Just wondering...

[Jewel]

How in the poop are we gonna know each other!?? :confused: We've seen photos of some of us, but others we haven't! I don't want to walk on by DMOrtega and not acknowledge her 'cause I don't know it's her! Should we do name tags or something? I'd be willing to make up some small ones that we could pass out in the hotel bar or somewhere, but does anyone else have a better idea? Or do we just wanna wing it? :p

[SandyM]

Well, I know you.

And I just spoke to Kathryn on the phone, so all she has to do is walk around going "La la la la la la", and I'll recognize her sweet voice!!! :cool:

[dcornelius]

Every one could take a copy of an old CL issue to "Flag" your self, then you would be pretty sure that anyone carrying around a CL would be some one safe to approach! Just a thought, make it an old issue you wouldnt mind loosing incase you choose not to have to carry it around the rest of the evening you could just dump it. Wish I could be there!

[lisas3575]

I'm wondering if it will just work itself out. Jewel, I know what you look like, and I know what Maureen and Julie and Eva look like. I imagine we'll be like a big black hole, sucking up matter all over the hotel lobby. :p If you see a big group of women hanging out, that's probably us.

[emily]

Yeah, I also think it'll just work out since I'm assuming you'll have all found each other (use the schwartz :p)by the time I get there, I'm thinking I'll just walk out of the cab/shuttle straight into the bar with my bag and everyone will shout out "emily!" ;)

living in wonderland,

emily

[SandyM]

Originally posted by emily
I'm thinking I'll just walk out of the cab/shuttle straight into the bar with my bag and everyone will shout out "emily!" ;)


Sorta like "George!" in Cheers!!! :D :D :D

[lisas3575]

Originally posted by emily
(use the schwartz :p)

Snort.

[emily]

Originally posted by SandyM


Sorta like "George!" in Cheers!!! :D :D :D

um, dontcha mean "Norm"? :p ;) :)

but yes, exactly like that :D

Lisa, was I not supposed to bring Spaceballs into the weekend? Is that some sort of no-no I missed somewhere along the way? I thought after Don and his gooey duck that anything goes.

soo very giddy :p

em

[KValley]

Originally posted by emily
Lisa, was I not supposed to bring Spaceballs into the weekend? Is that some sort of no-no I missed somewhere along the way? I thought after Don and his gooey duck that anything goes.

soo very giddy :p

em


YO- Let's just leave Don out of this, okay- he's very sensitive.;)

I kind of like the "winging it" method- somehow I don't think we're going to be a hard group to miss (oh yeah, I'll be that 5'10, 120 lb blonde in the leather hot pants, just in case... :D )

[KathrynY]

I'm usually pretty recognizable due to my bright red hair :p. I'm betting it won't be too difficult for us to find each other.

Hot pants?!? I think mine are at the dry cleaners....

[Jewel]

Well if everyone wants to just wing it then that's what we'll do! ;) I was just thinking it might be a teensy bit awkward at first, but that will go away quickly. I'll be the fluffy reddishhead with big boobs at the end of the bar slurping a margarita on the rocks. :D And if I have hot pants at any time during this weekend it'll be because Dennis Quaid strolled in! :eek:

[sushibones]

Well, I offered to meet Wendy at the airport with a big FOOD GROUPIE CONVENTION sign. We could just hoist it above the bar. :D

em, I really like your new avatar and title.

[Wendy w]

I could tell you guys what I look like, what color I think I'll be wearing but I don't want to spoil the fun for Susan - who wants to "dodder":p and pick up foodies for the convention. :p ;)

And...in the interest of preventing visual abuse, :eek: I am going to leave the hotpants at home. Unless we encounter some high caliber hunks and have another type of hot pants going on.;)

[Jewel]

Originally posted by sushibones
Well, I offered to meet Wendy at the airport with a big FOOD GROUPIE CONVENTION sign. We could just hoist it above the bar. :D

I just called the hotel to shuffle some reservations around, and I could NOT convince the reservation lady that we were not WITH Cooking Light magazine. She wants me to bring her a few back issues! :rolleyes: If we raise that sign that'll only fuel the fire! Hey Maelynn! Can we get corporate sponsorship or something? Expense account?? :D

[sushibones]

Wendy

OK, but if I pick up the wrong person at the airport, don't blame me. :rolleyes: :p Dodder, dodder, drool.

