I know there are a few Floridians active on this site, but we're all pretty scattered. Wondering if anyone would consider a drive to Ft. Myers Beach for an offline?

I'd be willing to offer up space in my restaurant (Pappa Mondo Ristorante) as well as pour a few of our more interesting Italian wines from the list. Of course, I would encourage others to bring their own bottles (no corkage) of anything that you would be willing to share.

My chef, Salvatore Zumbo, from southern Italy would definately be up to the task of putting together a special fixed menu if anyone would be interested.

I'm thinking the first couple of weeks in December on a Friday or Saturday would be a great time to do this, as we are generally pretty slow at that time, and I could dedicate my attention to the festivities.

Any takers?

Very tempting.

I haven't been to Fort Myers in years, preferring to visit Naples instead when we go to the west coast.

I would be interested. I'll have to verify any date in December with my wife as it is usually a very busy month for us. Off the top of my head I think the 3rd or 10th would probably work for us. I know we will be out of town the weekend of the 17th. It sounds fun, it would give me and my wife a good reason to get away for a weekend!

Thanks for the input, guys. I figure I'll just let this thread float around for about a week or so and see if anyone else is interested. If so, we'll try and get a date set up.

Rob, any chance you can make it over to the East Coast the last week in December?

Board-O: probably not...I'm going to Nebraska to be with family over Christmas, and then generally after that we are going nuts around here for the next 4 months. Just don't have the ability to get away from the restaurant once Christmas is over.

Rob,

Should be relatively easy for us to attend should you decide to go through with your idea.

I can possibly attend. I can bring my wine snob friends with me too. (only 4 of us kids around)

I live in Fort Lauderdale and can make the drive easily enough. An exact date would make it easier to figure out.

After seeing everyone's input, I think I'll propose a date of Saturday, December 10th. Please chime in and let me know if this will work. If it works, we'll start putting together a menu and I'll start choosing a few wines, both Italian and non-Italian that I have either on my list or from my small private collection.


Also, let me know of any dietary restrictions/preferences and we'll try and work around them and make it work for everyone.

My wife and I should be good with that day. We just need to check with her parents for babysitting since we will be overnighting on Saturday. No dietary restrictions for us.

That date works for us as well - only real dietary restriction would be cream sauces for her - I love 'em.

Sorry we will have to miss this one - we will be on a short cruise that weekend.

We would love to come another time!

Okay, now we'll have to wait and see how Hurricane Wilma plays out this weekend...so far all of the models have it giving us a direct hit. We'll see if I have a building even standing after this. Here we go again...

I might be willing to make the trip w Janette, my SO. Keep me informed.

E Jaffe

EDJ

Good luck with Wilma, RobM. Hang in there...

I'm hoping this hurricane weakens a good bit before it gets to Florida. RobM, keep us informed how you're doing and best of luck that you only see tropical storm conditions and not an all out hurricane.

We made it through the storm virtually unscathed, so it looks like we can go ahead with this, barring any future hurricane onslaughts. My suggestion if you are looking for accomodations would be right across the street at the Diamondhead resort, but it can be a bit pricey. If anyone has any questions as to hotels in the immediate area, please ask, I'll be happy to give my impressions.

Otherwise, let's start putting together a head count, and I'll start thinking about a menu in the next few weeks.

Rob,

Sorry for the delay in responding but Wilma knocked us out for a bit. My wife and I are a definite, we have our childsitting worked out for that weekend so count us in!

Thought I would give this a 'bump' to see if we are still on since there have been no further posts since mine two weeks ago.

Yes, I too have been waiting to see about further response. The proposed date is right around the corner...anyone still in, or should we try to do this another time?

It looks like I'll be unable to do this on the mentioned dates as it looks like this will be a weekend with the kids, but right now can't be sure.

RobM,

Well, we are now only 2 weeks away and it looks like we would have a very small offline as I think I am the only one that can attend. I know you had mentioned that you will probably be real busy for the next few months but if you can reschedule (whenever it may be) we would certainly be interested.

Yep, I think this one is certainly destined to be at a later date. I understand...it's tought to get everyone together. If I was invited, I probably wouldn't be able to make it.

I'll keep everyone posted when I think another date may work (could be months at this point, but better late than never).

i noticed this thread way late. and i actually could have made it this saturday, 12/10. oh well. i'll keep an eye out for the next one.

I would be interested in the rescheduled offline. Let me know when a new date is chosen.