Friday, September 21, 2007

So I called the restaurant that a bunch of you suggested...

Le Grainne Cafe sounds like a crowd choice here.

So I called them to make a reservation. (Just now. Almost 11.50pm NYC time on a Friday night.)

The woman who answered tells me that they don't make reservations. No exceptions. She was very helpful and polite about it, though.

BUT, she tells me that a crowd of 15 to 18 people at 6.15pm on a Monday night in October shouldn't be a problem. We might have to wait a few minutes as they put together some tables but she has no reason to think that there might be a problem.

I suppose that we should have a little backup plan just in case but I am tempted to say let's do it. If need be I can skip the service of Evening Prayer (hey, the sacrifices I'll make, eh?) and camp out there to grab us a table.

What do you think? Go take a look at the site. Their menu is up and it looks good to me. (the wine list is only so-so, but you can't get everything and that night I won't be worrying about the wine list because I'll be too excited at meeting all of you.)

As of right now I'm thinking we are going to have 15 to 18 of us. We will gather in the room at General Theological that QueerforChrist and his partner Gabe have secured (thanks guys!) at around 4pm. I'll bring a bottle or two of sherry and anyone else can bring a bottle or snacks. Then we will go to Evensong at the campus chapel at 5.30. I am told it should end at 6pm. The restaurant is across the street.

Does this sound o.k. to everyone?

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'd love to come, but I don't get sick days. If this event is successful, then please keep me posted about the next one. I might be able to make that one.

pj said...

I could use one of those dessert crepes right now (breakfast time!)

Sounds good, Dennis.

klady said...

Look's great to me. I thank you all for not selecting Italian or raw fish. I like Italian, but all of our best restaurants around here are Italian, so I like something different. Raw fish... well.

I don't think you should miss Evensong though. I would think that a Monday night would be pretty safe. Besides, Jonathan clearly has already called ahead and reserved a space at the nearest MickeyD's if we need it. (aargh... I'd eat raw fish first). Don't worry, it'll all work out.

June Butler said...

Counterlight, I'm sorry you won't be joining us. Maybe next time.

I say let's do it, too, Dennis.

toujoursdan said...

Looks great to me too!

johnieb said...

Dennis, what looks good to you? It looks like a splendid choice, but I'm thinking "no expectations." Though it sounds delightful enough; we don't want the meal to eclipse the company, after all.

Maybe the Sancerre with some mix of ?? Leeks crepes?

Yeah, I don't get out much.

Anonymous said...

You know, there is a strange fascination to meeting you all...though one does fear how it would change the relationship(s).

Atheist or no, I have been known to attend Evensong quite a bit myself, owing to a great affection for old polyphony and chant.

if I were in NY, I might just anonymously slip into that restaurant myself around 6pm and suss you all out. You needn't look suspiciously around though, because I won't, owing to the fact I live in Southern California and will be teaching one of my classes that day. But I wonder if anyone else will be there. :-)

IT

Anonymous said...

Of course then my Internal Conspiracy Theorist wonders if one of Them will be there...

beware of humorless looking folks in clerical collars carrying digital cameras!

IT

Dennis said...

Counterlight: Too bad you can't join us on Monday night.

Are you free to join a couple of us for a drink on Sunday night in Manhattan?

Davis said...

I cannot come as I'm heading out of town that week. I'm sad not to be able to meet you folks. Another time I hope.
Davis

Anonymous said...

i should be able to go! I get out of work at 630, so i can meet up with you all around 7 if that's ok.

Anonymous said...

YAY for Rev Boy!

Dennis - The food looks great. It's making me salivate already!

Allen said...

It looks great. I don't think a backup plan is needed and there is no need for you to miss Evensong either.

I'm looking forward to meeting everyone. Sorry counterlight can't come.

Unknown said...

I know I'm late to the party, but as I live right across the river, I'd like to come to. As a recent GTS grad, I always like to get back there.

RFSJ+

Allie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Allie said...

Sorry to be chiming in so late, but is there any way I could still be added to the North east MadPriest Fan Club party list?

Dennis said...

allie, come on along. the more the merrier.

Allie said...

yay!

jerseyjo said...

That Monday is a busy day for me, but I'd love to join you for Evensong and perhaps dinner. Would that work??

Many thanks for this..

QueerforChrist said...

Hello friends!

I am sad to say that I will be unable to join you for the Mad Priest Meetup after all. Work has called me to Chicago that week, and I leave Monday morning the 22nd. HOWEVER, my beloved (and big fan of many of your blogs) Gabe a/k/a Ultimate Concern has graciously offered to stand in as host. The room secured is Matthews Lounge, and the front desk will be able to direct you all there.

We'll still provide tea and fixins, and a bottle of decent Sherry, though here's hoping Dennis can bring his best along. Think you'll have to check it, Dennis!

If any of you are getting here on Sunday afternoon or evening the 21st, please let me know via email. I would love to go with anyone visiting Tobias' parish on Sunday also. Do let me know. Email is terrymilner@gmail.com.

Peace!

Terry

Anonymous said...

Please remember to save a spot for me .... I can't make evensong, but i should be to the restaurant between 630pm and 7pm.

Thanks to all and looking forward to meeting everyone!

the Reverend boy