No hot pants for me either. Mostly because I have a feeling I'm going to spend this weekend trying to stay warm. Those 70 degree temps that are so appealing to the rest of you are at the very bottom of my comfort range. :rolleyes:

[Wendy w]

Ok Susan, I am 5'5 and blonde w/shoulder length hair and will be wearing blue.

Jewel, that's too funny! We could use it to our advantage if we so desired. What do you mean shuffle reservations around??:confused:

[emily]

Originally posted by KValley

in the leather hot pants

Did anyone see that episode of Friends where Ross wears a pair of leather pants and can't get them back on after going potty? That one had me rolling. :D

I don't have any leather pants and Friday is too far away for me to know what I'll be wearing yet. It's also contingent on whether I have time to change before going to the airport. But look for me to be in either a pair of sneaker looking shoes (don't worry, I have black vans for going out in ;))

emily

[lisas3575]

Wendy, I think Kathryn is moving into their room since Susan can't make it. :( :( :(

The only hot pants I own are the ones I take out of the dryer and put right on. Ahhhhhhhhhh. Nothing better on a cold NW morning. :cool:

[Jewel]

Originally posted by Wendy w
What do you mean shuffle reservations around?? :confused:

I cancelled my reservation and Sandy and I are bunking in with Kathryn! :D I made my reservation in March and it was $159 per night for the two of us, and Kathryn had a $139 per night room for just her since Susan can't make it. :( So now we have $139 split three ways and we have a built-in slumber party! :D

[emily]

Jewel,

Did you happen to ask to get your room next to/on the same floor as ours? Are we still trying to do that?

emily

[Wendy w]

Good for you, Jewel!!!:)

Lisa, not to be nosy or anything, but doesn't your DH give you hot pants?

[Jewel]

Originally posted by emily
Did you happen to ask to get your room next to/on the same floor as ours? Are we still trying to do that?

My old reservation was on the party floor before, so I'm assuming that Kathryn's is also! ;)

[KathrynY]

Yep - I asked to be near Jewel's room, although I'm wondering if her cancellation will affect anything? I don't know how those room assignment things go - they may do it at the last minute. Hmmm...

[lisas3575]

Originally posted by Wendy w
Lisa, not to be nosy or anything, but doesn't your DH give you hot pants?

Nope. I get nekkid. :D ;)

[Wendy w]

Good one Lisa!:D Touche!

A few months ago, I called the hotel and asked to be near Jewel and Sandy's room too. They said that they would try but couldn't promise.:rolleyes:

[SandyM]

Perhaps they'll yield to the pressure of several hormonal women..... :o :p :D

[Wendy w]

Originally posted by SandyM
Perhaps they'll yield to the pressure of several hormonal women..... :o :p :D

Or, we can play the Cooking Light card.;)
I'm just kidding CL, I will not by any means impersonate one of your employees. I promise!

Hormones work. ;)

[sushibones]

Yikes! After I made the reservation, I never thought about it again. I saw the thread on asking to be on the same floor, and I guess I thought one request would work. So I never made a specific request, although when I made the reservations, I told them I was with the CL group.

