There has been some discussion on another thread of trying to get the regular Montreal offline gang together with the TWC and our little Ottawa group. Since Montreal and Toronto are not exactly next door to each other, Ottawa was seen as a possible middle ground.

If we were few, such an offline could perhaps be held chez either moi or carriedca, but if that wasn`t possible or if we were many, another option could be a wonderful restaurant here called Beckta (http://www.beckta.com/). The hitch is that it allows BYO only on Sundays and Mondays, but if we booked a private room there might be some flexibility there, I don`t know. The cost is $20 per bottle. Sadly, there are as yet few other first class food-and-BYO options in Ottawa.

So, does this interest anyone and if so, for when?

If this doesn`t tickle your fancy, perhaps something in either Montreal or Toronto?

I'm interested in getting together. Is Beckta the only BYO restaurant in Ottawa? There must be some others. $20 corkage is too high imo. Are there any across the river (in civilization)?

Some time in February?

There are others but they are of a much less quality and do not offer daily BYO either. Perhaps BEckta would reduce the BYO fee if we were bringing many bottles and-or ordering a bottle from their list?

One or both of the Kegs apparently offer BYO seven days a week......

None of the good restaurants on the Québec side offer BYO, last time I checked (last June).

A sunday BYOB shouldn't be that bad. I'd be interested. Since Steve8 has met most of you before, we'll let him coordinate, if that's ok steve8?

The only restaurants that I can think of at this moment in Gatineau-Hull that your can bring your own wine is Casa Grecque or Rouge ou Blanc.
Not really big restaurants.

I would be in on any day, but would prefer a Saturday for the obvious reason that I don't see myself driving back from Ottawa on a Sunday night after an offline.... I actually brings back some bad memorys....
I drove to and from Ottawa for 3-1/2 years every weekend when my wife was at Ottawa U.
There were some nights when I was so tired, I don't remember how I got home !!!

But... For an offline....... Anything goes

I agree with the others, a Saturday is best for all those from out-of-town. Certainly there is more than one restaurant that would allow BYOW.
What about renting a suite in one of the hotels and having it catered? Something like the very first TWC offline at the Royal York.

Of course I am in.

I will likely be called back to the mothership for reprogramming in January (my Head Office is in Ottawa), so let me know when you are thinking and I will ensure I am there. Hopefully Mrs. Baird can be talked into joining us.......

I never know my travel schedule this far in advance, but I occasionally find myself in Ottawa, so I'd love to join everyone in Ottawa. So far, I'm only a "maybe", though.

I'm out for sure as aav jr is due in less than 3 weeks from now. Can't see myself travelling the distant. You guys have fun.

I called Beckta and there is no flexibilty on the BYO days of the week, so if we wanted to go there, it would have to be a Sunday or Monday.

Neither Keg has a BYO licence

there is an Italian restaurant downtown that allows BYO on Saturdays, but neither I nor anyone I know has eaten there. It is: http://www.fiorisrestaurant.com

Bman, you can try Capone's on industrial. Not sure if they'll permit BYO, but they do have private rooms.

As far as having an offline in Ottawa, I don't mind having it at my place (some of you have already been), and understand there are some logistics restrictions. I am not downtown, and there are no hotels nearby (as Steve8, DoktaP and Baird can attest).
And the most I could host is probably 16 (the amount of place settings I have). Also, 16 people, starts getting expensive for me, but I don't mind the work (as Baird and Bman can attest from previous offlines).

I'll let that stew in your heads.

p.s. I have 2 dogs so if your allergic or don't like dogs, tough!! The dogs are part of the family, and are not going anywhere. Baird, Steve8 and DoktaP can attest that my older dog is very quiet. The pup on the other hand is only 4 1/2 months old. We are still dealing with that one.

Thanks for the kind offer carriedca, I had of course thought of chez vous but you host more often than me already and I cannot accomodate a group as large as I was hoping would appear. We can continue to play this by ear, and if we get a large contingent from Montreal and/or Toronto we can figure out a venue at that time.

If worse comes to worse, we can get together just ourselves, though with only three of us drinking it might get messy.....

I would seriously consider a Saturday date in January.

Thomas23162,
Where you been, man? I haven't seen you post in ages. I hope that all is well. Do you still have those wines for sale? Good to see you back in the saddle. Please send regards to B.

Why don't we all tele-conference from BYOBs in our own cities

Very generous offer Carriedca, but that could be a large group. Cost could always be shared.

What's wrong with this place Fioris that Bman posted? Why not try it. Menu looked acceptable, albeit not gastronomically inspiring. They have a private room.

Or the suite idea that Dok suggested.

Steve8, hosting and the work entailed doesn't bother me or Ms. carriedca. A group of 16 doesn't intimidate either of us. More planning, that's all. To be honest, we'd like to experience this one day, since we'd like to start a small catering side business.
And sharing some of the cost would be appreciated.
If we are more than 16, it is still possible, just means not everyone will have matching dishware. Even glasses wouldn't be a problem.

Thomas23162, we'd love to have you over as well. The Ms. and I are great hosts and cooks. You won't be dissappointed.

carriedca,

As a recipient of your generosity on at least 3 occasions (including using the carriedca hotel), I firmly believe that donations for food should not be recommended, but manditory.

Set the menu.... and let us bring ingredients like caviar, fois gras, etc. (fine, I can bring you a 1kg jar of Cheez Whiz if you like!).

Let's not have mrs carriedca and you doing all the work!

I agree with Baird. Let him (Baird) prepare the entire meal. He prepares the greatest kitchen fires I have seen. Make sure your smoke detectors are in working order and your insurance is paid in full.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Baird:
I firmly believe that donations for food should not be recommended, but manditory.
[QUOTE]

You make it sound like it's giving to a food bank.

I don't want to end up with 12 cans of pumpkin pie filling

I was hoping to ditch a case of creamed corn we've had for years.....

bman, your creamed corn would go great with the can of spam I've been saving for just the right occassion.

This is sounding more fun by the minute.

Did we want to set a date for this?
Possible dates for me would be Jan.7th, Feb. 4th, 11th, 25th(possibly) and March 4th.
Any later and we are getting into spring.