NYC Dinner Thread

[barrysloate]

This has been done before and dare I try it again. The very first NYC Dinner Thread on Net54 lives in hobby infamy as one of the most dysfunctional threads we've ever had, but let's get started.

I am free the month of June, supposed to be away most of July, but those dates aren't set yet and I have some flexibility. We usually pick a restaurant someplace in Mid-town Manhattan. Please keep in mind there will always be one or two who can't make it on a particular date. We try to accommodate but sometimes we can't get everyone in.

So far it's Barry S, Michael S, and Jamie B. Anyone else? All are welcome to join us. Restaurant suggestions are encouraged. And I suggest a date towards the end of June, about a month from today.

[Rhotchkiss]

Depending on the date (and an ok from the wife), I would make a trip north for this.

[brass_rat]

Thanks for taking the lead, Barry -- count me in!

I'm flexible on time and date.

Steve

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

we were looking at coming into the city to see "The Play That Goes Wrong" anyway, Would love to combine the two if wives are allowed!

[judsonhamlin]

Always up for a trip in if the date works. Any Blarney Stones still open? Kidding but open to most food options

[barrysloate]

Great to see some old faces and some new ones too.

At some point we have to focus on time and place, so why don't I suggest a window between June 20-30. If that doesn't work, we can make necessary changes.

Do people prefer a weeknight or a weekend? We'll probably be split on this but let's hear what works.

And to Scott's question: yes, wives are welcomed, my wife Judy has attended several, but keep in mind this is a group of serious baseball card collectors. Will the wives find it interesting fare? We can talk about other things too, of course.

[ullmandds]

As of this minute june 23 works for moi.

[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

As of this minute june 23 works for moi.

Great. So as a starting point, how do people feel about June 23? I know Scott wanted to get theatre tickets, so if that day is available he can join us say at 6:00 and head to the play when he has to. So let's hear from everyone about the 23rd. And there are still people who may want to come who have yet to see this thread, so we're still early in the process.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

should be doable for me.. FWIW I also prefer a reasonably priced meal, though a splurge is an option.

[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

should be doable for me.. FWIW I also prefer a reasonably priced meal, though a splurge is an option.

That's great Scott. If you get tickets we'll make every effort to get together that night. And I think a reasonably priced restaurant is a good way to go. Michael S. usually picks out the venue, so I'll work with him to find something affordable. Maybe we'll look into a good sports bar in midtown, not too far from the Theater district.

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

That's great Scott. If you get tickets we'll make every effort to get together that night. And I think a reasonably priced restaurant is a good way to go. Michael S. usually picks out the venue, so I'll work with him to find something affordable. Maybe we'll look into a good sports bar in midtown, not too far from the Theater district.

I got together recently at Foleys with some folks and it was real reasonable and, hell, full of sports memorabilia. And is on 34th street. Just an idea.

[T205 GB]

Wish it was first weekend in June as I will be in Wilmington for 5 days. Would love to put a face to names and meet some more hobby guys.

[Fballguy]

Just curious...if we have a budget, are we supposed to subtract 20% first or add it later?

Love the City....I'll be there for a week in July. Can't wait. Best food in the country.

Keens Steakhouse or Pete Luger or Takashi...For meat.

Katz's...For deli

Barney Greengrass...For smoked fish/breakfast

Rubirosa...For pizza

Papaya Dog...For hot dogs

Wu Lieng Ye or Joe's Shanghai...For Chinese

Blind Tiger...For beer

Murray's...For Cheese

Sushi Nakazawa or Yasuda or Blue Ribbon Sushi...For Sushi

Russ & Daughters...For Bagels and Lox

[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by T205 GB

Wish it was first weekend in June as I will be in Wilmington for 5 days. Would love to put a face to names and meet some more hobby guys.

Hey Andrew- that's only a week away and may be too little time to put this together and get everyone on board.

[KingFisk]

A weeknight would work better for me as I work in midtown. Weekend probably wouldn't work due to family commitments.

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[brass_rat]

The 23rd works for me!
Steve

(If people choose weeknight, I'd suggest the 14th or 21st since they be towards the end of the week.)

[FourStrikes]

I eat plenty of "shitty" and/or cheap meals on an ongoing basis, but when I'm on the road I'm not as worried about it, ESPECIALLY if there's cards and memorabilia involved! IF I was closer to - or going to be in NYC - I'd certainly be more than willing to splurge for a pricey meal! sadly (in THIS case, I cannot attend the NYC meet-up)...perhaps I would be unwelcome, anyway as I'm NOT a hardcore $$$ collector - but I encourage EVERYBODY to eat a few bucks (plus a decent meal) to support this gathering!)

