As I am about to write this message, we are looking forward to the “usual” Hanami Party at the Club. One source of worry is the yearly declining number of attendance by our members. While 2 years ago we could still count on 110 members and their guests to enjoy themselves under a blue sky, this year we expect less than 50 members to come. This goes like a red thread through the attendance records of the Club these days, which look more and more dismal. Our P/L statement clearly supports this fact. You all have to realize that the office works hard to keep us afloat by actively promoting our Club’s ambience and it’s now well known and appreciated cuisine to garner a greater share of Third Party Sales. Most is done by word-of-mouth. Without such “outside” events we would be looking at a less than pleasing situation. While third party business pays for more than half of our outlays, it is the lack of spending by our members that is a great worry to the General Committee. But it should also worry you as this will have an impact on the Club’s financial health in the longer term.
Sunday, April 11th
The weather finally warmed up and the long-awaited spring was slowly arriving in Kobe. The sun was hiding in the morning but came out in time to start our Hanami BBQ on Sunday, April 11th. Because of the changeable weather the office prepared tables, chairs and parasols in the terrace area, outside the main dining room, overlooking the pool. The attending members and their guests were surrounded by colorful spring flowers in the terrace area while enjoying a variety of BBQ and buffet dishes.
With spring in the air one of the guests casually played the flute. Some of the members opened up bottles of wine to celebrate the arrival of spring with their friends and colleagues. The relaxing afternoon was enjoyed by all who attended. Thanks go to the Club staff who prepared the nice setting and cooked a delicious BBQ.
-Editing Sub-Committee
EASTER EGG HUNT &BRUNCH
Sunday, April 4th
I was busy laying Eggs to prepare for Easter, so it really came as a surprise when the Easter Bunny called and asked me to fill in for him.
Since my work is really just making the eggs in preparation, it was great to be able to attend one of these Easter Events and I am glad that it was an Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch at the Kobe Club!
Over 60 people, adults and children had gathered to celebrate Easter and they all really seemed to be having lots of fun. There was a children's buffet in the banquet room and a delicious buffet in the bar for the adults (and although the chicken dishes did look scrumptious, I just couldn't find it in myself to try them.....) Chef Kamiki and his team really again did a beautiful job.
For the children that finished eating, there were lots of crafts to be done and I saw many cards, book marks and other Easter goodies being made and given to parents. A few kids even brought me cards, which was a nice treat! For the games, the Egg in a Basket became a fun free-for-all with everyone a winner, and the spoon races really got everyone up and moving and ready to head outside for the Egg Hunt!
Small children searched the terrace (and I even managed to lay a few additional eggs for those that couldn't find anything) and the bigger kids scoured every inch of the drive area finding all of the eggs that the staff had so carefully hid. It was a joy to see the happy faces of the kids each and every time they found one.
There was dessert and then pinatas to round up the fun-filled day. The Kobe Club Staff and Kitchen again did a fabulous job preparing and doing so many things to make another successful event!!
I hope the Easter Bunny gets better for next year, but even if he doesn't, I'll be more than happy to help out again. For now some rest and then back to laying more eggs.
-The Easter Duck Chicken (Nathan Bryan)
“Say CHEESE!! Please.”
Sunday, March 28th
Never having been to an authentic Raclette meal, I was excited to attend the Kobe Club’s offering of this interesting and unique dining experience on Sunday evening, March 28th.
The attendees gathered in the intimate, yet festive, atmosphere of the Vista Lounge. As we approached the lounge, the aroma of melting cheese started my mouth watering.
Inside, Chef Andy Müller and his lovely wife, Yumi, served up the hot, bubbly cheese to the hungry diners. They dusted each serving with fresh ground pepper and gave strict instructions to “Eat it while it’s hot. Talk later!” As fast as they could heat the plates and scrape off a portion of melting Raclette cheese from the two huge melting cheese wheels, they had eager takers waiting for more. Assorted meats, firm, warm potatoes, gherkins and a variety of raw vegetables were served along with the cheese. And, of course, there was the perfect Swiss wine available to compliment the delicious cheese meal. No one could stop at just one serving!
By the end of the evening, everyone was already asking when the next Raclette dinner could be scheduled. If you love cheese, wine and a relaxing, casual dining experience, you really should try Raclette. You will be smiling and saying, “Cheese!”, even if there are no photographers around.
-Deborah Todd
MEET YOUR GENERAL COMMITTEE
Dear Fellow Members,
Each Member of the Kobe Club receives the Spotlight Magazine on a regular basis and on the inside of the cover is a list of the Members serving on the General Committee (GC). Just what is the General Committee and what do they do? This question may be asked by newer Members who would like to know more about how the Kobe Club operates and why a General Committee is necessary.
In a nut shell those who serve on the GC are your representatives because as a Member you are part owners of the Kobe Club. Serving on the GC is done strictly on a volunteer basis. The primary compensation is by serving the Club and representing you in overseeing the administration of the Club and its activities.
A recent example of the GC’s involvement in Japanese legislation that will drastically impact the Club’s future was published in the February/March issue of the Spotlight. This article, written by Rick Brueggemann, highlighted the research and concerns of the GC. It is a complicated issue that is being closely monitored by the GC Members and long discussions ensue during monthly meetings to ensure that the outcome favorably affects the long term goals and objectives of the Club. Budget reviews, Members’ satisfaction, planning of activities, and maintenance and repairs to the Club are just some of the other issues the GC contends with each month.