When my entire family gathered in Las Vegas and all the reservations were made at the same time under one name, we still wound up scattered over several floors and wings. It just depended on when people arrived and what was available apparently. At least I should be in early enough to ask at the desk for the party floor. :D

Unfortunately, I'm beyond hormonal, so I'll just have to rely on my natural charm. ;) Or a bribe. :rolleyes:

[Jewel]

Maybe we should bring an old CL mag and tape the cover to our hotel room door! That way we'd know there was a party animal in the room behind it! :D

This hotel has got so many restaurants, lounges, etc that we shouldn't have any trouble finding places to party. They even have an Italian restaurant called 'Prego' I believe... Garlic Bread at 4am anyone??? ;)

[emily]

Originally posted by Jewel
Garlic Bread at 4am anyone??? ;)

I'm down. I firmly believe in the "add some bread to soak up the alcohol rule." However, going to school in Texas it was "tortillas and queso" :o ;)

emily

[Wendy w]

http://www.chefdon.org/prego_page.htm

Check this out and look at the recipe page. Yummy!!

[sushibones]

Chef Don?!?!!! Uh-oh! I guess we know what's really on the menu! ;)

[aggie94]

Originally posted by emily
Did anyone see that episode of Friends where Ross wears a pair of leather pants and can't get them back on after going potty? That one had me rolling. :D

I love the episode of Ross and his paste-pants!

Oh, and my hot pants are also at the cleaners. Probably with Kathryn's. :o

[emily]

Originally posted by Wendy w
http://www.chefdon.org/prego_page.htm

Check this out and look at the recipe page. Yummy!!

Check that out and look at the CHEF. Really yummy! ;)

oh, my,

emily

[Wendy w]

Originally posted by sushibones
Chef Don?!?!!! Uh-oh! I guess we know what's really on the menu! ;)

:D :D :o Doh! Duh!! I didn't even make the connection. I guess I was having a blonde moment.:o :p

Emily, believe it or not, I was too busy drooling over the recipes:rolleyes:. I went back and checked him out and you are right! We could go up and check him out but since he appears to own a restaurant empire, he probably won't be there.

With respect to Gooey Duck Don, Chef Don is much cuter.

The upcoming excitement has me being extremely silly.:rolleyes: :p

[kima]

I will never be able to say the name Don with a staight face again! Thanks you guys!!!:D :D
I just checked out the site-that Don is very nice looking! Are we going to eat here? I want to!!!!:)

[KValley]

okay okay- so i'll leave the darn hot pants at home. :p Those and that skinny blonde who follows me around, pretending to be me. :D

I was too restless to stay at home alone today, so I played hooky and drove to Seattle for lunch (uh, just a 4 hr round trip)- but a great drive through the mountains. It was gorgeous in the city-a bit cool and partly cloudy until about noon- then the jacket came off and the sunglasses went on.

If you've received your July issue, did you catch the "Northwest menu" article featuring Fandango/Flying Fish chef Christine Keff? nice little coincidence to feature the Puget SOund this month! :) Can't believe Karen MacNeil selected a California Pinot Noir to suggest for the menu- least she could have suggested one from Oregon- sheesh :rolleyes:

[Wendy w]

Originally posted by kima
I will never be able to say the name Don with a staight face again! Thanks you guys!!!:D :D
I just checked out the site-that Don is very nice looking! Are we going to eat here? I want to!!!!:)

Me neither. Believe it or not, there is a gooey duck song.:eek:
http://www.cooperativeadventures.com/clients/gducks.htm As you all can see, I have been really productive at work today. :rolleyes:

After revisiting the website, I found that he is there Tuesday thru Saturday. He also said that if there were questions about his recipes to come to the restaurant and he will answer them. Can you imagine our group going there and then summoning him? I'm game if you all are!;)

[emily]

Originally posted by Wendy w


Can you imagine our group going there and then summoning him? I'm game if you all are!;)

OMG - We should email him now to warn him. I bet he'd get a kick out of it. Sounds like a great plan to me! To the market in the morning. Prego for lunch. Then we break off into smaller groups to continue the day.

Ok, editting to say that they're not open for lunch :( Nightly from 5-10. Anyone still interested in trying to do dinner their Saturday maybe though?

