Preview of 2009 NYC Marines Mess Night Dinner

Larry's getting a preview of the 2009 NYC Marines Mess Night Dinner, a military-civilian fundraiser that has been a Marine Corps tradition since the 1500s that few civilians ever experience. He's at Parlor Steakhouse, located at 1600 3rd Avenue at 90th Street.

"Mess Nights" encompass a cocktail hour, an opulent feast, and a range of $1-and-up fines for violating guidelines of the mess, which all guests are informed of at the onset (chewing gum, swearing and discussing politics, shop, money or religion among them). All fines are donated to the featured charities.

Mess Night '09 is a recreation of a mess night held Saturday, the March 20, 1920 at Oddenino's Imperial Restaurant on London's Regent Street. That dinner featured such classic dishes as "Poule au Pot Alexandra" and the famous "Culotte de Bœuf Imperial." It was attended by Sir Winston Churchill, a veteran of the division with which he had fought in World War I and which was honored at the dinner.

Oddenino's Imperial Restaurant operated for almost 50 years as one of London's "poshest" restaurants. Green tea cocktails created by Ito-En, the distinguished Japanese company, will add a contemporary libation.

For more infomation on 2009 NYC Marines Mess Night Dinner, visit www.nycmcc.org. For more on Parlor Steakhouse, visit www.parlorsteakhouse.com.