Okay, folks! So it's a block party on July 18th. I've sent the paperwork in to the city, so the next question is: who wants to bring what?
posted by eamondaly to Chicago, IL at 10:08 PM (68 comments total)
I got here as fast as I could!
***whine***
With that out of the way, I can bring booze, not booze, food, ~35k MP3s, my dog, my lady, a frisbee, a guitar, a bass, a keyboard, electronic drums, an accordion, maracas, my lovely Baritenor (which I suppose I'll be bringing by default, unless I scream it away in the days leading up to the event) a mini-Weber grill...
Not a helpful list, I know. Do we want to plan any activities, or should we just focus on music/food/drinks/company? posted by SpiffyRob at 5:17 AM on May 20, 2009
I will make some cookies and leave them with you and/or the lovely wife prior to my leaving the city on Thursday. If I can't be there, at least my baked goods will be! posted by crush-onastick at 7:20 AM on May 20, 2009
Good question! We're definitely going to have a separate activities thread in the next couple of weeks, so maybe we'll limit this to food and drink volunteers. Here are some of the items we'll need, assuming 30 or so people:
- 3 appetizers
- 3 sides
- 3 desserts
- Soda
- Beer
- Burgers
- Hot dogs or brats
- Buns (woo!)
Actually, the Cabal could really use a Minister of Food to co-ordinate, so if someone wants to volunteer for that, that'd be a load off. posted by eamondaly at 7:44 AM on May 20, 2009
I'd also thought I'd bring cookies. Shall I switch to cupcakes to avoid baked goods interference with Crush? posted by Iridic at 7:47 AM on May 20, 2009
(Jessamyn renamed the thread to "Food and Drink" to ease any confusion, FYI.) posted by eamondaly at 8:04 AM on May 20, 2009
I could bring a cheese grits souffle (with sausage!) as an appetizer, if that would be appealing. I'd pick up another pan and make a double serving. Are we going to have warming facilities available? posted by adamdschneider at 9:22 AM on May 20, 2009
Ok dudes, as co-organizer of this event that has not helped with much of anything yet, I'll anoint myself Minister of Food.
I've created an editable Google Spreadsheet so we can track who's bringing what and what is still needed. Feel free to add items to the list. Also for some of them, like BEER, there will likely be more than one person buying so you can have multiple people sign up for them. There's a comments column where you can describe what you're bringing, if you'd like. I'll monitor and as we get closer to the date needle you guys if we're still in need of some stuff.
I added food-related items like plates, cups, utensils, and ice. Not sure if I should add coolers as well...
Also, any dietary restrictions we should make sure to take into account? Vegetarians?
Excellent idea, thanks. I signed myself up for some beer, but may bring other stuff as well, if I'm feeling inspired. posted by SpiffyRob at 11:02 AM on May 20, 2009
I added charcoal and grills to the list too... Eamon, not sure what's going to be available via you and your neighbors, but if we need lots of grilling surfaces I want to make sure that's covered.
Also, tables? Is it a BYOC (bring your own chair) party?
You're the block party pro, so let me know (or add to the list yourself) if those kinds of things will be needed. posted by misskaz at 11:42 AM on May 20, 2009
On the note of good beer, there's a liquor store at Clark and Foster (Andersonville Wine and Spirits) that carries a lot of craft/independent stuff. It's not far from the party, if anyone was planning on picking something up on the way over.
Also, I'm friends with the people who own Metropolitan Brewing, which is a new craft brewery in the neighborhood. I'll see if I can wrangle any kind of donation. posted by lholladay at 12:20 PM on May 20, 2009
lholladay brings up an excellent point! If you know anyone who's involved with a bar, a restaurant, a coffeeship, a bakery, or any other food-related company, please ask if they'd consider donating something! We usually get a ton of hot dogs for free from a place down the street for our parties, though we can't for this particular shindig as one of the neighboring blocks already called dibs. posted by eamondaly at 12:29 PM on May 20, 2009
lholladay, that's awesome! I was at Hopleaf recently and they had a beer from there. I was psyched to hear about a new brewery so close by. posted by misskaz at 12:37 PM on May 20, 2009
Is anyone interested in going in on some pulled pork BBQ from Honky Tonk? posted by wfrgms at 5:23 PM on May 20, 2009
Sorry to hijack the food/drink thread, but I just wanted to let y'all know that you're welcome to attend Milwaukee's meetup as well, which is tentatively planned for Sunday. I'd like to attend both, so if anyone would like to come to Milwaukee's, please weigh in on our thread so we can gauge the interest on having it on Sunday vs. Saturday.
