After hearing "Happy Birthday" played sometimes four times a night (yes, I've been able to use the line with a different twist: "Play it again, Issam, play Happy Birthday") I had it played for me ("You played it for them, now play it for me - play Happy Birthday Issam") on June 11. I invited friends for chili con carne and champagne - we hear that combination figures in a Nat King Cole song - and indulged myself by asking the kitchen to make cornbread. The day before, in our sleuthing for clues to Basin Street, Issam and I had gone to the Seamen's Club to talk to Chuck and sample their chili con carne. We collapsed laughing to see a chalk-written slate at the entrance that read:

Their chili was excellent, but I profited from the advance taste to spend time in the kitchen to see that our entry would be competitive. Issam ensured our publicity would be up to Rick's high standard by printing a photograph of Rick's with an orange banner that announced the chili contest. We admitted to ourselves that the Seamen's Club chili was slightly more tasty, but there was no arguing with our more stylish packaging! Back to the birthday. Already feeling somewhat regal surrounded by good friends, flowers and Veuve Clicquot I greeted the Hyatt's singer, Walter, who presented me with a fine plastic tiara. At last a beautifully decorated New York Cheesecake, one candle and...the song. A great night!
K.K