NancyH

Thanks for the update, Beth! Please note that Sunday's farewell meal will be at AMP 150, not Cropicana. Not sure yet whether Steve Schimoler will join Jeff Jarrett in the kitchen, but it should be a wonderful meal!

I need to get a sense of how many rooms we'd need in our room block and I don't want to reserve too few. So - anyone who thinks they might like to stay at the Marriott should let me know ASAP so I can get a block set up - while I'll add a couple of extra rooms, I don't know how many they'll let me hold over the "committed" number at that rate. So please keep those cards and letters coming. With Steve, I'm up to 5 rooms - do we think 10 will be enough?

Gotcha, Jeff. Any other takers? Any other "maybes" know if they are yea or nay yet?

Correct, Sam - the Marriott has asked me how many rooms we will need, and I'll be setting up the block once I have a sense of it. I see two takers so far - any others?

Good news and bad news about Friday - the bad news is the The Sausage Shop is closed for vacation during our weekend, so we won't get to go there. The good news is that Chris Hodgson, who's Hodge Podge food truck recently competed into the finals of the just-filmed Great Food Truck Race for Food Network, has agreed to do a meet and greet with us. Chris's background includes stints at The Spotted Pig in NYC and fire here in Cleveland, his first food truck, Dim and Den Sum, was the first to break through Cleveland anachronistic laws on that subject (which will be one aspect of his talk) to bring gourmet fare to the Cleveland area streets. We'll be visiting with one or both of his trucks, and probably lunching from them (we're still working out all of the logistics). Chris will tell us as much as he's allowed to about his experience making food television (he's already told me a couple of great stories that I know you'll enjoy). Once the timing for the Chris is finalized, we'll determine if there is enough time in the day for another activity before Happy Hour starts at the Velvet Tango Room at 5pm. We do have a couple of things we're looking into if time permits.

I appreciate the kick in the pants, Nancy, as I'd forgotten to get back to you. You can remove me and my +1 from all the lists, thanks. Donna and I will not be in attendance. Hope you folks enjoy it, though! Thank you for the head's up Boagman! Perhaps we'll see you next year.

Sorry to be so confusing folks, but sometimes, that's just how the restaurant business is! I am now again talking to the Airport Marriott, and they are willing to do a group rate of $79 a night/room; the Marriott is a very nice property and its a good rate; our group rate at the neighboring Holiday Inn for another convention I do, which is half the hotel the Marriott is, is $75. I need to know if people are interested in taking them up on this so I can set up the room block. They have shuttle service to and from the airport, are right next to the light rail station that serves downtown, and are conveniently located for locals to shuttle the out-of-towners to the various events over the weekend. As you know, Chef Ellis Cooley left AMP 150 at the Marriott (I knew about this weeks before it was announced, but was sworn to secrecy about it). So long as Ellis's replacement was not known to me, I could not continue to consider that venue for this event, even though it had been a first choice with Ellis at the helm. Luckily for all involved, Chef Jeff Jarrett has taken over at AMP 150, and he is capable of producing an amazing, exciting menu from the property's garden and his local purveyors for our final group meal. I'm not giving up hope of involving Chef Steve Schimoler in this also, as his food is amazing, but I have confirmed that his Cropicana simply doesn't have the facilities to let him do the kind of food we'd want him to do - Chef Jeff has graciously agreed to share the Sunday stage with Steve at AMP 150, if we can work it out - otherwise, our last big meal at AMP 150 will be all Jeff - either way, it will be amazing. For anyone remaining in Cleveland for dinner (I know of at least one of you!) - we will plan something tailored to the number of people, and how much more eating they are up for - the Sunday Supper at Flying Fig might be an excellent choice. So, please reply to this message or PM me to let me know if you are interested in staying at the Marriott at the $79 room rate. Also - can any of the "maybe" people let me know whether they are coming? Fat Guy, LuckyGirl, technophile50, heidih? Thank you!

Had a great meeting with Scott Groth a/k/a The Chubby Cook this afternoon - he is excited to host us on Saturday and will be contributing a dessert, intermezzo, and fresh juices as well. Since the airfare wars end later today, now seems an opportune time to ask the "maybe" folk if they have decided whether or not they are attending.

ChefCrash - Thurs 8/4-Sun 8/7 2011.

Jeff - things are still a little in flux. Give me a few more days to nail things down. But don't pass up an awesome downtown deal if you find one

Yes, we'll need to start asking folks to pick their courses for Saturday soon. Our Saturday host, Scott Groth, has some ideas he wants to share with me (in addition to donating the space, he very much wants to be involved with the weekend), so we'll start that process next week. Thinking caps on, please!

Terrific, David! We'll make sure you eat well Sunday evening also! Boagman - have you decided whether or not you are still joining us?

Oops - Just realized I left Sunday off of the previously posted list - please respond to this post if you will join us Sunday; I anticipate we'll start around noon.

Chris - if your flight is on time, you should be able to make Lolita.

