As I've done in past years, looking at the possibility of a "roadgeek dinner" in Saratoga Springs, NY at the beginning of my annual weather conference. Location TBD, but it would be Friday, 3/6 and probably starting at 7pm. I've received interest from at least one person via PM, but realized I hadn't put the idea of dinner out here yet. Hopefully it's not too late for a few folks to join in.
Count me in.
Count me in as well.
Tentatively interested, but since I'm flying to the UK the following day, I might be occupied with other tasks.
Already there.
I should be able to come out. Let me double check my work calendar.
I can make this one, weather permitting.
Quote from: baugh17 on February 08, 2020, 12:02:13 AM
I should be able to come out. Let me double check my work calendar.
I got approved for a half day on the 6th so I'll be there, weather permitting (Probably get some photos and clinching in too beforehand, weather permitting).
Now does anyone have any suggestions on where to dine?
Quote from: Dougtone on February 17, 2020, 03:57:24 PM
Now does anyone have any suggestions on where to dine?
That place with the nice dessert. Olde Bryan Inn?
McDonald's
Quote from: Rothman on February 17, 2020, 07:28:34 PM
McDonald's
For some reason, you didn't agree when I suggested adding McD to the Niagara Falls area as a quality eatery! Now you get the concept!
Anyway, https://duo-japanese.com/ is just about 500 feet from Saratoga McD...
(upd): I had a pretty good experience with Great Tang's as well.
PS - I will be on "maybe..." list till the last second
People seemed to like the Three Vines Bistro last year, so that's an option too.
The important question here is probably "is the conference at the same place as last year, and what's froggie's range?"
Yes, conference is where it's been the past several years (Holiday Inn). And I would far prefer to have something within walking range.
Quote from: froggie on February 18, 2020, 07:21:29 AM
Yes, conference is where it's been the past several years (Holiday Inn). And I would far prefer to have something within walking range.
Just because I am still not awake... From Holiday Inn Saratoga:
Olde Bryan Inn: 0.9 mi/19 min walk
Great Tang: 0.6mi/12 min
Three vine: 0.4 mi/7 min
Duo Japanese: 0.3 mi/7 min
And, to hve a full list,
McDonalds: 0.2 mi/5 min
Have we reached a location verdict?
In part because we have an acute lack of such places in the NEK, my preference is Duo.
Quote from: froggie on February 28, 2020, 10:44:40 PM
In part because we have an acute lack of such places in the NEK, my preference is Duo.
I've been combing the suggested locations and menus. Duo works. Same plaza where Three Vines is located, so there's parking.
Quote from: Dougtone on February 28, 2020, 10:56:02 PM
Quote from: froggie on February 28, 2020, 10:44:40 PM
In part because we have an acute lack of such places in the NEK, my preference is Duo.
I've been combing the suggested locations and menus. Duo works. Same plaza where Three Vines is located, so there's parking.
I might have to try hibachi.
Quote from: Alps on February 29, 2020, 02:52:19 AM
Quote from: Dougtone on February 28, 2020, 10:56:02 PM
Quote from: froggie on February 28, 2020, 10:44:40 PM
In part because we have an acute lack of such places in the NEK, my preference is Duo.
I've been combing the suggested locations and menus. Duo works. Same plaza where Three Vines is located, so there's parking.
I might have to try hibachi.
Hibachi is for everyone or noone in a party, doesn't work otherwise. Besides, Duo isn't really a hibachi place, I don't even remember hibachi tables.
Just throwing idea on a table... There is a very decent hibachi place on exit 9, next to price chopper. Nowhere near walking distance for @froggie, more like 20 min drive. But I, for one, took my out of area guests over there more than once.
Quote from: kalvado on February 29, 2020, 04:14:45 AM
Quote from: Alps on February 29, 2020, 02:52:19 AM
Quote from: Dougtone on February 28, 2020, 10:56:02 PM
Quote from: froggie on February 28, 2020, 10:44:40 PM
In part because we have an acute lack of such places in the NEK, my preference is Duo.
I've been combing the suggested locations and menus. Duo works. Same plaza where Three Vines is located, so there's parking.
I might have to try hibachi.
Hibachi is for everyone or noone in a party, doesn't work otherwise. Besides, Duo isn't really a hibachi place, I don't even remember hibachi tables.
Just throwing idea on a table... There is a very decent hibachi place on exit 9, next to price chopper. Nowhere near walking distance for @froggie, more like 20 min drive. But I, for one, took my out of area guests over there more than once.
I'm generally not a huge fan of Asian food, but I am willing to make a sacrifice for the opportunity to socialize.
