Napoleon Bonaparte once said that “an
army marches on its stomach.”
But when it came time for him to celebrate
a conquest — military or amorous — he sat
down to a meal that, while simple enough
for a soldier, was elegant enough to please
an Emperor.
Dear Fellow Gastronomist,
Do you know what Napoleon’s favorite dish was?
Let me give you a hint:
It blends chicken with the distinctly Mediterranean fragrance of olives, wine, garlic, thyme, and
other spices into a savory feast both easy to prepare and satisfying to the most refined appetite.
I’ll tell you the name of this wonderful meal in a minute, but first I want to invite you to experience the same
savory pleasures at a one-of-a-kind restaurant where you can dine like a general — and do it on the budget of a
foot soldier.
I ALREADY KNOW YOU LOVE GREAT GASTRONOMY
I also know that you’re a well-traveled person with a passion for history, culture, and unique people and places.
And, obviously, you appreciate and demand value in everything.
That’s why I’m taking this opportunity to ask you especially to enjoy a rare culinary adventure at one of
Washington’s D.C.’s landmark restaurants — Au Petit Corsicain.
At Au Petit Corsicain, you’ll not only choose from an abundant menu of classic French, Italian, and Greek
favorites, but you’ll also dine in an atmosphere that takes you back to times of Grace and Glory.
Let me describe it…
FORWARD TO THE PAST
When you first enter the restaurant, you’ll be enchanted by an idyllic past as you step into a Mediterranean
courtyard, styled with fountains, greenery and statues of mythological figures. If you listen, you’ll also be
delighted by the natural sounds of running water and song birds.
With your mood softened by the tranquility, you’ll move into the first of three dining areas — each one
reflecting a theme of Napoleon’s life and times. From here you’ll breathe in the first exquisite odors — pungent
herbs, piquant sauces, and delectable essences — that define Au Petit Corsicain’s reputation for one of the
finest menus of Southern European cuisine this side of Marseilles.
But before choosing a dish —what’s the backdrop for dinner?
Feel like an Imperial venue? Then settle into the first dining room, “The Palace,” which copies — on a much
smaller scale — the splendor of the famous Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. Here you can enjoy your meal in royal
surroundings, lulled by the sounds of a live chamber group.
Maybe you prefer military history? Then camp out in the next dining room “Campaigns and Conquest,”
where, surrounded by martial artworks and artifacts, you can trace the Little General’s advances— and retreats
— over fish, fowl, or something heartier.
Or how about retiring to “The Wine Cellar”? This third dining room has all the rustic appeal of one of the
most important rooms in a European estate, and is stocked with a magnificent selection from all over the
Mediterranean region, ranging from ordinary table wines all the way to the most exclusive varieties. You can
explore, sample, and order right off the shelf. (Of course, they have California and other regional wines too.)
OKAY, YOU’RE SETTLED — LET’S FIND SOMETHING DELICIOUS!
You’ll have lots to choose from… and, with the average price of an entrée only $26.00, there’s no danger of
breaking the bank.
Maybe you’d like to try that flavorful favorite of the Emperor that I told you about earlier? It’s called “Chicken
Marengo.”
Chicken Marengo is a classic dish said to have been created by Napoleon’s chef as a tribute to
Bonaparte’s victory in 1800 at the Battle of Marengo in Italy.
The flavors in this dish are simple but plush — a lacing of garlic and thyme, heaps of sliced fresh mushrooms
and a splash of white wine. And no one prepares it better than Au Petit Corsicain’s award-winning chef,
Vincenzo Rubino.
But don’t worry if this doesn’t suit you — just look at a sampling of the other fare:
Sauté De Poulet (Diced chicken sautéed with vegetables & white wine)
Pollo Alla Sorpresa (Breast of chicken filled with spinach, cheese & charcoal grilled)
Kul Basti (Thin lamb fillets charcoal grilled with oregano)
Karisik Kebab (Mixed kebab lamb, chicken, kofte, cutlet)
Sauté De Mouton (Diced lamb sautéed with vegetables & red wine)
Moussaka (Potato, courgette, aubergine, minced lamb, tomato sauce & cheese)
Kleftiko (Joint of lamb baked with tomato, onion, green pepper, rosemary)
Bistecca Pizzaiola (Entrecote steak in tomato, garlic & oregano)
Sea Food
Trota Alla Casa (Trout with crispy bacon, prawns & wine sauce)
Poisson A La Vapeur (Steamed cod with vegetables)
Kilic Baligi (Grilled swordfish)
Salmone alla Griglia (Grilled salmon)
Crevettes Du Chef (4 king prawns, pan fried in garlic, tomatoes & pernod)
Pasta
Rigatoni Al Pomodoro (Pasta with tomato sauce)
Fettuccine Alla Vegetariano (Pasta with vegetables & tomato sauce)
Spaghetti Bolognese (Pasta with meat sauce)
Spaghetti Con Frutti Di Mare (Pasta with seafood)
Lasagne Verdi Al Forno (Layers of green pasta baked with meat sauce & cheese)
TO YOUR GOOD TASTE…AND YOUR GOOD HEALTH
By the way, I’m not just inviting you to eat great — I’M INVITING YOU TO EAT HEALTHY!
