In the Age of Enlightenment it was common for the French intelligentsia to meet socially in salons to exchange ideas and pontificate about the ways of the world. I do not intend to attain similar lofty levels of conversation, nor, I hope, will the Quintus series come to an end with a bloody revolution. However, I wanted to create a forum for discovering new things amongst great friends with delicious food and fine wine.

I have assembled a group of interested and interesting guests to meet for regular dinners but there is a twist versus the French salons – instead of discussing a topic amongst ourselves, I introduce a fascinating speaker at each dinner – perhaps an author who ditches fast cars and Sauvignon Blanc to become a Shaman in the Amazon jungle, or one of the British Army’s luminaries who can give firsthand accounts of battle, or possibly a virtuoso pianist who dissects a sonata – someone who will kick start the evening with enthralling tales and continue to share his or her thoughts in more detail over dinner.

The spirit of Quintus mimics the thoughts and philosophies of its namesake, Roman lyric poet, satirist, and literary critic Quintus Horatius Flaccus (aka “Horace”). In addition to declaring that poetry needed to educate and entertain, Quintus wrote in his first book of Odes – widely considered to be one of the greatest achievements of all poetry – about the pleasures of convivial drinking and conversation with friends. Nunc est bibendum!

Intake, whether of Riesling or Cabernet Sauvignon, amusing anecdotes or nail-biting adventures, should stimulate and inspire guests. Quintus dinners should be entertaining and thought-provoking. The hope is that guests will – as they would with a piece of art, a film, or a book – continue to think about the evening long after it has ended.

Because we want all discussions to be open and fruitful, we will assume the Chatham House Rule applies.

Stephan Michel, Founder