Mrs tlily and I will be in town for the weekend. In addition to attendance at Otisabdul's cellar bash on Saturday 1/3, we'll be attending the Sharks and Hawks game at the United Center on Friday 1/2.
In order to help Otisabdul actually diminish his cellar and not stock it up with all the wine forumites are sure to bring into town, we'd like to get together before the game with anyone interested.
Time: 4PM-7PM we'll be heading to the game at 7PM, anyone else is free to stay later.
Cost: Finding out about corkage now, but plan on about $25 per person.
Wines: I'll bring an older Monte Bello for Vino Me, and some other cool stuff I'm sure. Let's say the theme, in the spirit of the So-Cal group is, "what's a theme, bring good wine". One bottle per 2 people.
Special Secret: We'll sing happy birthday to someone.
In so far:
tlily's (2) Otisabdul (1)? R2-D2 (1)?
Who's in?
--------------- paul@hockeyguy.com
[This message was edited by tlily on Oct 29, 2003 at 06:09 PM.]
Posts: 5232 | Location: San Jose | Registered: May 24, 2002
Put me down as a maybe...Interesting choice for location...strictly as a wine bar/retail establish, I never thought of trying to BYOB. Please let me know the details re: corkage!
The corkage is $20, any string pulling would help. I guessed $25 based on: 1 bottle per 2 people at $20, ordering food from the menu, a bottle or 2 from thier list (which usually helps make corkage go away).
grossie, maybe I can get you to make a reservation for 12-15 since you have some connections? I think that would be more cost effective than reserving one of the private rooms. Let me know.
Tlily- The place is basically a loft with an open layout and many small seating areas of sofas and chairs for about 4-6people each. There are probably 12-15 of such areas. I'm not sure a reservation is required per se, but I will talk to the guy I know about getting the corkage fee lowered. I buy some wine from the adjacent Randolph Wine Cellars and they know that I've sent other people there (R2& VM).
I'm sure if we bought something from the store and took it upstairs there would be no corkage, and then we can work on other bottles. I'll talk to them next week.
******** Out, out damn goat.
Posts: 4255 | Location: Chicago | Registered: May 24, 2002
I'm out, I called them and they allow smoking in The Tasting Room.
Probably best as that's going to be a crazy day at work, I'll probably work till 7pm anyway (Hey, I have to work New Year's Day too, big launch for us).
Nancy
Posts: 403 | Location: Hanover Park, IL, USA | Registered: May 14, 2003
I spoke to one of the owners and he told me not to worry about reserving space. He also said he'll work with me on reducing corkage. I think it's understandable to charge some corkage here since it's basically a wine bar and we're talking about bringing our own wine. It's not like he can make his money on the food (there's not that much on the menu). It would probably help if we actually buy stuff from the store downstairs, it'll soften the blow for him, and it's quite a nice selection.
Next time I'm in there I'll mention the date to him again, and if we get an approximate head count I can let him know to expect us.
As an aside Tlily- you're a thief, but I agreed to it, so I can't complain too much. May the best man win.
******** Yes, but I came here for an argument.
Oh! Oh! I'm sorry, this is abuse.
Posts: 4255 | Location: Chicago | Registered: May 24, 2002
Tenative jcubed (1) joseph.wu (1) Scott McDonald (1)
Let's start listing them out.
I'll bring a 2002 Cooper Garrod Viognier to get us started. And if Vino Me is a no show I say we crack open one of his 2001 Pride Cabs. Otherwise I think I'll bring an 84 or 85 Ridge Jimsomare Cab.
I'm 1 or 2, not sure about my wife's attendance. Grossie can have my extra Hawks-Sharks tickets IF she can't make it.
This might be a good opportunity to open the 2001 Gratis Chardonnay that I just received from Sea Smoke. As for red, how about I buy something downstairs in Randolph, brown bag it, and have everyone take a guess?
I guessed $25 based on: 1 bottle per 2 people at $20, ordering food from the menu, a bottle or 2 from thier list (which usually helps make corkage go away).
May the best man win.