Quote from: kalvado on February 29, 2020, 04:14:45 AM
Quote from: Alps on February 29, 2020, 02:52:19 AM
Quote from: Dougtone on February 28, 2020, 10:56:02 PM
Quote from: froggie on February 28, 2020, 10:44:40 PM
In part because we have an acute lack of such places in the NEK, my preference is Duo.
I've been combing the suggested locations and menus. Duo works. Same plaza where Three Vines is located, so there's parking.
I might have to try hibachi.
Hibachi is for everyone or noone in a party, doesn't work otherwise. Besides, Duo isn't really a hibachi place, I don't even remember hibachi tables.
Just throwing idea on a table... There is a very decent hibachi place on exit 9, next to price chopper. Nowhere near walking distance for @froggie, more like 20 min drive. But I, for one, took my out of area guests over there more than once.
Hibachi for one is the loneliest meal.
I suppose I should state my intention to attend here.
Google is showing Duo as being on Broadway in a standalone building, not in the same strip mall as Three Vines. Is Google incorrect?
Quote from: Duke87 on February 29, 2020, 07:25:27 PM
I suppose I should state my intention to attend here.
Google is showing Duo as being on Broadway in a standalone building, not in the same strip mall as Three Vines. Is Google incorrect?
Google is definitely right. Duo is standalone one, with parking behind the building.
I think Doug might have been thinking of the Kinjo Japanese Steak House.
I'm not one for Japanese or sushi, but the menu has General Tso's Chicken in the kitchen entrees, so I can probably do that.
Hope the location is decided upon before Friday...
Quote from: vdeane on February 29, 2020, 09:20:34 PM
I'm not one for Japanese or sushi
I'm not either, but don't let my fussiness spoil other people's enjoyment.
Quote from: vdeane on February 29, 2020, 09:20:34 PM
I think Doug might have been thinking of the Kinjo Japanese Steak House.
I'm not one for Japanese or sushi, but the menu has General Tso's Chicken in the kitchen entrees, so I can probably do that.
Yes, it was Kinjo that I was thinking of then. I recalled there being a Japanese restaurant in the same plaza as Three Vines, so this makes sense.
This is what I should be looking at: https://g.page/DUOJapanese?share (https://g.page/DUOJapanese?share)
I remember enjoying the Olde Bryan, plus there's better dessert at a pub, and everyone should be able to find food they'll eat...
Quote from: Alps on March 01, 2020, 07:20:56 PM
I remember enjoying the Olde Bryan, plus there's better dessert at a pub, and everyone should be able to find food they'll eat...
We went to the Seven Horse Pub the first couple of years we had this dinner, not the Olde Bryan. Seven Horse has since closed, IIRC.
Quote from: Dougtone on March 01, 2020, 07:33:43 PM
Quote from: Alps on March 01, 2020, 07:20:56 PM
I remember enjoying the Olde Bryan, plus there's better dessert at a pub, and everyone should be able to find food they'll eat...
We went to the Seven Horse Pub the first couple of years we had this dinner, not the Olde Bryan. Seven Horse has since closed, IIRC.
And that's why my memories have transferred to the Bryan.
Quote from: Dougtone on March 01, 2020, 07:11:07 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 29, 2020, 09:20:34 PM
I think Doug might have been thinking of the Kinjo Japanese Steak House.
I'm not one for Japanese or sushi, but the menu has General Tso's Chicken in the kitchen entrees, so I can probably do that.
Yes, it was Kinjo that I was thinking of then. I recalled there being a Japanese restaurant in the same plaza as Three Vines, so this makes sense.
This is what I should be looking at: https://g.page/DUOJapanese?share (https://g.page/DUOJapanese?share)
You know, Kinjo could work too.
https://kinjosaratoga.menucities.com/default.aspx (https://kinjosaratoga.menucities.com/default.aspx)
The suspense is killing me.
Quote from: Rothman on March 02, 2020, 11:21:52 PM
The suspense is killing me.
The cable stay is beating my corpse.
So, unbiased, I looked up Kinjo vs. Duo. I only found one article directly comparing them, and that's back in 2016.
http://www.saratogafoodfanatic.com/battle-of-hibachi-kinjo-vs-duo/ comments: "I must say that my friends and I all agree that Kinjo was much better. The prices, the portions and the flavors were all fantastic." "Big fan of Kinjo. Have been close to a dozen times since they opened. Have not tried the hibachi because not my thing, but the other dishes are high quality and beautifully presented across the board."
That said, both seem to be reviewed just fine in Yelp, and I'm going either way.
Since @froggie is not responding - and I wouldn't be surprised if his event is cancelled due to virus scare - we have to make our mind if we still want to meet without our host; and if we do - who is taking the lead and makes tough choices regarding the place to meet.
