The Heartland & Our Neighbors (October 17-19 )

[maggiethecat]

It's on the calendar. In ink.

[guajolote]

Michelle's 1.5 acre estate in the forest is going to be great for this. I just hope we can find it .

[MatthewB]

Michelle's 1.5 acre estate in the forest is going to be great for this. I just hope we can find it .

Balloons. Or some such.

[MatthewB]

It would probably behoove us to get a handle on who's attending. Please start chiming in.

[maggiethecat]

It would probably behoove us to get a handle on who's attending.  Please start chiming in.

Ting-a-ling.

[MatthewB]

Should we put tommy on the attendee list whilst realizing that he'll say he'll show but that he won't?

[herbacidal]

Michelle's 1.5 acre estate in the forest is going to be great for this. I just hope we can find it .

Balloons. Or some such.

why not a trail of bread crumbs?

[NeroW]

I'm going to try to make it.

[fresco]

I'll be there.

[MatthewB]

why not a trail of bread crumbs?

If I do that, are you in, herb?

Edited August 26, 2003 by MatthewB (log)

[guajolote]

Me and Flaca are in. Jerry, Iris, Iris, and Robert will also make an appearance.

I will let everyone follow me to Michelle's place. I think I can find it back. The problem going there is you are in the MF boonies and cell phones don't work .

[tommy]

Should we put tommy on the attendee list whilst realizing that he'll say he'll show but that he won't? 

i'm in.

[Alex]

Matthew and I had a long and enjoyable meeting today. Among other topics, we discussed some preliminary planning for the October gathering. Here's what we have so far:

Friday: As mentioned in some Aug. 12 posts, if there are no major dissenting votes, dinner will be at Rafaella's by Pagano's. We were thinking that a prix fixe tasting menu might be a fun way to go, with a wine option. Matthew and I will meet with Joe Pagano and his sous chef Thomas Griffin to discuss the menu, and with local wine guru Dave Russo about wine pairings. Joe's prices are pretty reasonable, but let us know anyway if you have a cost ceiling preference. Also, when you RSVP (or re-RSVP), could you mention if you'll be arriving Friday in time for dinner (as opposed to Friday after dinner or Saturday)?

Saturday day: Matthew is still researching the hayride and the heirloom apple farm. We also might organize a wine tasting or a food-related event. Or visit Saugatuck. Or maybe give everyone a list of local attractions and events, with directions. Or some combination of the above (semi-structured day, with options). Any other suggestions/desires?

Saturday evening: Party at Michelle's. Matthew can do the prime ribs, I can make my award-winning butternut squash soup and a pear/goat cheese dessert. Other contributions??

Sunday: No ideas. We ran out of lattes and couldn't think any more.

We're also working on lodging options.

Matthew, please feel free to add or edit.

I'm looking forward to meeting you all.

[herbacidal]

why not a trail of bread crumbs?

If I do that, are you in, herb?

sure, let's make it on a whim.

unless i get obliterated by the next passing of mars.

[Michael Laiskonis]

What, I've got to drive all the way to Grand Rapids for this thing? You can't all come to my restaurant and spend large sums of money? Actually, you better not... by the sounds of it, this crew might put my job in jeopardy!

So put me in the 'perhaps, possibly, maybe, at this time unconfirmed, if it doesn't conflict with something in my schedule that I don't know about yet,' category. Plan something cool and groovy for Sunday, as that is my best shot of attending.

[MatthewB]

Attendee list so far . . .

MatthewB & SO

Guajolote & Flaca (plus the kids & G's parents)

Maggie & Mr. Handsome

Alex & spouse

fresco & spouse (& ?)

NeroW (possible)

herbacidal (on a whim)

Michael Laiskonis (possibly on Sunday)

tommy (wateva)

Who's RVSP'd that I'm missing?

[guajolote]

Thank you for taking over the planning Matthew and Alex.

My only comment is we may want to go some inexpensive place on Friday since people are goping to have to pay for transportation and lodging. Also if people do take the train in it gets to the station at around 10, so we'll want to be there to meet them. What's the current bar scene downtown? I know Matthew has complained about bad drinks before.

I'll be bringing some sort of seafood dish.

What about the fish ladder?

[fresco]

I've checked all the closets and couldn't find anything in yellow. Is yellow attire optional?

[guajolote]

I'll be bringing some sort of seafood dish.

Since the smoker will be going maybe I'll make some smoked scallops?

[MatthewB]

I'll be bringing some sort of seafood dish.

Since the smoker will be going maybe I'll make some smoked scallops?

Yeah!

And fresco, you're going to need to do some clothes shopping if you expect to fit in.

[Alex]

I can wear my yellow (well, maize) U of M shirt.

[guajolote]

I can wear my yellow (well, maize) U of M shirt.

Nice.

Matthew, will you be making a pate for us with your new charcuterie skills? A foie gras terrine would be nice too, I think I saw a bottle of Sauternes in your cellar.

[MatthewB]

Matthew, will you be making a pate for us with your new charcuterie skills? A foie gras terrine would be nice too, I think I saw a bottle of Sauternes in your cellar.

I think a terrine would be a good possibility.

Those Sauternes bottles are staying put!

[guajolote]

Those Sauternes bottles are staying put! 

You can share it with us, or we can steal it. If you share it, at least you'll get a taste .

[MatthewB]

Those Sauternes bottles are staying put!

You can share it with us, or we can steal it. If you share it, at least you'll get a taste .

Note to self: Designate one room for storing valuables October 17-19. Keep said room locked at all times.