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[Nert]

Now that I've thought about it some more, 12/2 would probably be fine for me, too.

 

[CFMOORE!]

i said ALL DATES and ALL OPTIONS. Baller status. My spats haven't arrived in the mail yet.

 

[Nex Superne]

Yeah, that's generally how it works; even relatively inexpensive restaurants can have crazy minimums for their private rooms.

 

[Zyzyxxz]

If we do Providence on Sunday and we go for the full Chef's tasting menu we'd need 14.8 persons to meet the $2600 minimum on food only.

Now if several people commit to doing the wine tasting for that menu, every person who did it would reduce the needed persons by half a person.

So if 5 people did the wine tasting then we'd only need 7 people to get the full tasting menu to meet the requirement. So we need to start taking a list to make this viable.

But we need to see if we can even get more than 10 people to commit. Otherwise we'd probably have to see our other options at other restaurants.

If I may throw out a suggestion I think The Royce at the Langham would be a good option if we want a private area at the "chef's table" but it only seats 8 with a minimum of $1000 which if we get the chef's tasting menu should be 12 courses for $150 per person.

Here is a review, the food looks amazing and the chef is talented despite getting relatively little press.

http://www.kevineats.com/2010/11/royce-pasadena-ca.html

 

[HP_Wuvcraft]

I get back on Sunday, but at 10pm. Maybe I could meet you guys after.

 

[POWERSPHERE]

Post photos of the orgy

 

[H.Protagonist]

Sunday dates are noted, guys. Thanks for being flexible. Will update when I get more info from other locations.

i said ALL DATES and ALL OPTIONS. Baller status. My spats haven't arrived in the mail yet.

Haha. CFMOORE! confirmed for picking up the tab. Cheers!

Yeah, that's generally how it works; even relatively inexpensive restaurants can have crazy minimums for their private rooms.

It does seem a bit much. Even if we all did the 9 course AND the wine pairing we still wouldn't meet that crazy minimum. I understand why they do (big parties are a huge burden on the kitchen), but it makes it a bit prohibitively expensive even for people willing to drop on a tasting menu. Ah, well. We'll figure it out.

If we do Providence on Sunday and we go for the full Chef's tasting menu we'd need 14.8 persons to meet the $2600 minimum on food only.

Now if several people commit to doing the wine tasting for that menu, every person who did it would reduce the needed persons by half a person.

So if 5 people did the wine tasting then we'd only need 7 people to get the full tasting menu to meet the requirement. So we need to start taking a list to make this viable.

But we need to see if we can even get more than 10 people to commit. Otherwise we'd probably have to see our other options at other restaurants.

If I may throw out a suggestion I think The Royce at the Langham would be a good option if we want a private area at the "chef's table" but it only seats 8 with a minimum of $1000 which if we get the chef's tasting menu should be 12 courses for $150 per person.

Here is a review, the food looks amazing and the chef is talented despite getting relatively little press.

http://www.kevineats.com/2010/11/royce-pasadena-ca.html

Definitely sounds cool (talented chefs like that should get more love), and I'll look into it. I wish Pasadena wasn't so far away, though. I'm in the South Bay.

 

[Zyzyxxz]

Definitely sounds cool (talented chefs like that should get more love), and I'll look into it. I wish Pasadena wasn't so far away, though. I'm in the South Bay.

It will take roughly the same amount of time since it's right off the 110 Freeway compared to having to go through the 101 and taking local roads to get there.

 

[Iceman]

I'm a pretty solid yes for the 31st. I'll be out of town on the 1st. As a trade off i'll pay for a wine pairing, even if it means donating it somehow.

And you might be able to twist my arm for the 17th.

 

[H.Protagonist]

Hey, guys!

Have an update from Melisse which I'll post later when I can, and I'll reply to your posts (didn't want you guys to think the thread was dead or anything) then. This place may be our best option based on the $$$ put of the high-high restaurants.

11/17 and 12/1 are open there, but the minimums are different. Will post the nitty-gritty later tonight! (The fireplace room!)

Check out the menu to mull over it in the meantime: Melisse

 

[HP_Wuvcraft]

Well, holy crap on a fiddlestick. That menu is amazing.

 

[CFMOORE!]

Hey, guys!

Have an update from Melisse which I'll post later when I can, and I'll reply to your posts (didn't want you guys to think the thread was dead or anything) then. This place may be our best option based on the $$$ put of the high-high restaurants.

11/17 and 12/1 are open there, but the minimums are different. Will post the nitty-gritty later tonight! (The fireplace room!)

Check out the menu to mull over it in the meantime: Melisse

I like the look of that place. Can't wait to destroy it.

 

[H.Protagonist]

I accidentally left the notes I made at the office, but I remember most of the details.