Quote from: kalvado on March 03, 2020, 10:10:02 AM
Since @froggie is not responding - and I wouldn't be surprised if his event is cancelled due to virus scare - we have to make our mind if we still want to meet without our host; and if we do - who is taking the lead and makes tough choices regarding the place to meet.
He's likely been busy, but at least reading along with our conversation. But if there was an issue that would change his attendance (like if the conference was cancelled), I suspect Froggie would let us know. If that happens to be the case, I will take charge. But in any event, please be patient.
Quote from: kalvado on March 03, 2020, 10:10:02 AM
Since @froggie is not responding - and I wouldn't be surprised if his event is cancelled due to virus scare - we have to make our mind if we still want to meet without our host; and if we do - who is taking the lead and makes tough choices regarding the place to meet.
If the virus scare cancels plans to meet up with a few friends, how are people going to live for the next several months?
Doug's right...I've been busy. In the middle of a 7-day stretch straight of work before going to the conference.
I'm willing to entertain Kinjo, though my preference is not to do hibachi.
Quote from: froggie on March 03, 2020, 12:06:05 PM
I'm willing to entertain Kinjo, though my preference is not to do hibachi.
I'm monitoring this (not that I am likely to attend thanks to traveling the next morning), but Druthers (link (http://www.druthersbrewing.com/locations/saratoga-springs)) is something I'm surprised hasn't been suggested yet. A few more options for the picky eaters.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 03, 2020, 11:59:27 AM
Quote from: kalvado on March 03, 2020, 10:10:02 AM
Since @froggie is not responding - and I wouldn't be surprised if his event is cancelled due to virus scare - we have to make our mind if we still want to meet without our host; and if we do - who is taking the lead and makes tough choices regarding the place to meet.
If the virus scare cancels any American event, how are people going to live for the next several months?
FIFY. The amount of hysteria over this is, well, hysterical.
Quote from: hbelkins on March 03, 2020, 01:37:59 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 03, 2020, 11:59:27 AM
Quote from: kalvado on March 03, 2020, 10:10:02 AM
Since @froggie is not responding - and I wouldn't be surprised if his event is cancelled due to virus scare - we have to make our mind if we still want to meet without our host; and if we do - who is taking the lead and makes tough choices regarding the place to meet.
If the virus scare cancels any American event, how are people going to live for the next several months?
FIFY. The amount of hysteria over this is, well, hysterical.
Please direct your concern towards Tim Brown and the Cincy meet in May.
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25466.75
Quote from: hbelkins on March 03, 2020, 01:37:59 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 03, 2020, 11:59:27 AM
Quote from: kalvado on March 03, 2020, 10:10:02 AM
Since @froggie is not responding - and I wouldn't be surprised if his event is cancelled due to virus scare - we have to make our mind if we still want to meet without our host; and if we do - who is taking the lead and makes tough choices regarding the place to meet.
If the virus scare cancels any American event, how are people going to live for the next several months?
FIFY. The amount of hysteria over this is, well, hysterical.
What about Canada? Please don't forget our Canadian friends.
Quote from: Dougtone on March 03, 2020, 10:57:38 AM
Quote from: kalvado on March 03, 2020, 10:10:02 AM
Since @froggie is not responding - and I wouldn't be surprised if his event is cancelled due to virus scare - we have to make our mind if we still want to meet without our host; and if we do - who is taking the lead and makes tough choices regarding the place to meet.
He's likely been busy, but at least reading along with our conversation. But if there was an issue that would change his attendance (like if the conference was cancelled), I suspect Froggie would let us know. If that happens to be the case, I will take charge. But in any event, please be patient.
Reminds me of Al Haig. :D
Quote from: cl94 on March 03, 2020, 01:05:47 PM
Quote from: froggie on March 03, 2020, 12:06:05 PM
I'm willing to entertain Kinjo, though my preference is not to do hibachi.
I'm monitoring this (not that I am likely to attend thanks to traveling the next morning), but Druthers (link (http://www.druthersbrewing.com/locations/saratoga-springs)) is something I'm surprised hasn't been suggested yet. A few more options for the picky eaters.
Druthers didn't cross my mind at all.
In for Kinjo or Druthers
Druthers MIGHT actually make me willing to drop $20-30 on food to socialize, even if I'm already dropping a crapton of money over the following week plus.
Sorry, Josh. I'd really like sushi (which is basically impossible to find in the NEK), so I think we'll go with Kinjo.
Kinjo it is. 7pm Friday. Wondering if we should get a headcount to make a reservation.
As long as the forecast doesn't worsen, I should be able to make it.
ETA: I'm in.