I'm in SoCal, and would not hesitate for a second if such an occasion were available - AND available, schedule-wise, in THIS area...I understand budgets, but THIS NYC proposal warrants special interest/circumstances.

JMO,but something to consider

life's too short! have fun everyone!

[barrysloate]

At the end of the day we will have to go with what works for the greatest number of people. When we had our original mammoth 500+ post dinner thread, we discovered there was no night that worked for everybody. If two guys couldn't make it and we changed the date for them, suddenly two other guys couldn't make the new date. So we will try to please as many people as we can, with apologies to those who can't come. That's the best we can do.

[hcv123]

Monday and Wednesday being the best for me. Don't really care much where the restaurant is. Would look forward to meet many. Understand needs to work for most - so I put in my 2 cents and let the chips fall where they may - will do my best to make it.

[barrysloate]

It doesn't have to be a Saturday, and most of the ones we've had have been on a weeknight. Let's leave the date open for now.

[Big Six]

If there’s room for a small timer, I’m interested...in Connecticut so I’m a short train ride away...


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[barrysloate]

Here's where we stand so far:

20 people have shown a strong interest or rated the dinner a possibility. From that list probably 15-17 will attend, and we may get more in the coming days. That's a pretty big group, probably too big for one table. Best to find a place with several smaller tables. If you put say 18 at a single long table, it will be impossible to speak to anybody except those sitting right next to or across from you. The guys at the other end might as well be in another time zone. So likely we would be sitting in smaller groups.

Since Saturdays don't really work, after the holiday I'm going to suggest Thursday June 21. As I said before it is virtually impossible to pick a day where everyone will be free. I know a few will say they can't make this date. But I think we have to pick something reasonable and go with it, with apologies for those who can't attend.

I like Steve N.'s suggestion of Foley's, the sports bar on 34th Street. Several attending will be coming in via Penn Station, and that will make it super easy for them. And every subway goes through 34th Street so the location couldn't be better. But it will be loud and crowded, so we will still listen to other suggestions as far as venue.

Any thoughts about this, please post. Trying my best to make this work for as many as possible.

[barrysloate]

I just googled Foley's and it's at 18 West 33rd Street, which is between 5th and 6th Avenue. Still easy to get to from Penn Station. The pictures show tons of sports memorabilia, so no downside there. But it's hard to tell the layout of the restaurant from the pictures.

Steve N.- do you think if there ends up being twenty of us there will be enough room for everyone? And how crowded is it? Anything you can tell us will help to make a decision.

[KingFisk]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

I just googled Foley's and it's at 18 West 33rd Street, which is between 5th and 6th Avenue. Still easy to get to from Penn Station. The pictures show tons of sports memorabilia, so no downside there. But it's hard to tell the layout of the restaurant from the pictures.

Steve N.- do you think if there ends up being twenty of us there will be enough room for everyone? And how crowded is it? Anything you can tell us will help to make a decision.

If we wanted to do more dinner type places rather than a bar, my wife, who works near Penn suggested the following places for larger groups (private room may be availablel... big question also is whether or not there is an event at MSG that night.

https://casanonna.com/new-york/
http://m.mobilewebsiteserver.com/sit....google.com%2F


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[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by KingFisk

If we wanted to do more dinner type places rather than a bar, my wife, who works near Penn suggested the following places for larger groups (private room may be availablel... big question also is whether or not there is an event at MSG that night.

https://casanonna.com/new-york/
http://m.mobilewebsiteserver.com/sit....google.com%2F


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Good suggestions Carl and I'm open to pretty much anything. The only thing I am trying to do is make it as easy as possible for people to get to. Anyplace in Manhattan is just a subway ride for me, but for some who are coming a long distance I want it to be convenient. I am entirely open to any restaurant people think will work. In fact I'd rather let somebody else choose it.

[JollyElm]

Just a helpful suggestion. If you're going to have this get-together at a sports bar, check the date to make sure there are no 'huge' games taking place that night to avoid an even more crowded situation.

[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

Just a helpful suggestion. If you're going to have this get-together at a sports bar, check the date to make sure there are no 'huge' games taking place that night to avoid an even more crowded situation.

That's good advice but the Knicks and Rangers are dead and buried. What big sports night could take place over there in late June?

[KingFisk]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

That's good advice but the Knicks and Rangers are dead and buried. What big sports night could take place over there in late June?

Concerts at the Garden, NBA finals on TV...actually finals will be done by then.

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[JollyElm]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

That's good advice but the Knicks and Rangers are dead and buried. What big sports night could take place over there in late June?

I was mainly talking about what is on TV. Are the NBA/NHL playoffs over by your proposed date? Keep that in mind.

[KingFisk]

Here is what is going on that night. Doesn't worry me too much.

