meeting

[victory924]

when and where is the next meeting?

[SIDECAR]

The Meeting will be at Pizza Villa in DeKalb or at My House in Maple Park. On the 3rd Weds. of the month(Feb. 18th) 7pm. I will not have the Bar/Game Room complete. But we can use the space and the Pool Table has been set up. It will be about another month before final completion.
Tim T...sidecar

[Daffy]

So are we going to meet at Pizza Villa or your place Tim? I'd say if you're not quite ready let's keep it at the Villa for now.

[SIDECAR]

I would say Pizza Villa, I have a Lot still to do. Next month we can break in the new Bar.
Tim T...Sidecar

[Frank/Coletto]

Will be out of town on business. See you all on Saturday. Just a thought, we could have the meeting this weekend.

[daveltb]

That's a good idea Frank. Anyone have a problem with having our meeting Saturday at the GL mid-winter meeting in Chicago?

[vic767]

I was hoping we would finalize some details for the weekend (meeting time and place, dinner reservation requirements, etc.) on Wednesday, but we can probably figure that stuff out here.

Mark M.

[Frank/Coletto]

Mark, Earl and I and better halves are meeting for lunch at 1:30 at the hotel. I will get the dinner reservations posted by Wed. I am thinking 7:30 for dinner. I want to get a place for dinner that is close to some other clubs so we could walk and not take cabs. Then we can decide where/when to meet for the meeting. Hope to see you for lunch if you can, if not we will hook up later.

[Daffy]

daveltb That's a good idea Frank. Anyone have a problem with having our meeting Saturday at the GL mid-winter meeting in Chicago?
No problem's here.

[Frank/Coletto]

OK, the guy at the hotel says this place has steaks as good as Gibsons and other great dishes. Going to try and make the reservations today will post the time.




http://www.stefanirestaurants.com/437rush.htm

[vic767]

Dinner sounds like a good idea. I wish we could make lunch but the better half of me has to work until noon. I don't expect to make the hotel until probably 4:00.

Anyone interested in meeting for cocktails say around 5:00 at the hotel?

Mark M.

[daveltb]

Mark,
That sounds about the same for Daffy, Julie, Christy and me. We will be getting in around 3-4 pm. Cocktails at 5 will be fine.

[(t)]

Belinda and I will be there anywhere from 1:30 to 3:30.

After checking in I"m sure we'll head straight to the bar. (where else?)
:-)

Frank, if the fancy eatin' place you picked out can't handle our crowd, Dick's Last Resort may be a good 'last resort'.

t


ps: how close will we be to Mothers?

[Frank/Coletto]

I made the reservations for 12 people at 8. My cell number is 847-274-4049 if anyone wants to know whats up. T, I am not real familiar with downtown. I do know this, we are just a cab ride away!!

[SIDECAR]

Okay, This is Lisa speaking. I've read through the various posts here and I'm wondering why we chose to stay at a place that costs almost twice as much as we should spend so we could explore via walking....but now we are going to a restaurant that is 3/4 of a mile away (which frankly I'm not walking to in heels). So now, we will be spending more money for cab fare (at least 3 cabs). Also I perused the website for the restaurant....looks to me that the average amount we'll be spending is $100 per couple for food alone. God only knows how much the alcohol is going to cost. I just thought I'd put my 2 cents in here because for a one night affair....this is getting to be worse than a Call Girl price.

Room Price (approx.) $125.00 plus tax
Parking $ 35.00 plus tip
Cab Fare $ 60.00 plus tip (approx) (min of 3 trips)
Dinner (food only) $100.00 plus tip
Drinks (both Places)$100.00 plus tip
Nightclub Cover $ 25.00

Total Approx Cost for one Call Girl night is: $445.00 plus tips/tax

What Happened to Walking and Doing Something a little Cheaper?

Lisa....spring is not here, money tree hasn't leaved yet

[SIDECAR]

One other thing.....Frank I think you forgot at least 2 people in your count for dinner...it should be 14 for dinner unless there are others I don't know about. Frank & Rosemary, Mark M. & wife, Tony & Belinda, Dave & Christy, Mark & Juli, Earl & Deanna and Tim & Lisa.
Lisa

[(t)]

Frank,

Add one more for Terry Clark (from Indy)


Lisa,

To be honest, the cost of the weekend has kept away one or two from Indy. Belinda and I are flexible, but you are correct, this is REAL expensive for one night. We're by far the most excited about seeing you guys, and could care less where we stay and eat as long as it's clean and safe, has drinks and a smokin' section. Last time we hung out with you guys we had a great time at the old bar Tim helped recondition.

