National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>Hey Folks,<br />I would like to get this wrapped up in the next week or so so we can have a reservation and set game plan. The first thread was good in that we got everyone's opinion on what to do and a ballpark estimate on how many ( we added a smaller card forum, of about 12, to the dinner yesterday too ). I would guess there will be about 60-75 people. Now I need some help on finding the right place. It has been determined that we pretty much eat everyday so that is not a priority although some form of nourishment should be available, and not just liquid refreshments. What I need is some of our Chicagoan (is that correct?) board members to lend me a hand in finding the right venue. Again, food is secondary to the place. It needs to be somewhere close to the National too (Rosemont). I think renting a room is out of the question as it could cost several hundred to thousands of dollars. If we do it at a restaurant the room should be free, or almost free, as long as we chow down. I am taking help....and Andy....where are ya man? BTW, our old friend Pete C. is on a project and won't be able to help with this although I hope he can still make the dinner. PS. Harry Carey's called back a day late and a dollar short...I didn't call them back..... regards all

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>Andy Baran</b><p>Check out the Party / Buffet Package:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.shoelessjoesrosemont.com" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.shoelessjoesrosemont.com</a>/

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>Thanks ....it looks good...also they have a $13.99 buffet package that could be good too....would make it much much easier to handle....thoughts before I call?

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>Jay Miller</b><p>Sounds good--I vote for the grand slam so we can get some "real" food.

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>I agree but was trying to hold the cost down. Not everyone has an Old Judge budget <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> we'll see....

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>Here is a potential menu:<br /><br />GRAND SLAM $18.99<br />Field of Dreams Salad or Ty Cobb Salad<br />Italian Beef Sandwiches<br />BBQ Ribs<br />Char-grilled Boneless Breast of Chicken<br />"Cheezy" Smashed Potatoes<br />Fresh Grilled Vegetables<br /><br /><br />any suggestions to add or delete?<br /><br />btw, for .50 more we can have the grilled chicken done in a gourmet type sauce??

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>Rich Klein</b><p>But I suggest some option(s) for those who may be attending that don't eat meat. <br /><br />Rich

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>Not trying to be mean but if you don't eat meat then I am sure you can order off line. There is going to be just too many people to take seperate orders, imo. I am getting the contract sent over now, these folks seem very cool and responsive, are close to the Convention Center....and will book it for us now. There will be an open Dutch bar, I have it set up to start at 6:30 and dinner served (buffet) starting at 7:30. Comments...<br /><br /><br />I have contract in hand...if no one posts a 911 then this will be the choice...I will wait until about 3pm CST to send it back to them...then we are done..although can still change the buffet menu down the road...

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>Andy Baran</b><p>If the sauce is Vesuvio, then you should order it. This is only available in Chicago (to the best of my knowledge), and it is very tasty. Visitors should try this local favorite.

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>Rich Klein</b><p>To know I ENJOY meat -- was just an idea -- trust me -- with helping to plan my wedding -- you start thinking of these things<br /><br />Geez, I'm sounding like the evil man in all these dinner posts <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />But I WAS Correct about Harry Caray's customer service<br /><br />Rich

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>Elliot</b><p>Sounds like just the place. Do they have a room so we can be segregated. Not for our protection, but for the other diners. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>It will be at Shoeless Joes Sports Bar and Grill. 10200 W.Higgins Road, Rosemont, Il, 60018 <br /><br />The dinner will start at 6:30 (you don't need to be prompt but please not CA time, or else we will be gone <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> ) We can chat and drink for an hour and then.....<br /><br />A dinner buffet will be served starting at 7:30. That should give folks going to the game time to get to it if they want to. The buffet will be either $18.99 or $19.50, depending on if I go for the gourmet chicken sauce stuff...and probably will, and a 15% gratuity. There will be an open Dutch bar. Thanks for the help and I will give a friendly reminder as we get closer and will hope to get a closer to exact head count. I am planning on 60-75 folks. <br /><br />regards,<br />moderator dude

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>Elliot</b><p>Leon, did this have anything to do with your decision?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.shoelessjoesrosemont.com/joesgirls.htm" target="_new">http://www.shoelessjoesrosemont.com/joesgirls.htm</a>

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>anonymoushorndog</b><p>...a set I'd like to collect <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> <br /><br />edited to say: heck, even just one for my type collection.

