I had an idea for a possible convention side trip that I've previously discussed with several folks. I thought I'd throw it out there for your consideration.
As some will recall, a group of us went out to dinner at the Sardine Factory in Monterey during the 2002 convention. It was a truly memorable evening for me and, from what I'm told, also for others who participated. So, I was thinking we might want to do it again. If folks are so-inclined, I could make reservations for the same room we had the last time at the Sardine Factory as that room was an important part of what made our experience there the last time so special.
A few things to think about:
1) The room we used was pretty well filled the last time we were there using the "T" table set-up we had. So, I don't think we could accommodate a group much larger than we had the last time. I think we numbered about 20-25;
2) I think that folks who were present the last time should have "first crack" at "signing up" for this year, assuming we do it, at all. However, I do not recall the names of everyone present last time. John Hinckley's photos of the event should be of help there. If we don't "fill up", then the other available "slots" could be available to "first-timers" on a first come, first served basis;
3) If we end up with a somewhat smaller group than the last time, we could reserve the wine cellar room which would make for a different, but even more intimate setting. The last time, the wine cellar room was too small for our group but it had already been reserved for another party anyway (Mike Yeager's);
4) Monterey is about 85 miles from San Jose. So, it would take us about 1-1/2 hours to drive from the convention site to the Sardine Factory;
5) Looking at the convention schedule that's been recently published, it kind of looks to me like Tuesday, July 14 might work out best as it would not conflict with much else;
6) So that no one is surprised, The Sardine Factory is an EXPENSIVE restaurant that serves OUTSTANDING FOOD with FIRST-CLASS service. It's probably the best restaurant in Monterey and one of the best in California. With beverages, tax, and tip befitting the type of service provided, we're talking about a cost in the range of $100 per person or even more. Folks who think that the convention and associated events are already too high-priced might want to avoid this one;
7) I can't promise that we'll have FABULOUS weather like the last time we took a stroll from the conference hotel to the Sardine Factory. That was EXTREMELY UNUSUAL weather for Monterey in the summer;
8) If we do decide to do this, we need to have the folks who will be attending committed well ahead of time so that I can make the arrangements.
As some will recall, a group of us went out to dinner at the Sardine Factory in Monterey during the 2002 convention. It was a truly memorable evening for me and, from what I'm told, also for others who participated. So, I was thinking we might want to do it again. If folks are so-inclined, I could make reservations for the same room we had the last time at the Sardine Factory as that room was an important part of what made our experience there the last time so special.
A few things to think about:
1) The room we used was pretty well filled the last time we were there using the "T" table set-up we had. So, I don't think we could accommodate a group much larger than we had the last time. I think we numbered about 20-25;
2) I think that folks who were present the last time should have "first crack" at "signing up" for this year, assuming we do it, at all. However, I do not recall the names of everyone present last time. John Hinckley's photos of the event should be of help there. If we don't "fill up", then the other available "slots" could be available to "first-timers" on a first come, first served basis;
3) If we end up with a somewhat smaller group than the last time, we could reserve the wine cellar room which would make for a different, but even more intimate setting. The last time, the wine cellar room was too small for our group but it had already been reserved for another party anyway (Mike Yeager's);
4) Monterey is about 85 miles from San Jose. So, it would take us about 1-1/2 hours to drive from the convention site to the Sardine Factory;
5) Looking at the convention schedule that's been recently published, it kind of looks to me like Tuesday, July 14 might work out best as it would not conflict with much else;
6) So that no one is surprised, The Sardine Factory is an EXPENSIVE restaurant that serves OUTSTANDING FOOD with FIRST-CLASS service. It's probably the best restaurant in Monterey and one of the best in California. With beverages, tax, and tip befitting the type of service provided, we're talking about a cost in the range of $100 per person or even more. Folks who think that the convention and associated events are already too high-priced might want to avoid this one;
7) I can't promise that we'll have FABULOUS weather like the last time we took a stroll from the conference hotel to the Sardine Factory. That was EXTREMELY UNUSUAL weather for Monterey in the summer;
8) If we do decide to do this, we need to have the folks who will be attending committed well ahead of time so that I can make the arrangements.
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