Personally, my 'been there done that' list is full, been to enough nice restaurants. I'm only going to see my old buddies! I'm totally cool with bar food. We can cut ton's of money off the cost by finding a comfortable hangout. Throw in a live band and a cheap cover and we're all set.

I'll make the same deal with you that I make with Belinda....if heels are to be worn, I'll pay for the cab. :D But, for this weekend, boots are just fine. Be comfortable.

Really looking forward to seeing everyone.

t


ps: Tim and Lisa, it sounds like we need to find a comfort inn close to your house next year, we'll throw some money in a hat and you can host us (your basement will be done). how bout a pitch-in?

[SIDECAR]

Tony, in Chicago.....as far as I know, most places don't have smoking sections....except outside. Also, most places in that area have dress codes...so boots are not what I'm wearing. We want to see all of you guys too.....I just don't like the thought of some of the other people who chose not to come because of the cost. Obviously....having 3 bikes, we don't worry too much about cost, but we are usually more conservative when we go out.

By the way....it's the third floor of the barn that has the bar and game room. Hopefully we will have it completed by March.

We will see you all at the hotel. Does anyone know which bar we will meet at? There's like 3 different bars in the hotel.

Lisa

[SIDECAR]

I don't think it was a good idea to change the Wednesday meeting since not all of our members will be in Chicago.

We will post a cancellation of the Wednesday meeting and hope that anyone planning on attending reads the post since it's kind of short notice to cancel.

Changing the date of a regularly scheduled meeting on such short notice is not a good idea for a very new organization or for any organization for that matter without proper notice. We don't want to lose or offend any new people since not all of our members will be in Chicago.

Tim T...sidecar
NIVR President

[Frank/Coletto]

If, you would like to go to a diffedent place or just play it by ear, I'm all for that. Do not claim to know places to go in Downtown or do I like not wearing jeans. So if you know of a place I am in. The hotel next door has a nice place also, I just thought being on Rush st. would be a plus. Lisa, interesting thought about the call girl!! Let me know what to do, cancel or increase.

[vic767]

Hey all, Chicago is a big town. I am sure we can find someplace to go to eat that is reanonable (by Chicago standards) and where comfortable attire (jeans and boots) is acceptable. The Hard Rock and the Rain Forest Cafe are two that come to mind, and I am sure we can find more with a little research. Also, I have been to many blues clubs in Chicago and never have faced a dress code. We are staying at a fancy hotel at a bargain price for what we are getting, but that doesn't mean we have to change who we are. Let's not lose sight of why we are doing this. Maybe Tim is right and we should meet Wednesday. It looks like this forum may not be the best place to figure out the details after all.

Mark M.

[(t)]

Lisa & Tim,

3rd floor of the barn??? Are you willing to put your farm animals to that kind of risk? hahaha! Actually, it sounds very cool. When it's done, or close to done, post some photos. We'll bring a 'party room' warming gift. I'll give you a hint, it'll probably be orange.

NO SMOKING SECTIONS???? Seriously!?! ugghh!

Dress code?? I ain't wearing heels! Although I'm always glad to get Belinda into her heels... Actually a dress code's not a problem, as long at jackets aren't required. I go to them stuffy places way too much.


Frank,
At the very least, please change your reservations from 12 to 15.

t

[daveltb]

Phil Stefani's 437 Rush Facts
ADDRESS: 437 N. Rush Street, Chicago IL 60611
SMOKING: Cigar and cigarette smoking at the bar; smoking section for cigarettes in the restaurant.

Sounds like my kind of place.

comfortable attire (jeans and boots) is acceptable.

I'm sure this won't be a problem.

[daveltb]

Let's meet here for cocktails. It's in the Hyatt.

http://chicagoregency.hyatt.com/property/hotelinfo/dining/dining_info.jhtml;jsessionid=OJOT3PHFBA25WP5QSESSM 4Y?id=3&ssnav=0

[vic767]

Dave,

I was hoping someone would suggest that.

Mark M.

[daveltb]

Checked out Stetson's at the Hyatt. Steaks go from $31-79 seafood starts at $25. Sides are AlaCarte. Too rich for me.

http://chicagoregency.hyatt.com/property/hotelinfo/dining/dining_info.jhtml;jsessionid=OJOT3PHFBA25WP5QSESSM 4Y?id=0&ssnav=0

Stefani's is .2 miles from the Hyatt. Steaks go from $26-40. Sides are AlaCarte.

http://www.stefanirestaurants.com/437rush.htm


There is Bennigan's about .2 miles away and Houlihan's within walking distance. We called the Houlihan's and they said they could accommodate our group. Prices are comparable with Bennigan's.

http://www.houlihans.com/Flash/Default.asp

If anyone else has any good info please post here.

