I have no preferences, as long as it does not conflict with NFL playoffs, which I guess counts out Jan.7. Any date in Feb is fine.

Thomas - it would be great to get you and yours up here for a visit, though winter is much scarier here than in your neck of the woods.

If Seaquam will be in TO for more than a few days, perhaps he (and his mother) could even join in?

How scary can the process of getting there be when I get to hoist with you and the Dok not to mention the others.

I might even bring a certain very old bottle of vintage port.

We might have to ask DoktaP to bring the Port tongs (not thongs) to open the bottle.

Gladly. But I think you've got it wrong. Futronic has the thongs. He things them all the time.

As long as it is a Saturday I can make any date in February.

We'll have to set a date.

And decide whether we go restaurant, private room, or at Chez Carriedca (heard the food was good there, )

quote:

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

That begs the question..... what wine matches best with creamed corn?

Since I have no 1945 or 1961 First Growth Bordeaux, I would likely drink a mixed drink in this case instead of wine. My drink of choice would be vodka and prune juice.... a Pile Driver.

I cna do wonders with cream corn.....I'm just not eating any of it.

If we can fix a date, and decide whether we are having it at a restaurant or my place, we can start planning.

Feb. 25 is now okay (I initially said possibly).

I would cast a tentative vote for Feb. 25, as most seem to be available in February and that would give out-of-towners that much more time to plan their visit.

It should be noted that Winterlude is Feb. 3-19. (http://www.capcan.ca/bins/ncc_web_content_page.asp?cid=...7-16298-22877&lang=1) On the one hand, there will be lots of tourists and things to do during this period, which might attract more offliners from away. On the other hand hotel rooms and seats in good restaurants might be scarce and deals would be hard to find. Personally, I cannot imagine "celebrating" winter, much the opposite, but different strokes, etc..... Any thoughts on this?

As for the venue, I would suggest that we let numbers guide us. If we are many then a restaurant is probably best, if not, then either chez carriedca or chez moi would do.

FYI, I've contacted Luxe Bistro (http://www.luxebistro.com/site/location.htm), a very popular spot (though I've not yet had the pleasure myself) and while they do not normally allow BYO they would consider it for us. And the afore-mentioned Fiori remains an option as well.

Count me in for one

quote:

Originally posted by DoktaP:
Count me in for one

One???

How the hell am I going to sell this trip to the Mrs. if it is going to be all guys? It' will be like a Sausage Festival in Ottawa. Festival

I need to get a better understanding of schedules for hockey, snowboarding, Leanne's travel with her new job, etc. I can't commit yet but I am fairly confident that I will be able to attend with the wife.

One what?

Count us in for two...
I know my wife would prefer a date during Winterlude, being that skating is a favorite sport for her, I think the skating will still be in the cards on the 25th.

Are we settling on Feb. 25th? Let's fix this this date.

As for venue, I'll will explore the possibilities, but if all else fails, Chez Carriedca is available, and you will not be disappointed. They even have Riedel stemware!

Carried,
I'm on call at the hospital Feb. 24th, but available the 25th. It means I will be arriving the same day (probably very sleep deprived and grumpy).

Barb and I are in.

Looking forward to it.

Julie and I are in too. Vinaigre, tell C that Julie would probably want to skate also. They can go skating and we can go wine shopping.

We're in for two.

Hey Luc, it's time you joined in on an offline. Les Gatineauois are welcome too!

Thomas - it's great that you and Barb are coming Just be warned that Ottawa winter is not Windsor winter!!

What about the rest of the TWC and Montreal contingents?

B-man thank you very much.
If I go I will be alone, my girlfriend is in Mexico
And if I go alone, I won't be comfortable, I don't know anybody.
I'll try to invite a friend.
I cannot confirm it at this time, but I am really interested.
What will be the theme?? Bordeaux 1982??

quote:

Originally posted by Luc Sabourin:

And if I go alone, I won't be comfortable, I don't know anybody.

Luc, that's the way it was for all of us at the first off-line. No worries. A great group of people that make anyone feel comfortable.

Do people prefer coming during winterlude??
Better chance of skating than late Feb.
We should decide soon, because hotels will fill up for winterlude.
And it may prevent us from having dinner at a restaurant.

What Steve said, Luc. You gotta come, one way or another.

I've been to many offlines on my own, meeting people in person for the first time. Not once have I been uncomfortable, even though I like Aussie and South American wines better than most Europeans.

Though I'm uncomfortable now, since everyone picks on me for it.

carriedca: I suggest that we stick with the last weekend in February since we've already started getting positive replies for that date. Winterlude will be over but the canal may be better for skating then anywyays. And in any case, people are coming more for the pleasure of our company than anything else, right?

Carried,
Don't you mean wine-ter-lude? Let's get our priorities straight.

I will be coming for sure. Hopefully with my girlfriend or a friend wine-lover how has already been to some of our offlines.

Feb dates look better than Jan but late Jan is ok with me as well.