If you mutter these words to any
”
Seinfeld
”
fan, they can probably pin down the episode from which it came.
I was, and still am, a big fan of the show (I referenced
”
Seinfeld
”
in another column and may do so again in the future!).
If you mutter these words to any “Seinfeld” fan, they can probably pin down the episode from which it came. I was, and still am, a big fan of the show (I referenced “Seinfeld” in another column and may do so again in the future!).
For those who were not big fans of “Seinfeld,” let me try to construct the background. The gang – George, Elaine, Jerry and Kramer – get invited to a dinner party. There is some debate, mostly between George and Elaine, about the tradition of bringing a bottle of wine to the host. Here is some of the dialogue:
Elaine: Maybe we should stop off on the way and get a bottle of wine or something?
George: What for?
Elaine: These people invited us for dinner. We have to bring something.
George: Why?
Elaine: Because it’s rude, otherwise.
George: You mean just going there because I’m invited, that’s rude?
Elaine: Yeah.
George: So you’re telling me instead of being happy to see me, they’re going to be upset because I didn’t bring anything? I don’t even drink wine, I drink Pepsi.
Elaine: You can’t bring Pepsi.
George: Why not?
Elaine: Because we’re adults.
George: Are you telling me wine is better that Pepsi? No way is wine better than Pepsi.
Jerry: I’m telling you George, I don’t think we want to walk in there and put a big, plastic jug of Pepsi on the table.
George: I just don’t like the idea that every time there is a dinner invitation, there’s this annoying little chore that goes along with it.
Jerry: You’re getting to be an annoying little chore yourself.
The gang starts driving to the dinner party, when the debate continues:
Elaine: I was just thinking. The four of us can’t show up with just one bottle of wine.
George: Oh, here we go. Why don’t we get them a couch? Perhaps bring them a nice sectional?
Elaine: We’ll get some cake. Can you stop off at the bakery?
George: Why don’t you just pick up some Ring Dings at the liquor store?
Elaine: Ring Dings?
George: Hey, Ring Dings are better than anything you’ll ever get at a bakery.
Elaine: George, we can’t show up to someone’s house with Ring Dings and Pepsi.
George: I’ve got news for you. I show up with Ring Dings and Pepsi, I become the biggest hit of the party. People will be coming up to me, “just between you and me, I’m really excited about the Ring Dings and Pepsi. Europeans with the Beaujolais and Chardonnay …”
There is this unwritten rule or ritual that one must bring something to a dinner party, and often times, that gift of choice is wine.
If you are going to bring a bottle of wine, I have a few suggestions that might help.
If you are good friends with the host, inquire whether wine is desired or being served with meal. If you know the menu, you can then offer to bring a bottle that pairs with one of the courses being served.
If you do not know the hosts that well, wine still makes a nice gift for a number of reasons.
First, show up with a wine that fits your budget but is unique. It can be a unique varietal, blend or a wine from a not-so-well-known area. This makes for great conversation.
Second, they have the option of serving your wine with the meal. Remember, this is an option. Do not show up with a bottle of wine or champagne that is chilled, for this sends the wrong message. Your host may already have wine picked out for evening. They can always quick chill the wine if necessary.
Third, by gifting a bottle of wine, the hosts will be able to enjoy your wine at a later date, probably when they invite better friends over next time (just kidding).
Finally, showing up with a nice bottle of wine that is creatively decorated and wrapped gives the hosts the opportunity to “regift” the offering when they themselves get invited to a dinner party!
Cheers!
P.S. Try the Ring Dings and Pepsi thing. Someone in the crowd will know “Seinfeld” and get a great laugh out of it.
spotlight on a local event
What: Solis Winery Wine Dinner; Enjoy dinner menu created by chef Wilson Miller. Each course paired with wine from Solis Winery. Cost: $55
When: 6:30pm, Thursday,
Aug. 31
Where: Westside Grill
Info: (408) 847-3800