For Melisse, we'd be allotted the fireplace room for our crew 10-16 max.

Minimum for a Saturday night in November is $2500, but 12/1 would be $2800.

They have tastings for vegetarians and meatarians.

I think we should do the 10 course if we eat here: $150 + $100 for the wine pairing.

The four course is also offered, but I don't think we'd make minimum and we really should go all out.

So if I can get 11 solids for 11/17:

8 ppl with wine pairings ($250/person) = $2000
3 ppl w/ no wine = $450 + soda beverages(?)

then we stand a chance at that room.

They also require a 20% gratuity on the bill + tax, but that does not count towards the minimum.

What do you guys think?


11/30 wasn't an option, unfortunately.

It will take roughly the same amount of time since it's right off the 110 Freeway compared to having to go through the 101 and taking local roads to get there.

True, but as a person who busses everywhere, it looks about as close as Russia.

And, for Melisse, they're not open on Sundays. :/ Nothing is decided yet, though!

I'm a pretty solid yes for the 31st. I'll be out of town on the 1st. As a trade off i'll pay for a wine pairing, even if it means donating it somehow.

And you might be able to twist my arm for the 17th.

I'll not have you pony up for booze you aren't going to drink, Iceman, but the offer is appreciated. If we can get 12+, then I think we'll be OK.

Well, holy crap on a fiddlestick. That menu is amazing.

Looks amazing, right? I've eaten there before and was super impressed. The 10 tasting is hard to do, but so worth it.

I like the look of that place. Can't wait to destroy it.

Awesome! If we can get enough people, that fireplace room is OURS.

 

[beat]

So if I can get 11 solids for 11/17:

I'll probably have to bow out. I'm taking a class 4-7 pm on Saturdays and it'd take an hour to get from there to Melisse.

 

[GamePnoy74]

I can't make it if it's 11/17 =(

Melisse looks amazing, you guys have fun!

That said...this could be an idea for a very nice dinner date with my wife next month for my birthday, thanks for the info on this place H.Pro =)

Spoiler

Now for the next LA GAF bar-hop shingdig...

 

[FStop7]

If I'm looking at $200+ even if I'm not drinking then I'm gonna pass. I'm probably out for 11/17 anyhow because it looks like I'll be going to visit my parents for Thanksgiving that week.

 

[H.Protagonist]

This is starting to look like a main dining room experience if only <10 can make it. That would get rid of the minimum, at least, I guess.

I'm going to check and see what the floor max is (and if they have any slots open), but 11/17 doesn't seem to work for many either.


EDIT: Looks like I can reserve online for parties of up to 6 for Melisse. The time slots still open are 6:30PM at the latest, though, for 11/16, and 6:30 for 11/30, but those 6:30 times may just be placeholders to keep large parties from taking up better times later on. I'll write the floor manager and see.

 

[CFMOORE!]

^hold strong! there are still enough people to make the fancy outing worthwhile, though just more cozy.

 

[freshair]

I want to be down! I should be down!

But I'm not 100% sure on that date (I'm 75% sure / sorry, late response).

When is the latest I can rsvp?

 

[djtiesto]

If I wasn't on the other coast, I'd go... if only to nag and convince you to release TITS chapter 2 in the US j/k - I've always wanted to try a really high-end restaurant and my group of friends are more into eating at Chili's than taking the train into Manhattan and eating at Nobu or Le Bernardin.

 

[EviLore]

Melisse is a good choice, and not worrying about minimums sounds like it's for the best anyway. Hope you get 'er done so I can fly out

 

[H.Protagonist]

All right, I'm calling it.

Chime in for 11/16 or 11/17

I'm going to confirm with Melisse if there is room for a party on either the floor or room depending on the numbers.

6 or less and it's floor for 11/16 or 11/17*

10+ and we're obligated to do a room on 11/17 (*this is currently available, but the minimum is $2500 for the party), but it has a fireplace and would be swanky-swanky.


I need concrete answers, so if you're interested and can come, it's time to get your truffle emulsion on. Money is just paper, but an incredible meal with warm your belly for many moons to come.



*Assuming the slots I saw are still available tomorrow.

If I wasn't on the other coast, I'd go... if only to nag and convince you to release TITS chapter 2 in the US j/k - I've always wanted to try a really high-end restaurant and my group of friends are more into eating at Chili's than taking the train into Manhattan and eating at Nobu or Le Bernardin.

Road trip? And, Trails 1 nearly killed me. Do you want me to go bald or something?

 

[Iceman]

16th is best for me, but i can do either.

 

[Nert]

All right, I'm calling it.

Chime in for 11/16 or 11/17

I'm going to confirm with Melisse if there is room for a party on either the floor or room depending on the numbers.

