Who's interested?

[DaveinOlyWA]

ya cool!!

i dont have much preference for distance either. but i frequently work weekends but because im on an east coast schedule, i am usually off early in the afternoon.

so ill go as far south as portland and as far north as everett??? or there abouts. actually im open. i will go farther if the interest is there.

i was prowling the other local chapters and there was a huge gathering in san diego and someone took a picture of the parking lot. there was like 35 Prius they completely filled up two rows. it was a beautiful sight!!

i want something like that!! but if i can get 3 people together, ill do it.

[InTheWASide]

Well, I'm just gonna propose a TIME for the first one, and that would be after I'm there. 8) And from what I've heard from my friends in Lynnwood it's been MISERABLE the last week or so. Maybe the cool air will return when I do. Actually, it will return when I do, so just wait... The "Second Coming of Brad" as I put it with my friends, is soon at hand... Repent now, and give me your money! :P KIDDING... you can keep your money
As far as locations, I would propose something either in Kirkland, Bellevue or Redmond since as far as the lake is concerned, it's a good central location.

A previous post I made gives a few suggestions for Kirkland.

As far as Bellevue goes, there's everything from ANOTHER Cucina Cucina, PF Changs, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, California Pizza Kitchen, Red Robin. Everything from super upscale to $7-9 at Red Robin. Since that's all surrounding the mall it WOULD be hard to cluster them and show them off, BUT there is that cool little park across the street to hang out at and we could either A) Get food togo and hang out in the park, or hang in the park and PARK at the park and then grab a bite to eat later on. Also, if all the owners going to any particular meet happen to be over 21, I've heard great stuff about this place called the "Tap House" From what friends have told me they have over 100 kinds of beer on tap and they have some pretty awesome food too! Obviously if we have people under 21 we shouldn't go there, or at least save it for later, but that's an idea too.

Redmond, there's Claim Jumper at the Town Center... having a hard time picturing all the other stuff in my head since I haven't leved there for 3.5 years, but Claim Jumper has a bit of everything and if it's a bit too expensive for some... Uhh, HELLO, an elephant couldn't eat a whole plate they put in front of you... Anyone trying to save $ can pair up and split an entree, or even the appetizer samplers are GREAT for 3-4 people (and I think about $25, so $6/person)

So that's my take... I'm currently trying to stumble through my computer programs and make some kind of cool little thing for our innaugural meet. (Little card type things, or a "Program") Just a little something as a memento for anyone that's gonna be there right from the start! (hear that Dave.. you HAVE to wait now... otherwise NO LITTLE MEMENTO!!)

Talk to you all soon!

[Frank Hudon]

I'll second Bellevue, with the mall there I'd easily talk the wife into it. If it was a saturday even better. Sunday fine, friday fine. Now a date. On the calander

[InTheWASide]

Originally posted by Frank Hudon
I'll second Bellevue, with the mall there I'd easily talk the wife into it. If it was a saturday even better. Sunday fine, friday fine. Now a date. On the calander

Eww... someone's gonna be coming from Canadia for this? ukeright: Can we make some rule that only people from a nation with a VIABLE economy can go? :mrgreen:

Anyone uncertain, I am SOOOO kidding!

[Frank Hudon]

Well that lets out California with a Hummer driving leader? That should be the criteria for attendance Joke!

[DaveinOlyWA]

ok i mentioned in the other thread that now we need concrete ideas for a meet spot.

so im taking the first 3 suggestions to arrange a vote for all interested parties.

so we are looking for

1) a place to meet
2) what we can do there
3)why you think it would be good

things to consider

1) weather. if outside, too early in the afternoon might be unpleasant since the weather has been so flaky. early evening might be better since it gets dark very late and most evenings are pleasant as to be cool without being too hot or cold.

2) if a restaurant is planned. try to pick a place that has menu variety. we need to consider that some people may have diet restrictions or simply not like specialities places like seafood, chicken or pizza. some specility places do have a wide selection so they would be ok.

3) also lets try for something that everyone can afford. some of us maybe on a budget and i would hate to see someone not go because they cant afford it. i think around $10 per person for food is good.

ok ... so submit a place that is in the seattle-bellevue area. since most are closest to there we can start there.