Attendee lists: this will all move to Eventbrite shortly, but please update me as to the following if any info is inaccurate: Attendees for Heartland Gathering: Attending all or part of weekend: NancyH +1 Ronnie Suburban +2 Edsel Tino27 torakris Kerry Beal Chris Hennes +1 (1 veg) rooftop1000 +3 David Ross RockNRoller Connie Hayashi +1 (1 veg) Kasw (Karen) +1 Dave the Cook JAZ Jeff Meeker SamIAm +1 prasantrin +1 REB +1 Boagman +1 Sheb +1 – everything but Saturday 34 Maybe: Fat Guy LuckyGirl +1 technophile50 heidih 6 Thurs Tremont Crawl: Who's in? I anticipate we'll start with Happy Hour at Fahrenheit at 5pm. Lolita at 7pm and Dante after that. You don't have to visit all three, but you'll wish you did! Fri Day - TBD GHT list (Fri Dinner): NancyH +1 Ronnie Suburban +2 Edsel Tino27 torakris Kerry Beal Chris Hennes +1 (1 veg) David Ross rooftop1000 +3 Boagman +1 Connie Hayashi +1 (1 veg) Dave the Cook JAZ SamIAm +1 JSMeeker prasantrin +1 REB +1 Boagman +1 Sheb +1 31 Saturday Shopping: NUFM WSM Saturday Feast NancyH +1 Ronnie Suburban +2 Edsel Tino27 torakris Kerry Beal Chris Hennes +1 (1 veg) rooftop1000 +3 David Ross RockNRoller Connie Hayashi +1 (1 veg) Kasw (Karen) +1 Dave the Cook JAZ Jeff Meeker SamIAm +1 prasantrin +1 REB +1 Boagman +1 32 Maybe: Fat Guy LuckyGirl +1 technophile50 heidih 5 We need to refine the numbers to ensure we have enough space for everyone (and so we don't reserve too much). Pricing should be commiserate with prior years. Please everyone respond and confirm your status - if you're on the list, confirm you belong there, if you're not - please add yourself! Thank you!

Ok folks, time for some updates. Cleveland has been a busy place lately! First - Chef Ellis Cooley has taken his talents from Cleveland to West Palm Beach FL. Though it was just announced last week that Chef Jeff Jarrett will be taking his place at AMP 150 at the Marriott, I had already launched discussions with Chef Steve Schimoler about creating some Crop magic at his summer haunt Cropicana on Whiskey Island (about 12 minutes from Downtown Cleveland) for our farewell meal on Sunday. Second - the venue for Saturday's Feast will be The Chubby Cook, which just opened in Beachwood Ohio this last week. Our host will be Cleveland Food Blogger and Entrepreneur Scott Groth. I'll be sitting down with him Wednesday to discuss the specifics and some things that he wants to bring to the table. The facility has a huge commercial kitchen, with 2 6-top vulcans each with ovens, among other things: I'll post a separate message with the current headcounts; I'll be moving all of that record-keeping to Eventbrite shortly, with pricing info. The itinerary is presently: Thurs Night - Tremont Crawl: Fahrenheit, Lolita (Michael Symon's restaurant) and Dante. Fri day - we're still working some details - the Sausage Shop is closed for vacation, so Edsel and Tom and I are working on some other ideas - stay tuned! We have several lunch possibilities, including Sterle's Slovenian House and Brandt Evans' new PuraVida. Fri Happy Hour - Velvet Tango Room Fri Dinner - Greenhouse Tavern Sat shopping: West Side Market and North Union Farmers' Market Sat Feast - The Chubby Cook, Beachwood Ohio Sunday farewell meal - Cropicana, Whiskey Island. But it doesn't have to be "farewell" - we'll plan a Sunday dinner if anyone wants to stay that long!

Oops - sorry Rona. Will fix for the next go-round. More info coming very, very soon.

Kris - thank you for the catch. Boagman - I think the group has answered your question. It is now up to you. Shall we continue to count you in or not? Friday Dinner NancyH +1 Ronnie Suburban +2 Edsel Tino27 torakris Kerry Beal Chris Amirault Chris Hennes +1 (1 veg) David Ross rooftop1000 +1 David Ross Boagman +1 Connie Hayashi +1 (1 veg) Kasw (Karen) +1 Dave the Cook JAZ toolprincess SamIAm +1 JSMeeker presantrin +1 REB +1 31

Thanks for the continued updates. My Friday Night Dinner list is now as follows - please keep the changes coming: Friday Dinner NancyH +1 Ronnie Suburban +2 Edsel Tino27 torakris Kerry Beal Chris Amirault rooftop1000 +1 Chris Hennes +1 (1 veg) David Ross rooftop1000 +1 David Ross Boagman +1 Connie Hayashi +1 (1 veg) Kasw (Karen) +1 Dave the Cook JAZ toolprincess SamIAm +1 JSMeeker presantrin +1 REB +1 31

I think this is true as it pertains to other variables, too. As much as the folks who organize and attend this event each year do their best to plan everything out, invariably unforeseen twists and turns come up that are beyond anyone's control. I think that in order to really enjoy this weekend, you've got to be capable of going with the flow. Unless it is decided that children are not welcome, we'll definitely be bringing our 14-year-old son. He's been to many of these Gatherings and has always comported himself admirably -- and contributed mightily. Also, he enjoyed himself thoroughly at Pierre Gagnaire, Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée and Alinea (among others), so I'm sure he'll be just fine at any of the meals that are planned for this particular weekend . . . unless the food is bad, then he might explode with rage! Fwiw, the only person I remember throwing up at one of these events was a grown-up, so that can happen to anyone! =R= Ronnie - it wouldn't be a Heartland Gathering without Lucas!

