Chicago: May 22nd?

I'm available that night - it'd be great to meet you. What part of town are you staying in?

I'm free as well and would love to meet up if this happens in the city.

I will be in the city.

You can email me at ghedrick at ECOLAB dot com

I'm in LB!

How about Kiki's bistro? It's been a number of years since I've been there but they have (had?) a good corkage policy and serve some pretty solid French food. River North area, convenient for people coming from any direction.
As soon as we get a final number I'll reserve.

Last time I was at Kiki's the corkage was $25. That was a couple of years ago.

Kiki's is fine but will mention a couple of other options. The Bristol waives corkage on Mondays and Formento's will waive corkage if you purchase a wine from their list.

I will defer to the locals. It's been at least 4 years since I was at Kiki's but I enjoy the food and atmosphere. Haven't been to the other two. Once we decide on the venue we can decide what wines we want to drink. I'm good for just about anything except Oz.

I've never been to Kiki's for one reason or another. I've been to Bristol several times and enjoy it. Don't know anything about Formento's either. If Kiki's is really at $25 per bottle for corkage, that seems like it might add up with a group.

I'd be interested in joining as well. I'm open to just about wherever for location.

i'm a possible yes too - have one work commitment that may/may not keep me.

I'm no longer going to be able to make this. Have fun!

Damn, I wish we could make this and meet you, Longboarder. Hopefully we will have another chance in the future.

Judging by your email, I am a bit surprised you'll be in the city and not in the western suburbs.

Have a wonderful evening, gentlemen!

Psa just saw this from Fred Scherrer of Scherrer vineyards. Worth checking out if your are in the area.

Chicago! Tasting Pop-Up tomorrow night at The Lunatic, The Lover & The Poet

Saturday 5/20 from 8-10 pm. A few new wines and a 2009 Russian River Pinot Noir magnum from the library. Oh, and I brought my guitar.

So, we won't be serving spam on Monday night however I made a reservation at The Bristol for 7pm for 6 people. They couldn't give me 6:30, but I'll plan on being there somewhat early, maybe as early as 6:30pm. I figured the Bristol is a good compromise for its ease of transportation (close to the highway), it's close to me and winesparty I believe, and a little closer for Otis who said he's going to be a bit late, coming from the North burbs.

If anyone has other ideas I'm open, no strong feelings.

I count: me, LB, Otis, TLV, Wineparty, and Slipstich. LMK if any of you change your mind.

Spoken with LB a bit by email, we're leaning Bordeaux. I know Otis was yes for that as well. Not sure about the rest of you, but we don't have to worry about it too much. Bring something, and as usual there will be plenty of wine I'm sure.

Ok I am in! All clear on work stuff and the Bristol is super close to me.

If it's ok, I may bring a champagne as I have essentially no Bordeaux.

Thinking a 2002 Pierre Gimmonet brut paradoxe

Looking forward to meeting those I haven't yet!

There has been another change in travel plans and can make it if there is room.

The reservation is for 6 people, but I'm sure there will be space smartly. Haven't gotten confirmation from TLV, but otherwise everyone else seems to be in.

Reservation is under my last name, which none of you know except for LB! First name is Rich. I should be there earlier than reservation time. See you all then.

Slipstich- if you want to bring something that is cab or merlot based that might be a good foil to bordeaux. Try not to go too big, I find big new world cab sometimes doesn't play well with old world cab/merlot. Champers works too, or even a pre-dinner white.

See everyone tomorrow.

I have to back out - got a sick kid at home. smartlysauced can take my place, so it looks like it all evens out (or perhaps everyone else wins by this substitution ). Hope everyone has a great time.

I'm going to have to bail on this as I was going to be downtown this afternoon, but that has been cancelled, and I have to be at the Daley Center for an early hearing tomorrow morning. By the time I get home tonight, I'd have to leave for my hearing.

Sorry to miss this, and hopefully we'll get another chance to share a glass Longboarder. You're obviously in good hands with Grossie, Otis and the rest of the crew.

Ugh - I hate to do the same. I really tried to re-arrange but I am getting pulled into a meeting in the suburbs and there is no chance I will be back in the city by dinner. I am so sorry for the back and forth, but enjoy. Hope to meet you all soon.

Looking forward to meeting up.

TLV, WineSparty, and Slip. Sorry you can't make it.

I brought a red with me to work. Is anyone planning on bringing bubbles or a white? I can adjust course.

quote:

Originally posted by smartlysauced:
Looking forward to meeting up.

TLV, WineSparty, and Slip. Sorry you can't make it.

I brought a red with me to work. Is anyone planning on bringing bubbles or a white? I can adjust course.

I brought an '86 Ducru Beaucaillou with me on the plane so I will leave any whites or bubbles to the local crew. Look forward to seeing everyone tonight.

I'll bring a white and something sweet for after.
Sorry you guys couldn't make it. See the rest of you soon