I AM SO EXCITED!!!! :D :D :D

emily

[Jewel]

Prego is actually in our hotel, is it not? That would be really cool to play around town all day, go to the hotel to freshen up, then just come downstairs to go to dinner! :) Talk about easy-peezy! No transportation worries at all!

Of course, Julie, we still have to have enough energy after dinner for the Pub Crawl. :p Unless you all just wanna crawl through the hotel bar wearing our cool Lisa T-shirts drawing all kinds of attention!?

[Wendy w]

Actually Jewel, the website says that Prego is on the top floor. Imagine the wonderful view.:cool: And...the chef gets to deal with us.
What a lucky man!:D ;) :p

[kima]

I say we definately do dinner with Don! Should we wait until we get there to make reservations?
And is it just me or has the traffic at this board picked up as the tension and excitement builds!!:)

[brykate]

Originally posted by kima
IAnd is it just me or has the traffic at this board picked up as the tension and excitement builds!!:)
Lots of traffic! Gosh, aren't we glad we're all looking forward to this?!

Susan - I requested our room be with others when it first came up so hopefully it will be true.

Cleaners..... THAT'S where those pants are! :eek: :p

I was thinking maybe I'd post my photo here so I wouldn't get left behind! If there's multiple bars, then which one to go to at 6?
I tried to keep mental images when the photo thread was up and I think I still remember most. So be sure ya'll look like your photo, ok?
:D
yep, I'm getting excited too. Oredered my gift today!

:) Katie

[Jewel]

Originally posted by brykate
If there's multiple bars, then which one to go to at 6?


There's multiple bars!?? :eek: Someone should find out the names and locations and we need to pick one today!

As for reservations with Don, I say let's go for it now! If we wait until Friday they might not be able to seat such a large group on Saturday. Should I call? How many people? Will DH's be along on Saturday? Mine won't! :D

Head count for Saturday's dinner is..... ??

[aggie94]

The website, under "facilities and services," lists "on-site restaurant" and "cocktail lounge." Then, under "restaurants and lounges," it lists "Maxwell (American - open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner," and "Prego (Italian - open for dinner)."

Does someone want me to call the hotel and find out for sure so we can narrow it down to a single bar/lounge to meet?

[aggie94]

Okay, I called the hotel. Here's the scoop:

Prego, the Italian restaurant, has a lounge/bar that is open from 2:00p to 2:00a. Then there's Maxwell, the American restaurant (she didn't mention if it had a bar).

BUT, there is also a "lobby court lounge" that is a bar right in the middle of the lobby that also has limited dining (bar-type food). I think that's probably the best place to meet as it will be the most obvious.

[lisas3575]

Originally posted by aggie94
There is also a "lobby court lounge" that is a bar right in the middle of the lobby that also has limited dining (bar-type food). I think that's probably the best place to meet as it will be the most obvious.

I agree. Thanks for calling, Eva.

[Wendy w]

Thanks for calling, Eva. It's a given that it would be hard to miss each other that way.:D

[Jewel]

I agree! Thanks Eva! This way we can do Prego for dinner on Saturday!

[SandyM]

.....but I went ahead and called Prego and made a reservation for 15 people (guesstimate) for 7:00 pm on Saturday night.

I also sent an e-mail to Don, telling him we were coming, the purpose of our trip, and I told him it would be fabulous if he could come out and chat. :D

Now, if anyone has issues with the time, I can change it. If there are people who don't want to eat here, this is fine too. I just thought with such late notice, I should probably get a reservation in, just in case.

I sent the link to the menu to Jim - he's asking for a doggy bag.... :rolleyes: ;)

[Jewel]

Not presumptuous in any way in my opinion! :) Thanks for calling! Is 15 a good number?

And I seem to remember that we were going to wear our T-shirts on Saturday...should we wear them to Dinner With Don? :D

[Wendy w]

Sandy, you are an absolute doll! Thank you thank you, thank you! I told the girls at work about dinner with Don and they think its cool!