Doctors and nutritionists have long seen the benefit of a Mediterranean Diet…a region where people not only
live longer with fewer diseases, but seem to do so happier!
And the reason that some very fussy diners keep coming back to Au Petit Corsicain is that this restaurant uses
strictly only the freshest, finest — and happiest — ingredients in all their cooking.
Add to this the legendary friendliness of the staff, and it’s no surprise that year after year The Washington Post
names Au Petit Corsicain one of DC’s best restaurants and Gourmand magazine has bestowed its “Golden
Garlic Press” award on it seven out of the past ten years.
The staff at Au Petit Corsicain are waiting to give you a true Mediterranean welcome. Are you ready to share
in the joie de vivre?
I hope so — because you’re going to be our special guest.
THE FINEST PLACE FOR THE FINEST MOMENTS
As you can imagine, a superb restaurant like this fills up fast — and bookings are sometimes made months in
advance!
But because of an exclusive arrangement with my company, the management of Au Petit Corsicain agrees to
hold a table for us on any given night as long as we notify them of our reservation anytime before 4 p.m. on that
day. (Once you visit Au Petit Corsicain, you’ll understand why we’ve chosen this restaurant to seal many a
business deal and reward many a staff member.)
So, we guarantee a table for you and a dinner partner on any night of your choosing, as long
as you give us a heads-up at least one day in advance.
What could be more convenient? You tell us when, and we promise you one of the best dining experiences
you’ve ever had.
You’ll enjoy all that Au Petit Corsicain is famous for — superb cooking, unique surroundings, and a warm
welcome — and you’ll do it when it fits your schedule.
Or, like the Emperor, plan your first visit to celebrate a great life event — whether it’s anniversary, birthday, or
business conquest. You won’t find a better spot to mark the occasion.
This is an offer we reserve only for our best friends….and we hope to count you among them.
Please let us know when you’d like to come so we can start planning your special night.
But there’s something more!
EXTRA, EXTRA SPECIAL ADDED INVITATION!!
We have a very select additional offer for you...AN EXTRAORDINARY CELEBRATION THAT
INCLUDES YOU.
Every year Au Petit Corsicain declares the third week of July as “The Age of Napoleon” week.
During this time they feature special events of music, dance, and the arts, all commemorating the life and times
of the Emperor.
The restaurant uses the event to both publicize its fine cooking and to raise money for local charities. People in
the DC area look forward to it all year.
Among the highlights of the celebration will be the showcasing of Mediterranean cooking with special
competitions among some of the world’s finest chefs.
AND ONE OF THE JUDGES WILL BE YOU!
That’s right... because of our organization’s long-standing association with Au Petit Corsicain, I’ve been asked
to nominate two people to be part of a 25-member judging panel.
And I’m asking YOU!
Why?
In short, because I know that you, more than most people, will relish this opportunity to live, laugh, and enjoy…
What does this require of you?
Nothing but to come anytime during that week of June and, in between enjoying all the festival entertainment,
take time to try various selected appetizers, main courses, and desserts — over as many days as you want —
then rate the dishes for the management of Au Petit Corsicain.
As a judge you’ll only be asked to contribute a small registration fee of $250.00 — all of which goes to charity!
It’s simple, delicious, and LOTS OF FUN.
But I must have your confirmation now, so I can include your name among the judges. Once I hear from you, I’ll
contact you with contest and other details.
Don’t miss this. It’s a rare opportunity that you’ll always remember.
Oh, I almost forgot…The winning recipes will be included in a book published by Agora Publishing, with credit
to the participating judges — including, I hope — YOU.
So, call as soon as you get this letter.
Of course, even if you can’t be one of our judges, the staff of Au Petit Corsicain looks forward to the pleasure
of your company whenever you’re ready. Just call.
And, as always...bon appétit!!!
P.S. Did I tell you that judges can invite a family member or friend to join them at dinner at no extra charge? So,
bring someone special…we wouldn’t want you to dine alone.
P.P.S. Don’t forget, you’ll be enjoying the best foods, the best wines, the best times in one of
the city’s most unique dining establishments — and you will be the guest of honor. We’re holding a place for
you... Call now.