OK?
good!!

first 3 submissions will be voted on.!!

so hurry!!

i guess a tentative meet time will be end of august, first of sept time frame. let me know if anyone wants to meet earlier. if we get enough we can do something im sure.

[InTheWASide]

things to consider  

1) weather. if outside, too early in the afternoon might be unpleasant since the weather has been so flaky. early evening might be better since it gets dark very late and most evenings are pleasant as to be cool without being too hot or cold.  

2) if a restaurant is planned. try to pick a place that has menu variety. we need to consider that some people may have diet restrictions or simply not like specialities places like seafood, chicken or pizza. some specility places do have a wide selection so they would be ok.  

3) also lets try for something that everyone can afford. some of us maybe on a budget and i would hate to see someone not go because they cant afford it. i think around $10 per person for food is good.  

ok ... so submit a place that is in the seattle-bellevue area. since most are closest to there we can start there.  

OK?  
good!!  

first 3 submissions will be voted on.!!

Oh Daaavid....

We already did that... Well, my earlier post suggested three places but... I did get a second re: Bellevue... And you haven't replied to my mention of wait til I'm there or you get NO TRINKET!! I mentioned everything from weather and indoor/outdoor options, places with a HUGE variety, and a restaurant where people can get food for under $9... It only gets cheaper than that at McDonalds...

So what's with the repost buddy? You got your three suggestions... I even thought them through :mrgreen:

[DaveinOlyWA]

ok lets say this suggestions started when i made the new post

each person is allowed only one place so you can submit one.

OR

if everyone is agreeable to the places you suggested then you need to resubmit with addresses and directions and estimated cost.

im sure since you are not here yet that someone who lives near where you are refering to can help with that.

also, if not using positive personal knowledge. please verify directions if using a map service.

also, you admit to having a hard time remembering specifics. as most will be coming from out of town, specifics is what we need.

also because of smoking issues, drinking issues and age limitations, bars should be out. alcohol can be bought at nearly every restaurant.

The Red Robin idea needs details but i think it would fly. although in a mall area (arent they all??), if they are a separate building then parking close should be no problem. they are usually out from the mall enough to where mall parking doesnt interfere too much. the park sounds great. but it also gives us a safety net in case it rains.

[Starbug]

LOL, Brad & Frank... ! I've now had my giggles for the night.


Lets see, there's a Ruby's Diner in Redmond Town Center (mall also contains food, shops, theater). There is the Crossroads Mall in Bellevue with stuff (food, shops, a theater if we all wanna see Alien vs Preditor...*looks innocent*)... Um, parks are always good. We can picknick and BS all day, and be in the shade too. Parks in Redmond: Grass Lawn, Anderson, Marymore. And I'm pretty sure there's some in Bellevue too.

But like I said in the other thread Dave started, I will do recon in Redmond tomorrow and get back with specific places and whatnot. Somebody near or in Bellevue should do the same since it looks like we are in favor of both cities at the moment.

[InTheWASide]

Well I was out there not even a month ago, and grew up in Kirkland for 17 years (22 now) Take the 405, exit NE 8th) and go west on it (TOWARD the large buildings of downtown Bellevue) You'll get to an intersection where you see an unfinished highrise on the SE corner (your direct left), and the mall across from it on the SW corner (across the street and to the left). The added new facade work for the restaurants, but I believe on that SW corner you're still able to physically see a big white Crate and Barrel building.

I personally can't think of the name of the street that this intersection is at (NE 8th & ________) so maybe someone can help there, but you take a left at that intersection, and you'll see Red Robin (attached and in with the mall, not a stand alone restaurant) on the right. Shortly after you'll see places to pull in and park. It's all covered, multilevel parking. Park and walk in. Only reason to park somewhere else is if we wanted to park somewhere that people driving down the street could do a "what the...?" double take. :wink:

So other than the name of the cross street for the mall, there's directions for ya. I know they've been doing a LOT of overpass work right there at the Bellevue exits, so there could be a detour of some kind underway. Someone right in the eastside can hopefully provide us with an "up to date" freeway status a couple days prior. Worst case scenario, take the next exit after NE 8th and go to a gas station for help, but I can totally agree that we should try to avoid that if possible.