I realize I'm relatively new to this forum but I figured I'll ask. My girlfriend has a business trip to Chicago on March 10 & 11 and since I have the time I am going with her. Any excuse to spend time in your great city. We're going to extend the trip to include the weekend too.

Any of you interested in getting together to drink some wine? I know you guys already have a busy March planned with off-lines the following two weekends. Obviously the Friday or Saturday would be better for her. One idea I had was going to Randolph Wine Cellars that was mentioned in a wine bar thread last month. Could always meet there for a glass or two (or any other subsequent number). Alternatively, we would be open to any other suggestions also.

Let me know and I hope to be able to meet some of you.

Steve- I would love to get together for a drink one night. I just checked with my wife (to whom I defer all social planning) and she tells me we have plans on both the 12th and 13th. I can definitely get a drink with you on Thurs the 11th for drinks and dinner, or Fri the 12th after work for drinks only.

Randolph is on my way home from work, so we could definitely make this happen. I'm sure we can get some other Mafia members to join us too.

Where are you staying?

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Yes, but I came here for an argument.

Oh! Oh! I'm sorry, this is abuse.

Grossie. Thanks for the quick reply. Being a "husband in tow" for this trip means my schedule is wide open, so Thursday is fine with me but my girlfriend may not be able to make it. If not, her loss I guess. Right now, it looks good for her too but that could change at the last minute. Let's see if there any other CWM interested before deciding.

On Friday and Saturday we are staying at the "luxurious Holiday Inn" on Harrison St. (yes that's an oxymoron but hey it's free). I don't even know which hotel she has reserved for the first 2 nights. I'll find out.

Steve- try www.hotrooms.com for Chicago hotels. Good deals, reliable. I don't know how much you're paying, but I'm sure you could get a better hotel than that holiday inn. It's probably not even as luxurious as you think!

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Yes, but I came here for an argument.

Oh! Oh! I'm sorry, this is abuse.

I could be coaxed out for a glass or two.

J3

*************

I have no idea.

I have a new job in the suburbs now, but I might be able to swing by RWC for a drink or two after hours. However, I'm definitely out if it's on that Thursday night ... puppy obedience class (no jokes from the peanut gallery, grossie).

RD- I noticed that you've been fairly obedient in the past. Now heel, and come out to Randolph on a Thursday!

(How could I not?)

********
Yes, but I came here for an argument.

Oh! Oh! I'm sorry, this is abuse.

R2,

Your master must have you on a short leash.

J3

*************

I have no idea.

Steve,

I know the 10th is unavailable for me. I was invited to a private tasting with Angelo Gaja that evening(I only mention it to get the rest of the Mafia jealous).

I will check with my wife to see what we have planned for the weekend.

VM

Vino Me,

Is that the Barbaresco tasting with Gaja through Binny's? I think I saw that email this morning...

Nancy

Nancy,

I don't think this is the same one. This is a tasting being held by Sams and Paterno Imports at The Peninsula Hotel. It is free. Certain managers at Sams were allowed to invite 8 customers each and one of them asked if I would like to go. I jumped on it.

VM

Hey VM--

That Gaja tasting is going to be spectacular. Unfortunately, I can't make it. I was told that they will be bringing many '78s, which makes me even more disappointed since that is my birth year. Take good notes and let me know what I missed!

Joe
Grape Lakes Wine Appreciation Guild
www.grapelakes.com

Hey, got home and checked my email, they're apparently doing the Gaja thing TWO nights.

Binny's is sponsoring it on March 9th at the Peninsula Hotel, $50 a person, seating extremely limited, Email cellarmaster@binnys.com for reservations.

I'm not going as I don't imagine I'd buy any of it anyway, might as well save space for those more serious.

Nancy

OK, so Grossie is only available on Thurs. or Friday and the latter for early drinks only. J3 didn't mention any restrictions. R2-D2 is not available Thursday and Wednesday is out for Vino Me.

It sounds like Friday would be a good possibility to meet all four of you. To add to the mix I just found out that I have a job interview on Friday AM in Sheboygan, WI. No big deal though, I can be back for happy hour.

Does Randolph Wine Cellar on Friday (12th) sound good? What time? I assume that I can find the address somewhere on the internet?

Steve- Friday sounds good to me. Mid/late afternoon, maybe 4-5pm or so? I'll be out of town the next few days, but I'll check back in when I come back.

I'm so sorry about Sheboygan.

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Yes, but I came here for an argument.

Oh! Oh! I'm sorry, this is abuse.

quote:

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Originally posted by grossie:
I'm so sorry about Sheboygan.

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Don't worry, the job wouldn't involve moving there

Friday sounds good for me.

J3

*************

I have no idea.

This sounds like fun. I'll see if I can get a hall pass for next Friday.

-O

I'll try to make it, but I probably won't get there until 6pm.

I'm in. I'll probably get there between 5:00 and 6:00, after work.

Looking forward to meeting you steve8. Here is a map to the Randolph Tasting Room.

Any particular wine theme? Whaddya like, steve8?

Cheers,

Otis

I will probably get there around 5:30 or so.

J3

*************

I have no idea.

quote:

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Originally posted by otisabdul:

Any particular wine theme? Whaddya like, steve8?

Cheers,

Otis

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Why? Can we bring wine to Randolphs?

Thanks for the directions link.

steve8,

We can bring our own. Of course, there is a corkage fee. We have also in the past bought some wine there in addition to what we bring. Any suggestions for a theme, or just pot luck?

J3

*************

I have no idea.

There's not much I don't like

So pot luck sounds like fun.

BTW, are there any other wine stores I should go to other than the Sam's on Marcey?

Looks like Friday is good for me. Probably won't get there until 6pm. One of the wines I will bring will be the 1999 Quinto do Crasto Douro Reserva which is the TAA for March chosen by Ronnie Roots.

Steve- Randolph Wine Cellar has a small but very nice store attached to the tasting room and it would be a good idea for you to get there a little early on Friday to look around. Binny's has a store downtown and the Wine Discount Center has a location about 5 blocks away from Sams on Elston Ave.

VM

[This message was edited by Vino Me on Mar 06, 2004 at 04:10 PM.]