I am coming to the US in June and will be in Chicago from Sunday 5th June to Tuesday 7th June (G'day in a glass festival). I would love to catch up with the crew over dinner somewhere. Who would be interested, which night would you prefer and where would you all suggest? It would either be the evenings of Sunday 5th or Monday 6th.
pete

Pete- Rock and roll! I'm sure we'll be able to extend the red carpet for you. If you really want a blow out though, maybe you can make a Saturday night stay? If not, then I'm sure we'll figure something out Sun or Mon.

I will pencil you into the planner, I have nothing planned so far for that weekend.

This should work for me.

J3

Count me in for two.

Sounds interesting. My wife and I are a tentative yes.

VM

As of now, I'm available on either Sunday, 6/5 or Monday, 6/6.

So far, so good for either date.

Mr & Mrs Haggis will be available those dates.

That's brilliant!! Ok, let's aim for Sunday 5th. Now, where??
pete

Barring unforeseen circumstances, count me in.

Looking forward to it.

Cheers,

Otis

Hey Mafioso, should we start firming up the details of this? Sunday night the 5th June....where???

pete

Why don't we try to get a head count, then we can figure out what to do.

As far as I can tell, I'm in for 2.

As of now, I'm available.

It turns out I am bartending at a charity "Polka Picnic" on the South side of Chicago that afternoon from 12-6; but, if the dinner is after that I should be able to make it. Tentative 2.

VM

bad news, i'm in day twah - i'm out of this one.

Just got the hall pass. Put me down for 1.

Turning 40 on June 3rd, so I am determined to slay all brain cells that weekend.

Cheers,

Otis

Sorry to hear that, Frankie, I was hoping to drink a few with you one of these days.
VM- I'm counting you in!
Otis- Why only one? Mrs Grossie and Lady VM will want the company (of course, I haven't told Mrs Grossie about this yet....) I guess when you get that old, the wife stops listening to you......

Head count:

Pete- 1
Scotty Mac- 1
Grossie- 2
VM- 2, but only after6
Otis-1 (?)
Anwar-2
Thelostverse-2
J3-1

If I don't hear from Allred and Haggie I'll send around emails soon.

Anyone have ideas for a venue?


{Edited for Anwar, TLV,& J3}

This message has been edited. Last edited by: grossie,

Still looking good here, put me down for 2

i'm sorry too grossie. haven't traveled much so far this year, but it's changing come may. BTW, the cellar works beautifully, now i just wish it held more, i've got it stuffed to the gills!

LOL grossie

We have nights out on the town planned for June 3rd and 4th, so the absence of Mrs. O on the 5th pertains more to her conscience about leaving the kids with a sitter for a third night in a row.

Hmmm. Makes me think that maybe we should do the 3rd annual steak-out that night at my place (unless Peter's a vegetarian).

-O

Count us in for 2.

Otis, the annual steak-out sounds like a fine idea. However, if you are going to be killing brain cells all weekend with Mrs. O, you may want to run this by her before volunteering your (her) house for a gathering.

Grossie, don't forget about Allred. As today is April 15th, his "busy season" officially ends today. He may not have seen this thread.

I've been in Reno (again) for the past few days. I am still in.

J3

I am NOT, I repeat, NOT a vegetarian!! Sounds cool.
pete

Update:

After discussion with Otis we have decided that Otis's 3rd annual steak-out is to be held chez Grossie. The location is on the North side of Chicago, making it somewhat more central for all involved. I do have to limit attendance, but I think that the crowd we have so far should be fine.

Attendees:
Pete- 1
Scotty Mac- 1
Grossie- 2
VM- 2, but only after 6pm
Otis-1 (but maybe 2 +2)
Anwar-2
Thelostverse-2
J3-1

I'm counting allred as 2 and Haggis as 2. I also haven't heard boo from Scubarex, but I figure he may be in as well. That tops us out at about 20, which is my theoretical maximum. Is there anyone I'm forgetting?

Let's do the regular steak-out format- double blind, everyone (or every couple) brings a wine that will go with rib-eye steaks. I will need volunteers for appys, sides, and desserts. We'll figure out some whites too.

Due to space constraints croquet is out. If someone can bring whiffle ball we can relive the Pyang visit of 2003 (Scott's not allowed to pitch). Any other alley games would be welcomed.

I think I have everyone's email address except for Peter. If anyone wants to email me with comments/suggestions, I'm at Dr_grossie at yahoo dot com.

Well done Grossie, and thanks.
my email is peter@peterhowlandwines.com

pete