I might be able to make it on the 17th, but I'll have to check some things tomorrow before I could know for sure. If you have to make the reservation before I can get back to you, I would completely understand!

 

[HP_Wuvcraft]

All right, I'm calling it.

Chime in for 11/16 or 11/17

I'm going to confirm with Melisse if there is room for a party on either the floor or room depending on the numbers.

6 or less and it's floor for 11/16 or 11/17*

You know me, Other HP, I'm down for whatever. But as much as I'd like to join you all in this quaint and quite possibly disgusting fireside chat, the only way for me to get in is if I pay my way.

And I rather like the small amount of money that I currently have on me.

You know, until the banks take it.

Because Obama.

So I have to say no.

I will find the appropriate Wet Hot American Summer clip for this tragic event:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND7yJ7sMosk

 

[H.Protagonist]

Me - both
EviLore - both
CFMOORE! -both
Iceman - both

beat - 11/16 8PM +, 11/17 8:30+

Fidelis? -
Nert - 11/17 maybe (as soon as you can. I may just have to reserve and hope to fill in the extra slot if you can't make it)
Freshair - ?
Polyh3rdron - ?
Rorschach - ?
DemiMatt - ?
Poody - ?
Feep - ?
FStop7 - If it's the floor there won't be a minimum, but tastings are $125 and $150 respectively


HP - Will pay with his body and soul

 

[beat]

11/16 , no pairing (sorry)... and only for 8:15 or later.
11/17, no pairing, could make 8:30 pm or later. maybe.

I'll totally understand if you guys get an earlier reservation.

 

[H.Protagonist]

11/16 , no pairing (sorry)... and only for 8:15 or later.
11/17, no pairing, could make 8:30 pm or later. maybe.

I'll totally understand if you guys get an earlier reservation.

Cool. Thanks for the update, beat! And don't worry about the pairing. It only comes into play IF we have to do a room. At this rate we may barely get enough for the floor.

 

[Nert]

I went over my schedule again and talked to some people and I wont be able to make it for either date, unfortunately (16th or 17th). I hope that everyone who can attend has a great time!

 

[H.Protagonist]

I went over my schedule again and talked to some people and I wont be able to make it for either date, unfortunately (16th or 17th). I hope that everyone who can attend has a great time!

:/

What's more important than absurdly fine dining?

 

[CountAntonius]

:/

What's more important than absurdly fine dining?

Internet porn.

 

[Nert]

Internet porn.

Sure, let's go with that. That and a relative visiting (had it in the back of my mind as something happening "mid-November" for a while now, and it turns out that it overlapped with this event).

 

[H.Protagonist]

Internet porn.

Can't hold a candle to the aftermath of a fine meal.

Sure, let's go with that. That and a relative visiting (had it in the back of my mind as something happening "mid-November" for a while now, and it turns out that it overlapped with this event).

Bummer. Would certainly like to do it again in the future, though!

 

[Hazaro]

I'm hosting and casting a tournament on the 17th, and I'll be at IPL5 11/30 - 12/2.
So most likely a no from me, but I could be a giant last minute if you are already meeting requirements.
:/

Maybe late on the 17th would be possible.

 

[InsaneZero]

Can't hold a candle to the aftermath of a fine meal.

That's some really good atmosphere.

I can't really justify $250 for a single dinner night on my current budget, though. I'll be on the lookout for the next meetup.

Hope you guys have a good time!

 

[polyh3dron]

Can't do 11/16 or 11/17 unfortunately, will be working late on the Friday and probably Saturday too now.

 

[EviLore]

Damn. I'm unconcerned about flying in for a nice meal with a favored lady no matter how many attendees we end up having, but it's a shame this isn't coming together quite as she had hoped, so far, as H.Pro's put in a lot of effort organizing this and trying to reconcile schedule conflicts.

Need to rebrand it as my birthday dinner, hire some booth babes, print limited edition NeoGAF t-shirts, and have a hands-on Dudebro 2 kiosk. But then maybe we're better suited for the LACC than Melisse ;b

 

[Hazaro]

Throw a trashy party and get catering from zyxxyyxzz's place!

Just replace the beer with $300 bottles of wine.

 

[H.Protagonist]

Looking slim, guys. Calling up the floor managers now to see if we can't get in, and if there's a spot for 6 open, I might snag it and hope for two more heads. Fidelis seemed pretty solid (where art thou?), but one more would clinch it...

Damn. I'm unconcerned about flying in for a nice meal with a favored lady no matter how many attendees we end up having, but it's a shame this isn't coming together quite as she had hoped, so far, as H.Pro's put in a lot of effort organizing this and trying to reconcile schedule conflicts.

