Let Services 'Wine 'N' Dine' you

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Kim Schaerdel
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  It was a Tuesday afternoon. I was sitting in my office and I was thinking of something to do that evening to unwind and temporarily forget that tomorrow would only be Wednesday or "Hump Day." While skimming through my monthly Services Magazine, I noticed "Wine 'n' Dine" and thought, "What could be better?" 

Despite the sad fact I lacked a date with a boy, I went for the next best option, my friend, Capt. Kristel Chuntraruk, from the 607th Materiel Maintenance Squadron. She gladly accepted my invitation. Even though I don't own a car, and she would be the one driving, I told her I would pick her up at her place at 7 p.m. 

I knew before the "date" even started it would go nowhere beyond dessert, but I still decided to look nice for my girls' night out and she returned the favor. We were now off to the Officers' Club to be wined and dined. 

From the entrance to the club ballroom, we first heard soft piano music playing and saw that the lights were dimmed. 

"I noticed the atmosphere and the delightful, romantic ambiance," said Captain Chuntraruk. "If Kim were a guy I would have been really impressed." 

The ballroom was sectioned in half with about 20 tables. There was a diverse mix of people there from your typical guy-girl couple to your double dates to small groups of people. My "date" and I were escorted to our table, which was placed next to a tree. Trees are scattered about to give privacy and make the room look very cozy. 

The menu had an impressive list of entrees to choose from, but after a moment, I decided on the steak and lobster and Captain Chuntraruk chose the broiled salmon. The prices ranged from $15 to $26, but all the meals came with bread, soup and salad. 

I asked for the steak to be medium and that was exactly what I got. The lobster was nicely spiced and served with a delicious butter-sauce. 

In describing her salmon, Captain Chuntraruk said, "Fresh and juicy." She also enjoyed the fried sweet potato cake that came with her main dish. 

Dessert is a sure fire way to most girls' hearts, and I strongly recommend the banana flambé to end your dining experience. Our waiter prepared the dish on a table off to the side, so that we saw all the action. He cooked the bananas in a saucepan for a few moments. Then he added some liquor (I did not ask what it was but, it looked good to me). He poured a little of the liquor into the pan and then there was a big ... flambé. Served over ice cream, the bananas and caramelized sauce slowly melted the ice cream. It truly was a sinful sight. 

I asked Captain Chuntraruk how she liked the banana flambé and the only response I got was the "shut-up, I'm-eating-something-really-good" face. 

Wine 'n' Dine allowed us to forget it was a Tuesday night on Osan Air Base, and we enjoyed great company in a charming, peaceful atmosphere. The mood is relaxing, inviting and perfect for a romantic date or a girls' night to dress up, drink some wine and talk about ... whatever. 

Wine 'n' Dine is every Tuesday from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Officers' Club. See you there!