If we are going to make a change let's do it quick to make sure we have resevations.

[vic767]

Dave,

I have eaten at both of those (Bennigans & Houlihans) and they are good. There are literally hundreds of places within walking distance. I am sure we can find something. I mentioned the Hard Rock Cafe in a previous post. It is one of my personal favorites, but it would be a bit further to walk. I don't think walking is as much of a concern if you can dress comfortably. There are also all kinds of ethnic places ranging from Tai to Russian. The best part is that the competition is so stiff that bad places don't stay around long. So it's all good.

[SIDECAR]

Holihan's would be good at .2 miles.
Sefani's is .75 miles a little far and costly.
Hard Rock Hotel less than a half mile OK . Cost? 230 N. Michigan

[vic767]

The Hard Rock Cafe is located on Ontario between Clark & Dearborn. The menu and prices are similar to Houlihans or Bennigans.

[(t)]

My vote is Stefani's or HardRock, but I'm not picky, as long at it's not Italian. (wife & her family have ruined me on Italian food).

Other places I've been& liked: (of course i have no clue how close they are):
Dick's Last Resort (navy pier)
Mothers
Moosehead Bar & Grill
Ditka's


we've done a bar crawl around rush & division, can't remember names of the bars.

I'm more interested in drinking my dinner than I am in a having a big meal.
hah!hah!hah!


t

ps: why would anyone buy a $79 steak????

[daveltb]

Originally posted by SIDECAR
Holihan's would be good at .2 miles.
Sefani's is .75 miles a little far and costly.
Hard Rock Hotel less than a half mile OK . Cost? 230 N. Michigan

Hyatt Regency
151 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60610

Houlihan's is 233 ft from Hyatt. Or .18 miles by cab going to the end of the street and doing a u-turn.
111 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60610

Stefani's is .2 miles from Hyatt by sidewalk, Or a .74 mile cab ride because of the one-way streets.
437 North Rush St
Chicago, IL 60611

Hard Rock Cafe is .82 miles from Hyatt.
63 West Ontario
Chicago, IL 60610

Hard Rock Hotel is .31 miles from Hyatt
230 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60601

[Frank/Coletto]

Not that I care that much where we eat because I am looking forward to all the drinks that "T" keeps promising to buy me. But, I can eat at Houlihan’s any time because they are on every corner. After we all agreed that we should do this downtown (it really did not make a difference to me if we did it at a Days Inn in the middle of nowhere), I would prefer to eat at somewhere different. Do not care if we have wings at a bar, just as long as it's different. I do not get to the big city much, and going to places I haven't been interests me. So I am for someplace different (as long as "T" brings his wallet!) Also if we can make a decision today, I can either cancel the reservations or add another 3 people. Thanks, looking forward to seeing everyone!!

[(t)]

Houlihan's sounds like the easiest place to crawl back from....


Frank, I thought you were buying me drinks... but alas, I'll be happy to personally hand you a can or two of bud light, slightly shaken maybe... heh heh heh.


t

[daveltb]

I agree with Frank about going someplace different than I would do on any other Saturday night. That being said I don't have that strong of feelings about it that I'm going to put up a fuss. I will go anywhere the group wants. As long as we all get together and have a good time! I certainly don't want anyone to feel uncomforatable or out of place. So if you have strong feelings, one way or another, let's get it taken care of today.

Whatever we do, I looking forward to seeing everyone. I can't hardly wait. It should be a great time.

[vic767]

What if Frank goes ahead and adds 3 more to the reservation and once we are all together, if we decide to do something else, we can call and cancel? A reservation doesn't have to commit us to anything. I mean, it's still a free country ain't it?

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

[SIDECAR]

All places around there are new to us.
But the objective was a get together Downtown . We talked about prices of around 90 per night . This one came in at a average of around $120 plus tax . Then after making the non-cancelable reservation we found out about the $35 per night parking. I do not want to sound cheep but we lost a lot of people due to the hotel cost alone. As to the Restaurant, Due to the vast variances in pricing I have seen on the Web and listed on this site , plus the reviews. I would have to make reservations at more than one location and then cancel the unused ones upon deciding where to go. ( like the stetson web $16 to $30 and this site $25 to $79 ) We are almost at the decision to forfit the cost of the room and stay home. We can not remember when we spent this kind of change on any one night SPEICAL occasion for the two of us before except for one. We would like to see every one again but will not mortgage the house to do it. We will most likley be there, but if we don't show up for cocktails don't wait for us. We do have a babysittter for the weekend that we will take advantage of.
Tim and Lisa

[daveltb]

Well, I talked to Frank on the phone tonight. We decided to cancel the reservations at Stefani's and make a 15 person reservation at Houlihan's. We thought this was in everyone's best interest considering the posts made on the subject.