And while I'm here - I'd like to update the headcount for Thursday evening's Tremont Crawl. Thursday evening Tremont Crawl: NancyH +1 Ronnie Suburban +2 Edsel Tino27 torakris Kerry Beal Chris Hennes +1 (1 veg) rooftop1000 +1 David Ross Boagman +1 RockNRoller Connie Hayashi +1 (1 veg) Kasw (Karen) +1 Dave the Cook JAZ toolprincess Jeff Meeker SamIAm +1 27 - but I don't think all of you are committing to Thursday. Maybes - please give me an update on whether you think you'll be there: Maybe: Fat Guy prasantrin +1 CaliPoutine +1 LuckyGirl +1 technophile50 heidi 9 Our destination Thursday will be Tremont, one of Cleveland's hottest food scenes. I am hoping that we will start with Happy Hour at Fahrenheit, and a progressive dinner at Michael Symon's Lolita and Dante Bocuzzi's Dante. This will be a leisurely evening, so we will have room to enjoy all of the goodness.

Sam - you are right - and that is why I am asking the crew for updates. As soon as the pricing is organized, I'll be switching this to Eventbrite. Friday night dinner at Green House Tavern NancyH +1 Ronnie Suburban +2 Edsel Tino27 torakris Kerry Beal Chris Amirault rooftop1000 +1 Chris Hennes +1 (1 veg) David Ross rooftop1000 +1 David Ross Boagman +1 Connie Hayashi +1 (1 veg) Kasw (Karen) +1 Dave the Cook JAZ toolprincess SamIAm +1 JSMeeker 30

Good news on the planning front! I saw Chef Jon Sawyer of The Greenhouse Tavern yesterday and we discussed Friday's dinner. He is committed to a dining event out of the restaurant for the first part of the evening, but that will give us an opportunity to enjoy a relaxed Happy Hour at the Velvet Tango Room before we head to dinner. We will plan to begin arriving at GHT around 7:30, with food to begin at 8pm. Jon has just (as in last week) renovated the downstairs room that looks into the kitchen, to hold up to 37 people. My list for Friday night shows 24 confirmed yes and a few maybes - please review the following list of the "yes" and tell me if I need to add or subtract you, and if you have been a maybe, can you update your likelihood of attending? NancyH +1 Ronnie Suburban +2 Edsel Tino27 torakris Kerry Beal Chris Amirault rooftop1000 +1 Chris Hennes +1 (1 veg) David Ross rooftop1000 +1 David Ross Boagman +1 Connie Hayashi +1 (1 veg) Kasw (Karen) +1 Dave the Cook JAZ toolprincess 27 If we exceed 37, Jon will still accommodate us in the restaurant. We discussed doing a family-style tasting menu (which will include several vegetarian items). For those of you not familiar with the GHT, Jon was named one of the US's Best New Chefs by Food & Wine Magazine in 2010, and GHT is Ohio's first Certified Green restaurant. But of course, it's really all about the food, and Jon and his fabulous staff really deliver. Since I unfortunately missed the last two gatherings, I'd like to get a sense of an acceptable price point for folks (alcohol will be additional and on-your-own). What were the Friday dinners the last two years, and what do folks think is reasonable? Our menu will include Jon's signature items (foie gras steamed clams, a "fifth quarter" item (nasty/tasty bits), frites, roasted pig's face) and other seasonal treats. Once I give him the price point, he'll put together the menu and it should be exquisite. I am also working with the chefs for Thursday night's Tremont Crawl. We'll start with Happy Hour at Rocco Whelan's Fahrenheit, then walk two blocks to Dante and Lolita (not sure which is going first, but they are across the street from one another). Still working on Sunday (and the Marriott) - stay tuned.

Boagman -as Tom said - there has never been an age restriction, nor has there ever been a problem with it. And the reason there has never been a problem is because our members have thus far exhibited remarkably good common sense; Lucas is the only youngster I recall at any restaurant (and he has always behaved as a mature young man), and Saturday is more forgiving, because we make it ourselves, and there is usually enough space for everyone to just get along. That said - Genkinaonna - this weekend is generally speaking NOT a kiddie event. The restaurants we will visit, while open to well-behaved people of all ages, will not be providing "kid-friendly" dining options for our group. While we won't kick out a 5 year old at the door, behavior by any attendee that is inappropriate to an adult venue will not be acceptable. There is no litmus test for guests, other than that they and those in their charge are expected to behave appropriately for adult venues when we are in them. There have been some developments in the Cleveland restaurant scene that are forcing me to change some of the plans I had originally made for dining venues etc., but don't worry - it will all shake out for the best by the time we get to August! More info to follow very shortly.

I'm going back and forth with the Marriott now. Stay tuned.