If you're still too drunk to drive on Sunday, remember, there is a train that runs between the two cities. posted by desjardins at 7:39 AM on May 21, 2009
I've been wary of BBQ in these parts ever since my GF took me to Charleston and exposed me to REAL BBQ, but if it's something you're into, wfrgms, then I'll have to assume it's the real deal. Sign me up as well.
With any luck, this could help rope in SpiffyGal to the block party as well! posted by SpiffyRob at 9:49 AM on May 21, 2009
Oh man, wfrgms, I would eat the hell out of that. posted by misskaz at 12:16 PM on May 21, 2009
I know the owner of Honky Tonky in passing... I'll see what type of prices they can do on a tray of BBQ with buns, fixings, etc. posted by wfrgms at 2:45 PM on May 21, 2009
Yes, keep us posted. I will pay good money for quality BBQ, and bad money for mediocre stuff. posted by adamdschneider at 8:04 AM on May 22, 2009
BBQ is fundable. I can make Chipotle refried beans (and bring some good chips as well). posted by zerobyproxy at 8:20 AM on May 22, 2009
Don't forget to put what you are bringing in the spreadsheet. Right now it looks like MeFites have two priorities: beer and dessert. Not surprising, really, but we may need some real food too. posted by misskaz at 3:08 PM on May 22, 2009
I can bring some veggie burgers and perhaps some portobellos for the grill. Any other vegetarians coming? I may have to step it up so we're not overshadowed by wfrgms BBQ. posted by hydrophonic at 1:21 PM on May 24, 2009
I'm about 80% sure I'm coming and I am the queen of potato salad. So I can bring a big tub of starch to soak up all the booze (if family obligations don't overtake me). posted by readery at 8:39 PM on May 24, 2009
Don't forget to have food for vegetarians and beverages for non-drinkers. posted by LSK at 7:03 AM on May 25, 2009
I'm a non-drinking vegetarian and will do my best to provide things for people like me to eat and drink. What those will be, I do not know. I'll try to check the spreadsheet when I get a chance, this last month has been crazier than usual.
would this be an appropriate venue for the video projector and guitar hero? I swear it works a treat but if it's too nerdy or something I won't bother posted by jtron at 10:27 PM on May 27, 2009
ye gads, had the date utterly wrong in my head, ignore ending comment (although as stated before I'd be glad to help out with whatever on the A/V end of things) - I will still help coordinate food for vegulons when I get a sec posted by jtron at 12:38 AM on May 28, 2009
jtron, so far vegetarians look in good shape - hydrophonic is signed up for veggie burgers, plus my side dish is an awesome and filling vegetarian tortellini salad. Other sides and desserts are looking veggie-friendly too. I'm a former vegetarian myself, so I'm definitely aware of the need to have some choices for you guys. Of course if you have something you'd like to bring, please do!
The great thing is there is a Dominick's about 5 blocks away, so any needed last minute supplies can easily be acquired. Also, I will keep an eye on the spreadsheet and as the date gets closer, call out for specific needs.
Finally, we haven't put our regular monthly meetups on hold, so any of you that maybe want to test the waters with us weirdos can join us next Wednesday. posted by misskaz at 7:13 AM on May 28, 2009
would this be an appropriate venue for the video projector and guitar hero?
Oh, hell yeah. I know at least myself and my girlfriend would play. posted by adamdschneider at 7:45 AM on May 28, 2009
There should be mondo garden goodness growing in my backyard by then. I'll make something vegetative from the week's harvest (no way to predict exactly what it will be, other than either green, yellow, red or some combination.) Please let me know if I should avoid nut oil? posted by nax at 6:43 PM on May 28, 2009
Oh, and I plan to attend this here meetup as well. I wonder if I'm the only one doing TWO MEETUPS IN TWO STATES IN ONE WEEKEND. I think I'll ask Matt if he'll cover the gas cost. :P
Can I bring something that doesn't involve cooking? Any suggestions? posted by desjardins at 3:23 PM on June 1, 2009
Ok, I am FINALLY gonna show to a meet-up. Pleased to see this is happening within a few blocks of where I live.