I hope everyone is fine with this. If not, I guess you can blame me. It's just that the time had come to make a decision, and we made the best one we could based on your input. I don't think that 15 people will get a table anywhere on Saturday night without reservations.

Reservation's made for 15 people.
7:30 pm
Houlihan's
111 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60610
This estabishment allows smoking in designated areas.
Boots and blue jeans will work just fine. (No heels for t)

Again, I am looking forward to seeing everyone Saturday night. Plan on having a great time!

[daveltb]

Originally posted by SIDECAR 01-16-2004
Lisa & Tim have reservations at the Hyatt.
See everyone there.
Tim T...sidecar

Originally posted by SIDECAR 01-17-2004
With parking costing 35.00 per night at the Hotel plus fuel and tolls. How about meeting at Our place and taking a Limo in? There should be 8 or 10 of us out in this area. The rate for a strech round trip from Maple Park to the Hyatt is about $350 . No driving , no traffic hassell, no parking trouble, get to sit back and relax, Open bar, see the sites if any, enjoy good company and party. With tip this would be about $50 per person based on 8 people or $40 per person 10 people. Each car solo would cost about $60 each with parking fee, fuel and tolls. Anyone interested?
Tim & Lisa

Originally posted by SIDECAR 02-19-2004
All places around there are new to us.
But the objective was a get together Downtown . We talked about prices of around 90 per night . This one came in at a average of around $120 plus tax . Then after making the non-cancelable reservation we found out about the $35 per night parking. I do not want to sound cheep but we lost a lot of people due to the hotel cost alone. As to the Restaurant, Due to the vast variances in pricing I have seen on the Web and listed on this site , plus the reviews. I would have to make reservations at more than one location and then cancel the unused ones upon deciding where to go. ( like the stetson web $16 to $30 and this site $25 to $79 ) We are almost at the decision to forfit the cost of the room and stay home. We can not remember when we spent this kind of change on any one night SPEICAL occasion for the two of us before except for one. We would like to see every one again but will not mortgage the house to do it. We will most likley be there, but if we don't show up for cocktails don't wait for us. We do have a babysittter for the weekend that we will take advantage of.
Tim and Lisa

????

[(t)]

Houlihans sounds great. They all were fine, so you really couldn't make a bad choice.

That was mighty presidential of ya Dave! (hint, hint....) to make the decision for the group.

And thanks so much for finding a place were I didn't have to wear my heels.

And hey Lisa, I deserve much of the grief for picking downtown Chicago. Belinda and I like visiting there every once in a while. I remember raising the possibility of a mid-winter meeting with Dave, Frank, and Kozy. As I remember, we discussed going to the House of Blues at the time and/or the motorcycle expo. Add to that the fact that we probably (mostly likely me) would not want to ride our bikes in Chicago downtown traffic, so we thought a winter 'get-together' would be perfect. Of course we knew it wouldn't be cheap. Honestly, at the time, we (again, most likely meaning me ) didn't even think about excluding folks due to price. We were simply looking forward to a night together partying with friends in downtown Chicago. That STILL sounds like a great idea to me, and I can't wait! (glad it's only a day away). That's actually pretty common for us folks in Indy. It's not unsual at all to hear of a couple or group heading north for a weekend getaway.

Bottom line, if you're not happy with the arrangements, we won't hold it against you if you don't show up. Of course we want you there, but if you're not cool with it, then do what you feel is best for you and Tim. We'll look forward to seeing you the next time. No hard feelings at all.

Speaking for myself, I would call this more of a gathering of friends than an official meeting anyway. In the future, I hope we can all fly down to my company's condo in florida for weekend getaway. I hope we can all fly to Vegas for a weekend getaway sometime as well. There'll be times that not everyone can go, and some times some may not want to go.

Still, you have a valid point. There is enough of us that in the future when we plan an 'official' meeting, we'll make sure there are options to include all budgets.

One of my best friends couldn't make it due to price, but I assure you, he feels no animosity.

t

ps: but what do i know? i'm just a guest here! haha!