[SandyM]

Sandy,
I will be looking forward to seeing you all at Prego on Saturday night. If you could let me know a time. I can pencil you in and make sure I get you the best table in the house. I will also gladly stop by your table and chat a bit. Glad to hear you've been surfing my web. I am constantly updating it and have at least 500 more recipes to put on. That'll keep me busy. Be sure to check your checkin packet when you arrive at the hotel, we are currently offering 20% off your meal for our hotel guests(preferred clients), which will apply to your food bill. Not a real big thing but, just thought I'd mention it.
See you at Prego on Saturday,
Sincerely,
Don Curtiss


:D :D :D :D :D :D

[Wendy w]

WOW!!!

Too cool!:cool:

[aggie94]

That's so cool!! I'll gladly go wherever for dinner on Saturday night - I don't care. It will be fun wherever we end up!

BTW, how *did* you come up with 15 as the number for dinner? And will that cover everyone? More likely than not, my DH will be there (if that's OK).

[SandyM]

Originally posted by aggie94
BTW, how *did* you come up with 15 as the number for dinner?

Wild guess. I didn't do a headcount, because I didn't know what DH's were going to be around. If anyone thinks I should "up" it, please let me know asap.

[Peggy]

OMG!!!! Very exciting! Look out Seattle... The city may never be the same!!!:p :p :p

Peggy

[SandyM]

Hey everyone,

Perhaps I'm paranoia-ing out again, but I don't want anyone to think I've taken over here. I just thought it would be best to have a reservation and not need it, rather than want one and not be able to get it.

Of course now I'm really excited if Don gets us a primo table and comes out to chat. So if I have to eat there with just myself, then so be it - I'll say hi to Don for you!! :D

I'm teasing, of course. But I really did want to say that I know there are budget concerns, and we all have to do what's best for us.

I hope I didn't step on any toes here......... :confused:

[aggie94]

Sandy,

Don't worry! I guess I won't speak for everyone, but I didn't feel like you were taking over or stepping on toes. Reservations are a good idea at this late hour, especially since we hadn't firmed up any plans for dinner Saturday night. I don't know what Seattle is like, but I know in Portland it is really hard to go out to a decent restaurant on a Friday or Saturday night without a reservation.

DH & I would be happy to join you (and Chef Don) at Prego. If we have any budget concerns, we can eat rice and beans all week when we get back. :rolleyes:

Just out of curiosity, what did your email to Don say? :)

[brykate]

I like THIS Don!!!
:eek: :D :D Sandy! You are SOO cool! Thank you very much for doing that!!:D :) I'm so excited to go up there and eat! Not to mention that the chef is coming out to chat because he has YOU penciled in! whoo hoo! We've got to get a picture of this!
I don't think you've taken over - but not a chance you'll eat alone! :p

15 sounds like enough. We've had a few drop-outs unfortunately so maybe the head count should be modified. Bummer no more Susan(slknight) She was doing nametaggies:(

katie

[lisas3575]

Sandy, you know I'm a planner, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart! Maybe you should up the rezzies to 20 just to be safe??

Do we know what the prices are at this place? Just wondering if I need to take out that second mortgage... :rolleyes: I realized after that "how much do you make" poll that I'm not in the same league as y'all.

Also, please forgive me, but I've missed the point of who this guy is. :confused: How did we find out about him? Did we like him just because his name is Don and he's NOT holding a gooey duck? I want to make sure I'm duly impressed.

[SandyM]

Hi Don,

Thank you so much for your speedy reply!

We currently have a 7:00 pm reservation on 6/22 under my name (Miller).

We're all very much looking forward to meeting you, if your schedule permits.

And thanks for the heads up on the coupon. Every little bit helps!!!

Take care, and we'll see you soon.