I'll bring a jumble of side items - stuff like fruit plates, cheeses, so on and so forth. posted by Windigo at 5:15 PM on June 6, 2009
Don't forget: you can sign up for anything you like right here on misskaz' Google spreadsheet! posted by eamondaly at 6:18 PM on June 7, 2009
You know, we could probably get @dpzramon (the Domino's Pizza franchisee on the north side) to donate a fair amount of free pizza/pasta/cinnasticks/whatever. I can ask him if that would be of interest to the crew. posted by sachinag at 7:14 PM on June 7, 2009
Pizza et al is always of interest. I wonder what's going on with that BBQ. posted by adamdschneider at 7:29 PM on June 7, 2009
I will bring beer and lots of it!!! posted by lee at 6:57 PM on June 12, 2009
Wow, the spreadsheet is filling out nicely! Yay everyone!
My only fear now is weather; it seems like every time I am involved in planning something like this it rains - everything from my wedding last September (Remember that day it rained 6.5 inches in one day? Rainiest day in Chicago history? Yeah.) to my birthday cookout this afternoon. Sigh. Hopefully y'all have enough good weather vibes that can cancel out my jinx.
sachinag, I also folow dpzramon on twitter, let me know if you want me to ask him too or if it's best that you're left to your own devices. posted by misskaz at 9:20 AM on June 13, 2009
Alright, I've been dreading this for the last couple of weeks, ever since I found out, but it's time to sack up and embrace the inevitable fingers that will result:
I can't come.
A good friend of mine sings in the Chicago Symphony Chorus, and it just so happens that their Ravinia performance, which we all make a point of attending every year, is at 7PM on the 18th. So yeah, there's just no way I can make it.
As such, I've pulled my name off of the beer list, and I'm changing my status to "No."
BUT! Assuming that the festivities continue into the latter portion of the evening, whether at the party proper or at a secondary location, I will definitely want to meet up with everyone. I'd probably be able to make it down by 11 or so. I'll coordinate this effort with those of you at the next monthly meetup.
The next monthly meetup would also be an appropriate time to give me the aforementioned fingers and strip me of my minister title. I don't remember what I was appointed minister of, but whatever it was, strip it. posted by SpiffyRob at 9:24 AM on June 15, 2009
misskaz, I asked and he gave me a tentative yes, but if you wanna ping him, it can't possibly hurt to get it locked down. :) posted by sachinag at 5:06 PM on June 15, 2009
SpiffyRob: I've saved you a seat at the You'reTotallyLame table. posted by crush-onastick at 6:58 AM on June 16, 2009
Technically, SpiffyRob has a chance to sit at the SlightlyLessLame table, as his job is to bring the choir to the Bong Ho afterward. posted by eamondaly at 11:29 AM on June 16, 2009
You've never seen softcore porn until you've seen it as a background to a 300-person choir singing karaoke to the Bee Gees' "More Than a Woman." posted by SpiffyRob at 12:27 PM on June 16, 2009
You guys, the spreadsheet looks great! (Although someone had added a "I love group spreadsheets" cell a few weeks ago that made me very very happy and now it's disappeared and that makes me sad. Do you not still love group spreadsheets?)
Here's what looks like we might still need, although we are fairly well covered:
-burgers (+ cheese?)
-buns for burgers and dogs
-corn on the cob(?)
Honestly, if the BBQ and/or pizza comes through, we probably don't even need that stuff. Way to go, metafilter!
Now, come to the July 1 meetup next week and help us plan this thing! posted by misskaz at 12:01 PM on June 23, 2009
You've never seen softcore porn until you've seen it as a background to a 300-person choir singing karaoke to the Bee Gees' "More Than a Woman."
Yeah well, you've never been to one of Eamon's block party's. They pick up where traditional hard core triple-X leaves off... posted by wfrgms at 4:21 PM on June 23, 2009
I had to back out of making chicken & pineapple quesadillas. We just moved, we're going to a wedding this weekend, and we're flying to Florida to visit a sick relative next weekend. Therefore we have almost no time or money to spend. I volunteered to bring buns. posted by desjardins at 9:20 AM on July 2, 2009
Don't worry desjardins, and thanks for bringing stuff even after everything you're dealing with! Looking forward to finally meeting you in person. posted by misskaz at 1:29 PM on July 2, 2009
Hey! Is anyone available to pick up cookies from me Friday morning-ish (before noon, at least) either in the Loop (where I work) or Boystown (where I live)? We're heading out to the non-metafilter-related reunion afternoon on Friday and I have cookies which must attend the meet-up in my stead. Memail me or email in profile. Thanks. posted by crush-onastick at 6:49 AM on July 13, 2009
Ok guys, at T-minus 5 days we need to confirm the food stuff.
wfrgms, any luck with the BBQ?
sachinag, how about pizza from @dpzramon?
