Like I said, I'm pretty open throughout March, especially on weekdays.

For those that seem to have commitments or time constraints, (tpb, winetarelli, anyone else?) what week would work best for you guys? Maybe we can start there and work our way down to a date.

Suggestions?

Generally, I'm open Monday through Thursday. If its a weekend and I am in town, I'll be there. I believe I am only in town on a weekend one more weekend in March (20-22).

quote:

Originally posted by lizardking:
I've been to the Counter in Santana Row and I think it would be good idea food-wine-wise because you pretty much build your burger any way you want with an infinite amount of ingredients. I don't really remember the setup so I can't say whether they'll be able to cater to a large group, but I'm sure we can easily find that out.

Just had lunch there today. I'd say if it is a week night, we'd be fine there. A weekend night, and I'd prefer not to be near Santana Row.

The burger was decent, however. The do serve wine already, so we'd have to look into a corkage.

keytohwy

So realize I've responded to a location, but not an RSVP.

I'm in, but I'm booked the 20th and 21st. I, too, prefer week nights, and we might have an easier time with places then, too.

What about Nibblers in Pleasant Hill. Been a while since I was there, but it is a tapas style place. They serve a decent selection of wine, and from talking to the managers (again, some time ago), seems like they'd be interested in events such as this. With enough commitment, maybe they'd do a special menu for us, focused on burgers???

keytohwy

I'm out if it is the 20th or 21st (already booked) but potentially open for other dates.

I've been to Nibblers too, decent place, good prices. It would most likely be a nice place for an offline as its slightly off the beaten path and therefore a more intimate setting.

What does everyone think about the week of the 23-27? Either Counters, Lark Creek or Pyramid in Walnut Creek, Nibblers in Pleasant Hill; anything else? Left Bank is in Pleasant Hill too, they're prices aren't outrageous and they do have burgers!

Lizardking,

Wed the 26th or Thurs the 27th works best for us. Since this is on your turf out there, can I defer to you to make the arrangements?

quote:

Originally posted by tanglenet:
Lizardking,

Wed the 26th or Thurs the 27th works best for us. Since this is on your turf out there, can I defer to you to make the arrangements?

LZ,

I'm local as well, so if I can do anything, please let me know...

keytohwy

We have no problem with making the arrangements, glad we could help really.

How does the 26th or 27th work for everyone? I'm thinking the 27th would work better for us right now, but am also open to other dates as well.

Does anyone have preference for city, transportation, etc? I know it was nice being so close to BART for the last couple of offlines, and if that is a priority for some folks we'll try to plan on a restaurant near a station. If not then more suggestions or preferences would be helpful.

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

I vote for the 27th, if we are talking specifics.

keytohwy

I just realized that the 27th is Friday. Are we talking about Friday or a Thursday night offline?

I think I started the error with a previous post. Sorry!

Wow, I can't believe I missed that too! I swear I checked the calendar and everything

Okay, so, how about the 25 or 26? Also, on top of city preference and whether or not anyone cares to be close to a bart station, it would be good to start closing in on a theme.

I liked the idea of Cali Syrah (or was it US?). Good Cabernet and burgers sound delicious as well. I know winetarelli mentioned other-than-tuscany Italy, and while I don't have much experience with that, I'm sure I wouldn't mind the education

Or, we could just do a grab bag. Any input?

Either Wed or Thurs would be good. Nibblers or Pyramid or another location would be fine. I have to admit, I would prefer cabs or cab blends, but that's just me. But, I promise I'll bring something nice if it is one of those

quote:

Originally posted by tanglenet:
Either Wed or Thurs would be good. Nibblers or Pyramid or another location would be fine. I have to admit, I would prefer cabs or cab blends, but that's just me. But, I promise I'll bring something nice if it is one of those

I can make either night also. Probably prefer Wednesday over Thursday, but only a slight preference.
I am okay with US Syrah (as I'll bring a Washington wine if so), but cab/cab blends are fine with me. Just let me know the theme.

Selfishly, the 26th is my wife's bday. So I vote the 25th.

I'd also be in for Cali cabs, but am open to others as well.

I hope I can be there. Would be my first offline.

Keytohwy

So, its looking like Wednesday the 25th would be a good bet, if anyone has an issue with that please let us know.

I have to say that I would prefer Cab/Cab blends (especially since I missed the first one ), but I think it would be good to get some more input before we decide.

After re-reading the posts it seems as though most people prefer to be near bart and that Walnut Creek seems to be the best bet.

I've contacted Lark Creek, The Counter and am waiting on a call from Pyramid for places in Walnut Creek. And in Pleasant Hill, Nibblers.

Lark Creek has a $1100 food minimum for a room and a $20 corkage fee and they seem pretty stiff about this, so I think this counts them out.

The Counter won't take reservations and their corkage is $10. Their prices seem to be the best, but I think the atmosphere is more of a fast-food/restaurant hybrid, so noise and space may be an issue.

Nibblers seems to be the most flexible. For large groups they will offer a tasting menu or they can do small plates (tapas) if we like, as it is their specialty, at $30/person. They are willing to reduce the corkage to $10, but they ask that we don't bring anything (vintage specific) they have on their wine list. I think we could be able to work with them on the details if need be. The problem with Nibblers is that they are not within walking distance of bart. Mrs. Lizardking and I could see what we can do about arranging some kind of help with that depending on how many people would be coming via bart.

Let me know what you guys think, if anyone has anymore suggestions please let us know, even though this is our area, we haven't been here that long and this is our first time arranging a wine event.

I don't mind stopping by nibblers and getting a wine menu.

If we go with the 25th, I'm also happy to play BART taxi.

Keytohwy

quote:

Originally posted by keytohwy:
I don't mind stopping by nibblers and getting a wine menu.

If we go with the 25th, I'm also happy to play BART taxi.

Keytohwy

They have a wine list online and here is their full-bodied red list. Notice the '86 Cos for <$150

I think Nibblers sounds great. I like restaurants that want to work with us.

quote:

Originally posted by tanglenet:
I think Nibblers sounds great. I like restaurants that want to work with us.

Indeed.

I am provisionally in. I will know for certain in the next couple of days.

So it sounds like this is what we have so far for the 25th

tanglenet- 2
ketohwy- 1-2
tpb- 1
winetarelli- 1-3
lizardking- 2
Randy Sloan- ?
juicy- ?
happy csw- ?
Eric White- ?

Sounds like Nibblers might work. As soon as I get a more definite head count I'll confirm the reservation, unless anyone has a problem with that.

Now about that theme...

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

I'm in on the 25th, out on the 26th.

keytohwy

quote:

Originally posted by lizardking:
So it sounds like this is what we have so far

tanglenet- ?
ketohwy- ?
tpb- ?
winetarelli- 1-3
lizardking- 2
Randy Sloan- ?
juicy- ?
happy csw- ?
Eric White- ?

Sounds like Nibblers might work. As soon as I get a more definite head count I'll confirm the reservation, unless anyone has a problem with that.

Now about that theme...

I'm in as a single....

The last time I heard I had a date

2 here.

Thanks tpb and tanglenet!

Keytohwy, how many will be in your party?

Anyone else?