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[barrysloate]

Thanks Carl for the info, but I think we'll be okay. We'll pick a place reasonably close to Penn Station but still far enough to avoid the Hall and Oates crowd. Come to think of it, I didn't know H & O even had a crowd.

[Big Six]

Flying back from San Francisco that evening...won’t be able to get down to NYC in time. Have fun boys...hope to meet you guys next time...


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[hcv123]

A lot in flux at work - Will need to know when commitment is needed. Thanks.

Howard

[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by hcv123

A lot in flux at work - Will need to know when commitment is needed. Thanks.

Howard

If we make a reservation, we know we may have one or two more or less than we anticipate. If you are able to commit at any time great. If your schedule frees up at the last minute, just show up. We'll find room for you one way or the other.

[barrysloate]

Just wanted to bump this up to the top, and add a few notes.

I have a few suggestions for a restaurant which I will post later this weekend. Of course, I will listen to others thoughts, but at some point soon we have to pick one.

Also, I've been getting emails and PM's from some who want to join us, but please post on this thread only. Before we make a reservation I will do a head count from here. We don't have to be precise, of course. If we reserve a table for twelve and you are the thirteenth guy to show up, you won't go home hungry, we'll make sure you eat a square meal. But it's nice to be as accurate as possible.

Thanks guys and looking forward to the 14th.

[Bpm0014]

I didn't know H & O even had a crowd.

Huge resurgence in the last 10-15 years. They are pretty much selling out all the major arenas for every show. Saw them in Pittsburgh last year. Sold out show of like 15,000+. They are unreal live....

[Gary Dunaier]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

If we reserve a table for twelve and you are the thirteenth guy to show up, you won't go home hungry, we'll make sure you eat a square meal.

[HobokenJon]

Count me in. Just say where and when. It'll be fun meeting you guys.

[KingFisk]

Also, Barry, at this point I am closer to 75% going (a 25% gain from last week!).

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[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by KingFisk

Also, Barry, at this point I am closer to 75% going (a 25% gain from last week!).

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Only 25% more to go.

[barrysloate]

I just got off the phone with Ted Z. and not only is he joining us, but his lovely wife Charlotte will also be attending. They are coming to NYC for a couple of days to take it all in. As such, my wife Judy will also be coming as she and Charlotte are good friends.

So anybody who wants to bring a spouse or significant other with them, please don't be bashful. Since we are now getting to be a pretty big group, when we finally pick a restaurant, I will probably get two tables. The women or couples can sit at one if they choose. We've found in the past that if you put too many people at one table, and the restaurant is loud, you can only have a conversation with the people sitting right next to you. So two tables should work fine.

So again,wives are invited and welcome. Single folks too.

[MVSNYC]

Barry-

Besides Keens, also look up...

Sparks Steakhouse on 46th
Avra on 48th (great greek food)
PJ Clarkes on 55th (legendary burgers & raw bar)
Naples 45 on 45th (big Italian restaurant, great pizza)
Becco on 46th (Lidia's pasta joint) in theater district

[barrysloate]

Michael- Steve H suggested this restaurant, Haymaker, on West 29th St. Looks like it will fill the bill of not being too pricey, more a comfort food place. I'm not sure I even want to pick a place- would you like to? But please at least look at Haymaker and let's consider it.

http://www.haymakernyc.com/

[BuzzD]

I am in LI and would be interested. Late June ok; kind of a newbie to the Board

Buzz D

[barrysloate]

Buzz D- you are welcome to come, but late June won't work. We have a reservation for tomorrow night. I posted the address above at #125 so if you show up we will make a place for you. I guess you haven't been following this thread,

[Leon]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Buzz D- you are welcome to come, but late June won't work. We have a reservation for tomorrow night. I posted the address above at #125 so if you show up we will make a place for you. I guess you haven't been following this thread,

ok let's make it july 14th ...wait, do I need to read something or can I just interject anything, anytime and change it? ...j/k

I am already eagerly awaiting an update to how it goes. The one I attended was good... Will always remember the Bruces behavior that night. Weird.

[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by Leon

ok let's make it july 14th ...wait, do I need to read something or can I just interject anything, anytime and change it? ...j/k

I am already eagerly awaiting an update to how it goes. The one I attended was good... Will always remember the Bruces behavior that night. Weird.

I remember your visit well Leon. And if I recall correctly, didn't Bruce bolt on the check?

[MVSNYC]

He had a Dial7 "limo" waiting outside...literally. Wonka had fun with that.

[KingFisk]

What was Bruce like in person? Different than board persona? The ghosting and bailing on the check seems like 100% board persona.

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[barrysloate]

Bruce was quite different in person, not as combative, but he still sorely lacked social skills. He and I were friends but also always seemed to be at loggerheads about something.