Need to rebrand it as my birthday dinner, hire some booth babes, print limited edition NeoGAF t-shirts, and have a hands-on Dudebro 2 kiosk. But then maybe we're better suited for the LACC than Melisse ;b

Eh. As a test case it's a bit less than I'd hoped, but it's no small commitment financially or time-wise, so I understand. It'd totally have more turn out as a Dudebro launch event, though. ^_^

It'd also be way worse to have everyone enthusiastically agree, then not show and leave me holding the bag on a $1000 deposit.

If I can get 6 and actually manage a reservation, I'll call it a success.

Throw a trashy party and get catering from zyxxyyxzz's place!

Now that would be sweet, indeed. I've seen his food posts. The man is an artist.

 

[H.Protagonist]

UPDATE:

After a sneak cheat by going through the events planner instead of the reservations manager (mwaha) I have the availability for 11/16 and 11/17 for the floor.

11/16 - Party of up to 8 at 7, 7:15, 8 and 8:15 is available

11/17 - Party of up to 8 @ 6:30 or 7:15 is available


Thinking later is better (beat!) and they can accommodate 8 ppl without a minimum, so now's the time! Give me a solid date and yes (or no)(;_!


Me - IN
EviLore - IN
CFMOORE! -IN
Iceman - IN

beat - 11/16 8PM +, 11/17 8:30+
Fidelis - 11/16 IN


Nert - OUT
Freshair - ?
Polyh3rdron - OUT
Rorschach - ?
DemiMatt - OUT
Poody - ?
Feep - ?
FStop7 - If it's the floor there won't be a minimum, but tastings are $125 and $150 respectively


HP - Will still pay with his body and soul

 

[criesofthepast]

I'll fly in from Toronto if evil covers my ticket.. ~_~

If only I was in LA. I'd be so down for this. Have fun, gang.

 

[H.Protagonist]

UPDATE:

Further narrowed down:

11/16 - Party of up to 8 @ 8:15


H.Protagonist - IN
EviLore - IN
CFMOORE! -IN
Iceman - IN
Fidelis - IN

beat - 11/16 8PM +, 11/17 8:30+


Freshair - ?
Rorschach - ?
Poody - ?
Feep - ?
FStop7 - If it's the floor there won't be a minimum, but tastings are $125 and $150 respectively

Nert - OUT
Polyh3rdron - OUT
DemiMatt - OUT


HP - Will still pay with his body and soul

I'll fly in from Toronto if evil covers my ticket.. ~_~

If only I was in LA. I'd be so down for this. Have fun, gang.

So many foodies, but we're all spread out. Why not host one in your area?

 

[H.Protagonist]

All right. Had to make the call and reserve the slot or we'd lose it. I hedged my bets, though, so I reserved for 7 people at 8:15 on 11/16 @ Melisse.

WARNING - I can make changes to the reservation up until the 14th, but after that, if I am forced to cancel or amend the reservation (i.e. you last minute cancel or fail to arrive) I will be charged $50 per no show.

I will be sending out detailed PMs to everyone who has RSVP-ed later tonight and getting one more final "Yes, I am 100% in and prepared for the cost" confirmation.


Currently, those that are locked in:

H.Protagonist - IN
EviLore - IN
CFMOORE! -IN
Iceman - IN
Fidelis - IN

And I have two more slots which might go to the two closest 'maybe's:

beat - 11/16 8PM+
Freshair - ?


But(!) I can call and amend the reservation to 8 if anyone else can give me a solid yes within the next couple of days.

Rorschach - ?
Poody - ?
Feep - ?
FStop7 - ? (no need for booze!)
Anyone else - ???

 

[Count Dookkake]

Damn. I'm unconcerned about flying in for a nice meal with a favored lady no matter how many attendees we end up having, but it's a shame this isn't coming together quite as she had hoped, so far, as H.Pro's put in a lot of effort organizing this and trying to reconcile schedule conflicts.

Need to rebrand it as my birthday dinner, hire some booth babes, print limited edition NeoGAF t-shirts, and have a hands-on Dudebro 2 kiosk. But then maybe we're better suited for the LACC than Melisse ;b

Got room in your carry on?

Ithaca has been cancelled.

 

[EviLore]

Got room in your carry on?

Ithaca has been cancelled.

If we can just get Wilford Brimley to attend...

 

[Feep]

Spot taken, jerks.

I'm IN.

Mainly because I want an excuse to wear all this fancy shit I got from Japan.

 

[Zyzyxxz]

Yeah not possible for me to attend but have fun and take pics of every course! I want to steal ideas for my own menus.

 

[OnkelC]

I'd love to join as well, but arrival/departure tend to be a little complicated. Best of fun to everyone and take a lot of pics plz

 

[Count Dookkake]

If we can just get Wilford Brimley to attend...

If only.

 

[FStop7]

Can't make it, leaving for Thanksgiving family visit earlier than planned.