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>Rich Klein</b><p>Do you really think a bevy of beauties in a far away city would make Leon come to a decision.<br /><br />Nah,,, Leon is a solid judge of good business decisions about finding places close to our show with a budget that we can all afford.<br /><br />We'll just call the service crew a bonus <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />Rich<br /><br />

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>warshawlaw</b><p>And if you're worried about the sauce, BYOB (I do when I have to eat somewhere bad, like my mom's house <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>Colt McClelland</b><p>Dave,<br /><br />I assume you are referring to the Marino, Jordan and Marcus Allen jerseys in the background. <br /><br />Right?

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>Bob Marquette</b><p>Since my significant other, a.k.a. "Don't you call me Mrs. tbob!" won't be attending because she feels I need the time to hang out with my buddies and discuss cards all night, I smiled when I saw the picture. That one in the middle can bat clean up for me anytime. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br />

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>Greg Ecklund</b><p>Left to Right:<br /><br />PSA 7, PSA 7 (MK), PSA 9, PSA 8, PSA 6 (O/C)

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>anonymoushorndog</b><p>..retouched, unholdered, evidence of trim joke in there somewhere <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14><br /><br />let's just hope we don't get rejected for minimum size required.

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>Bob Marquette</b><p>Not to mention a "switch hitter" joke in there somewhere...

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>DJ</b><p>Greg,<br /><br />Too freaking funny!<br /><br />DJ

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>Jay Miller</b><p>As usual SGC comes up with some different grades: SGC88, SGC70, SGC69( front NrMT+ but grade lowered by some residue adhering to an otherwise blank back),50, rejected with notation IWFHWYD

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>Jay....on these blank backs I don't want any residue......otherwise I think an ex++ 69 would be about the right grade.....are we keeping this G rated ? Btw, to get back on topic the venue is set but I do need to make sure we have a reserved place.....I think it is but will confirm today....I gave my credit card so hopefully that reserved us something ?? I will take one more headcount in about a month or so but right now it looks like about 50-60 as we had the other smaller forum say they would prefer to bar hop and be bar flies <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> which is ok by me.....regards

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>So I called Shoeless Joes this morning to get a little more info. We have a reservation for 60 or so people on July 29th at 6:30pm. I think that will be enough room but will take another head count as we get closer. Probably a week or so before the National. We are set on the $18.99 buffet and I will probably add that gourmet sauce to the grilled chicken for .50 a person. See me for exceptions to the buffet. I have to have a minimum number for the gig in general. We will have part of the restaurant sectioned off for our group. It will be semi-private and only our group will be in that area, I am told. We will have wristbands to get into the buffet line and only those with a wristband will be admitted. There will be a 15% gratuity added too so after tax it will be about $25 a head plus your own drinks.........btw, Shoeless Joes is about 5-10 minutes from the convention center.....thanks for the help and input and will let ya'll know more later. moderator dude..

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>Lee Behrens</b><p>What time does the show close on Thursday & Friday?<br /><br />Lee

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>Rich Klein</b><p>Leon:<br /><br /> That sounds exactly like the plan that was used for the Houston Reunion Show dealer dinner in January.<br /><br /> Well done == us normal folks who can eat meat and enjoy the buffet will do so while those with special needs can do otherwise. <br /><br /> Regards,<br /> Rich<br />

National Network54 Dinner night- THE venue
 

Posted By: <b>Bryan Long</b><p>Made all the arrangements yesterday. I'll see everyone there. Jimi Thayer (jimivintage) will be coming with me as well. Looking forward to it.