~Sandy~

On Thu, 20 June 2002, "Don Curtiss" wrote

Sandy,
I will be looking forward to seeing you all at Prego on Saturday night. If you could let me know a time. I can pencil you in and make sure I get you the best table in the house. I will also gladly stop by your table and chat a bit. Glad to hear you've been surfing my web. I am constantly updating it and have at least 500 more recipes to put on. That'll keep me busy. Be sure to check your checkin packet when you arrive at the hotel, we are currently offering 20% off your meal for our hotel guests(preferred clients), which will apply to your food bill. Not a real big thing but, just thought I'd mention it.
See you at Prego on Saturday,
Sincerely,
Don Curtiss
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sandy " <msgen@peoplepc.com>
To: <don@mediadon.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2002 8:22 AM
Subject: This weekend


Hi Don,

Hope you get a chance to read this before we get there.

A group of women who hang out on the Cooking Light magazine bulletin board (http://community.cookinglight.com) are going to be in Seattle this weekend, and we're staying at the Renaissance Hotel. Of course we'll be eating at Prego, and we're drooling over the menu.

There will probably be 10-12 of us, so I'm hoping we can get reservations.

If you're there on Saturday, I think it would be fabulous if you
could stop by our table and say hi.

I'm currently having a blast reading your website, recipes, etc.

Take care, and hope to see you soon.

~Sandy~

[Wendy w]

Sandy, I'm there!! Please don't be paranoid, I admire the fact that you are proactive!

[aggie94]

Originally posted by lisas3575
Do we know what the prices are at this place? Just wondering if I need to take out that second mortgage... :rolleyes:

Wendy posted the restaurant's/chef's website earlier:

http://www.chefdon.org/prego_page.htm

I think their sample menu lists sample prices. :) (Oh, but don't forget the 20% off for hotel guests.)

[SandyM]

Just because I am paranoid, by nature, I upped the reservation to 20 people.

[emily]

Originally posted by aggie94
Sandy,
Just out of curiosity, what did your email to Don say? :)

Yeah, and Sandy, did you happen to tell him I think he's hot ;)

And I don't think you were stepping on any toes. If I thought we'd be down for dinner, I'd've made the reservations myself last night. So rather than stepping on my toes, you just shoved in front of me. :p

emily

[emily]

Ok, we're all talking at the same time I see. I think it's a great email, Sandy. I can't wait!!! How long until tomorrow? I feel like it's Christmas.

emily

and i'm having to wait 60 seconds to post this; it's like watching and hearing the clock tick...<jeopardy music>

[browneye]

I won't be joining you for dinner at Prego Saturday night, sorry.

Just FYI- Prego has a nice view. I ate there about 5 years ago and it was good, not great, hope it's better now.... and you'll probably enjoy it, but it's certainly not what I would classify as one of the better Seattle restaurants, for the price. If you're looking in that price range I would definitely look at some options.I don't want to throw water on your fire. HOWEVER, having said that, since Chef Don is going to give you special attention, it might be a nice experience for you, and totally be worth it!

:D

[Jewel]

Originally posted by browneye
I won't be joining you for dinner at Prego Saturday night, sorry.


Paula, would you be joining us if we went to another place? :(

[browneye]

Originally posted by Jewel


Paula, would you be joining us if we went to another place? :(

Ahhh, Jewel, you're so kind to worry about me.... I sent you a PM BTW...

:)
Actually, I didn't intend for it to sound like I was bailing Saturday night because of the restaurant.... that's not it. I simply need to be home on Saturday night. I will still get to be with all you guys on Friday night and Saturday daytime! :D I'm looking forward to it!!!!!

I'm going to bring my copy of this cool book "The Food Lover's Guide to Seattle" to pass around on Friday night so everyone can take a look...it isn't about restaurants really, it is about cool "foodie" places in and around Seattle. Many of the places are like that specialty cheese shop downtown, etc...and close to walking distance from the hotel....

Can't wait to see y'all TOMORROW!

:D