If not that's ok - just let us know so we can pick up some burgers and dogs. posted by misskaz at 1:40 PM on July 13, 2009
Seriously, what the heck ever happened with that BBQ? Salivating minds want to know. posted by adamdschneider at 12:11 PM on July 15, 2009
@misskaz I just DMed Ramon again; hopefully he'll hook us up. He can't deliver that far north, but hopefully he'll let me pick up. posted by sachinag at 10:53 PM on July 15, 2009
Ok, the party is tomorrow and the spreadsheet is still missing some key ingredients. Appetizer 3 we can probably forego, but burger meat, buns, cups and condiments? Necessary, especially if the pizza is a no go (otherwise I'd just say slap some pizza around the meat and call it good). Do we have a plan to cover these, or does someone (or several someones) want to step up to the plate? I was planning on bringing 40 brats. Is that going to be enough? I can cover buns for them if necessary. We need to figure this out soon, though. posted by adamdschneider at 11:23 AM on July 17, 2009
I thought I put myself down for buns. boy does that just sound wrong
ANYWAY I AM BRINGING BUNS. posted by desjardins at 12:19 PM on July 17, 2009
erm, I just thought of something. I am taking the El and/or bus and am going to look/feel redorkulous carrying ~80 hot dog/burger buns. Is there a grocery store nearby? Or is anyone coming from Oak Park (I can find my own way home)? posted by desjardins at 12:23 PM on July 17, 2009
I was just looking to figure out what was needed (now that I've finally RSVP'ed); I can bring some meat for burgers. posted by carrienation at 12:24 PM on July 17, 2009
Looks like there is a Dominick's close to the Red Line stop. Still, I'd appreciate a ride if possible. posted by desjardins at 12:27 PM on July 17, 2009
Yes, there's a Dominick's super close to the party and the Thorndale Red Line stop. Anything that isn't covered by the time people start showing up, we can just walk over and get things.
still holding out for that bbq....
Thanks for nudging everyone, adamdschneider. I think they were tired of listening to me. posted by misskaz at 1:03 PM on July 17, 2009
Also, I have condiments. I can bring them. posted by misskaz at 1:07 PM on July 17, 2009
I have a 25 lb bag of rice, 11 cans of green beans, 6 cans of corn and a freezer full of Hot Pockets. If the apocalypse happens within the next 24 hours I will bring them. posted by desjardins at 1:34 PM on July 17, 2009
Confirmed - ten pies from Domino's for free. I'll be picking them up at 5pm and bringing them by. posted by sachinag at 2:46 PM on July 17, 2009
Sweet, sachinag!!! posted by misskaz at 2:57 PM on July 17, 2009
Sweet, indeed. Sounds like we're about all set. Hope everybody's hungry! Looks like we'll probably be making a cups run tomorrow. posted by adamdschneider at 3:17 PM on July 17, 2009
I've got cups covered, no worries. posted by eamondaly at 9:39 PM on July 17, 2009
Why is everyone so upset about the cups?
I can't be the only one who remembers that posted by jtron at 1:49 PM on July 18, 2009
were there cups? I don't remember cups. Then again, I drink my beer straight out of the bottle, damnit.
There were an appalling lack of napkins, though. I mean WTF. posted by desjardins at 12:55 PM on July 20, 2009
Subscribe
***whine***
With that out of the way, I can bring booze, not booze, food, ~35k MP3s, my dog, my lady, a frisbee, a guitar, a bass, a keyboard, electronic drums, an accordion, maracas, my lovely Baritenor (which I suppose I'll be bringing by default, unless I scream it away in the days leading up to the event) a mini-Weber grill...
Not a helpful list, I know. Do we want to plan any activities, or should we just focus on music/food/drinks/company?
posted by SpiffyRob at 5:17 AM on May 20, 2009