Quote from: froggie on March 03, 2020, 10:58:40 PM
Sorry, Josh. I'd really like sushi (which is basically impossible to find in the NEK), so I think we'll go with Kinjo.
Kinjo it is. 7pm Friday. Wondering if we should get a headcount to make a reservation.
Probably best to get a head count. I'm in.
You can add me to the head count. See you on Friday at 7 at Kinjo in the Congress Street Plaza.
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on March 03, 2020, 01:42:37 PM
Please direct your concern towards Tim Brown and the Cincy meet in May.
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=25466.75
I did make similar comments there concerning this. Now I'm hearing that Columbus has basically banned spectators from sort of Swarzenegger-sponsored athletic event.
Quote from: cl94 on March 03, 2020, 01:05:47 PM
Quote from: froggie on March 03, 2020, 12:06:05 PM
I'm willing to entertain Kinjo, though my preference is not to do hibachi.
I'm monitoring this (not that I am likely to attend thanks to traveling the next morning), but Druthers (link (http://www.druthersbrewing.com/locations/saratoga-springs)) is something I'm surprised hasn't been suggested yet. A few more options for the picky eaters.
Hard for me to hear of an eatery called Druther's that's
NOT the former Kentucky-based fast-food chain (which had previously been Burger Queen, but got bought out by Dairy Queen) with only one remaining location, in Campbellsville.
Quote from: Rothman on March 03, 2020, 11:35:29 PM
As long as the forecast doesn't worsen, I should be able to make it.
I'm in. Weather isn't supposed to be terrible (Light snow showers and mid 30s) so I will probably still spend the afternoon getting some photos and clinches in on the way out.
Anyone keeping track of the head count? :D
Quote from: Rothman on March 06, 2020, 01:36:58 PM
Anyone keeping track of the head count? :D
Nope.. But hope to get a chance to argue with you in person. Should be fun!
Quote from: kalvado on March 06, 2020, 02:22:39 PM
Quote from: Rothman on March 06, 2020, 01:36:58 PM
Anyone keeping track of the head count? :D
Nope.. But hope to get a chance to argue with you in person. Should be fun!
Maybe I'll just eat and nod. :)
Since this is the first road enthusiast gathering of the coronavirus era, so we greet everyone with a Vulcan salute or an elbow bump?
In Saratoga. Got a reservation for 7pm. Here's who I have for intentions (besides me):
Doug
Roth
kalvado
sinsbaugh
val
steve
duke
I made a reservation for 10 in case Josh (cl94) decides to join. We'll be at a hibachi table even though we won't be doing hibachi because they don't have any non-hibachi tables that can seat more than 8.
Thanks for getting this all set up.
Well, that was epic. Happy birthday everyone! Have some music, disco lights, a sparkler, and some ice cream!
Quote from: vdeane on March 06, 2020, 09:27:32 PM
Well, that was epic. Happy birthday everyone! Have some music, disco lights, a sparkler, and some ice cream!
That was one of the more absurd dining experiences that I've had with roadgeeks. There's been multiple.
"So, about using E-Z Pass at the Thousand Island Bridge--"
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! WHERE ARE YOU?"
"Anyway, about E-Z Pass..."
I regret not having a live stream of last night's dinner.
Quote from: Dougtone on March 07, 2020, 12:44:43 PM
I regret not having a live stream of last night's dinner.
"Well, getting back to the topic of foreign relations..." (or however he said it)
Quote from: Rothman on March 07, 2020, 01:27:58 PM
Quote from: Dougtone on March 07, 2020, 12:44:43 PM
I regret not having a live stream of last night's dinner.
"Well, getting back to the topic of foreign relations..." (or however he said it)
In other news: two people in Saratoga county tested positive for coronavirus...
Quote from: kalvado on March 07, 2020, 01:43:51 PM
Quote from: Rothman on March 07, 2020, 01:27:58 PM
Quote from: Dougtone on March 07, 2020, 12:44:43 PM
I regret not having a live stream of last night's dinner.
"Well, getting back to the topic of foreign relations..." (or however he said it)
In other news: two people in Saratoga county tested positive for coronavirus...
2 out of how many? I'll take my chances.
Quote from: Rothman on March 06, 2020, 10:41:34 PM
"So, about using E-Z Pass at the Thousand Island Bridge--"
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! WHERE ARE YOU?"
"Anyway, about E-Z Pass..."
Thanks for the earworm.
Quote from: baugh17 on March 09, 2020, 09:54:24 PM
Quote from: Rothman on March 06, 2020, 10:41:34 PM
"So, about using E-Z Pass at the Thousand Island Bridge--"
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! WHERE ARE YOU?"
"Anyway, about E-Z Pass..."
Thanks for the earworm.
That song stayed in my head for the whole weekend.