board of upcoming special events, as well as news articles of interest and a club calendar preview. Use the "Quick Links" to quickly access your statement, profile and member directory, "News + Events" to access the calendar and

newsletters, and "Dining" to view menus and make dining reservations.

While on the Club's new website for the first time, visit the "My Profile" page under the "My Club" tab, and update your personal information as well as select the items you would like viewable in the directory listing and on your profile page.

If you have questions or need assistance with login, please contact Emily Biedenfeld at 515.245.3751 or e.biedenfeld@embassyclub.com

The new Des Moines Embassy Club website is now available for your use at embassyclub.com.

We are excited about providing you with the most current online communication for club members. Now you are able to:

• Make reservations online and via your mobile phone for dining and special events

• View and pay your statement online

• Browse a calendar of events

• View pictures of past events

• Stay connected with staff and other members via the online directory

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Victoria Barney Central Methodist University

Frederick + Karie Bounds LMC Insurance

Robert + Mary Boyle Deere & Company

Don DeWaay The Profit Zone, CEO

Scott + Beth Ehlers Private Investigator

Robert + Jessica Feeny LMC Atlantic Bottling Company

Randy Forburger RTF Enterprises

Jill Greiner WellsFargo

Alan + Juliana Kincheloe Faller Kincheloe

Denny + Barbara Linderbaum UnityPoint Foundation

Mariann & Terry Moss Moss Dist. Co. Owner

Nate + Jennifer Ogbourne Cognizant Technology Solutions, Wells Fargo

Chris + Janece Rohwer Retired

Megan + Kelly Ruble Wellmark BCBS

Marcy Simpson-Neary Business Manager at Erickson Endodontics PC

Chad + Shannon Tope Voya Financial

Philip + Sarah Tuning John Deere

MEMBERSHIP SPONSORS: Your efforts are what makes the club a thriving organization and will ensure its success for years to come. An enormous thank you to those who sponsored the new memberships listed above.

THANKS!We picked up a dinner for 12 at 10:30 a.m. last Thursday morning, carried it two hours to my sister’s home in Waterloo, and reheated the hot dishes in the oven and on the stovetop after placing the menu items into our own serving dishes. Everyone raved about the wonderful food—even one brother who rarely remembers to thank me for anything!  Ironically, the Old Embassy Dressing on the green salad got as many comments as the turkey and mashed potatoes. So tasty! The turkey was beautifully browned—we took photos of it—and the quantities of the side dishes were amazing, allowing leftovers for everyone to take home. 

It will be very difficult to compete with this dinner at our future family holidays cooked at home. Thank you again.

Patricia Kehoe and Thomas Hanson

666 Grand Avenue, 34th Floor Des Moines, IA 50309

embassyclub.com

Kate BanasiakBrian Carlson (2)Jim Conlin Eric CrowellDavid Drescher (2)Tom Gayman (2)Greg LaMair (2)Michelle LaValle

John OtterbeckScott SeeligerJim + Lisa StaffordKevin StychDuane Weiland

The Des Moines Embassy Club’s Board of Directors extends a warm welcome to our newest members. If you see a friend or colleague’s name below, please reach out with your own welcome as well!

NEW MEMBERS

IN MEMORIAM: As we start the new year, we pause to reflect on the Members we lost in 2016 and all the good times shared with us at the Club, including former Club President Kenneth R. Lewis.