February, 1996
San Francisco
Having now had time to let the Commanders Club 1995 Fall Gala settle into memory, we thought a few photos would be appropriate.
(Note: We insist on a strict policy of no flash photography at our events. The images on this page were shot in existing light on Kodak Ektapress 1600 pushed 1 stop to 3200 ASA. The film's latitude is challenged under such conditions. As such, you'll find these images long on flavor, if short on precision.)
Entering the lobby of Vanessi's Nob Hill, a brass plate quietly directs the invited guests as it has since 1988.
As guests arrive, they shake off the chill of a San Francisco evening before the warm hues of a Goldfinger three-sheet from the private collection of the Commanders Club. Other original posters from the classic era of Bond hang alongside it.
Dining with 007. Each dish is selected from the pages of Fleming with the correct text quoted in the menu. Unfortunately, fugu was not available.
The hairy heel of Achilles: Caviar. Shane replenishes the roe in quantities suggesting a condiment, while diced egg white and yolk, minced Bermuda onion, non pareil capers, sour cream and Bremner wafers stand by as servants to the roe.
Cmdr. Johnson (l.) was gracious enough to import a selection of cigars from Havana. He describes the acquisition to Cmdr. Morse (r.), who observes " . . that syphillitic Costas finally came in handy for something."
Two generations of Griffin, Cmdr Chandi Griffin (l.) and Mssr. Herb Griffin (r.) absorb unsolicited baccarat advice with polite restraint. Behind them hangs one of the very first Goldeneye three-sheets in private hands.
Croupier Dave Blasquez (l.) observes MaryKay Nielsen flick out the first cards of a new hand. Herb Griffin (r.) contemplates the run of the shoe while Mary Stearns (far r.) enjoys a lighter moment at the high table.
Cmdr. Morse finds a quiet moment in the wee small hours to enjoy the fruit of Costas' labor.
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