Submitted by Donna Brinckerhoff.
(June 29, 2021) — For Marjorie DeBold and Michael Arsenault, the recent fundraising auction for Brainerd Library left an especially sweet taste in their mouths. Not only did their generous bid benefit the library, but they won what was perhaps the most coveted item of the entire auction: a French dinner, complete with vintage wine tasting. 
The event, hosted by Elizabeth and Maurice Adams – chez les Adams — that is, was held outside between raindrops and featured several courses prepared by Elizabeth, an accomplished chef, and wine poured by Maurice, a sommelier who waxed enthusiastically about grapes and vintages and vineyards, all sans notes.
The most celebrated bottle to be uncorked was a 1959 Chateau Haut-Brion donated to the auction by Marge. It proved to be quite enjoyable, although there was a moment of concern that it could be a very, very expensive bottle of vinegar.
The meal included a rillette de truites, washed down with champagne, a lobster and shrimp cocktail, an exquisite beef dish, followed by salad and cheese courses, many different wines, and finally, a sumptuous cake accompanied by fresh strawberries, café and liqueurs.
Marge and Michael were joined by guests Holly and Tim Jarrell, Stephanie Denkowicz and Aydin Caginalp. Donna Brinckerhoff dusted off her college and flight attendant French to provide appropriate commentary with each dish.
