Dog Days of Summer Tour: The Contingent

I agree on the issue of the dates, but I disagree on going to Moody's later in the evening- getting a table later for a dozen or so people who will want to sit outside (weather permitting) will be really difficult.  I guess the rest of it is okay; I'd just want to call ahead to make sure their hours work with our logistics.

BuddyRoadhouse


2. This is not an uncommon problem; we've never had a meet up where everyone was able to attend, and we've all somehow managed to stay friends even when someone is left out.

 
Sure we have.  You just weren't there.
 
Either the 1st or the 8th works for me/us.  We have baseball tickets for the 1st but have put them up for sale; the Brewers are playing the Pirates so maybe some yinzers in for the weekend will pay the high price I'm asking.

From what I read in other comments, September 8 is not possible for MilwaukeeFoodLovers, so I figured that tipped the balance toward September 1 as the excursion date. But I'm fine either way. If we keep waiting long enough, everyone's calendar will fill up, so maybe that will ultimately decide the date.  Or maybe we could do a tour on both dates--like a miniseries.
 
All of the venue suggestions are fine with me, and Black Dog sounds like a good addition.  Are there any marathons or street closures or sporting events or anything of the sort to consider for logistics that day?
 
 

BuddyRoadhouse


I hate to be the guy who makes an unpopular decision, so I'll just state the facts:

1. No matter when we schedule this meet up, someone will be unable to join us.
2. This is not an uncommon problem; we've never had a meet up where everyone was able to attend, and we've all somehow managed to stay friends even when someone is left out.
3. September 1st looks like the day, not only where we have the least number of "unavailables", but the most "availables" (seems like a logical conclusion, but not necessarily).
4. I would love to pick a day when JRPfeff/Pie Diva and irisarbor are all available, but that day doesn't seem to exist.

You guys do the math and let's pick a day.

As for the stops we choose, I'll chime in with some thoughts:

I think abe's suggestion of Moody's is a dandy pick; great burgers in a lovely beer garden setting.  What could be better for late summer outdoor dining?  I would add to the list, Cemitas Pueblas for amazing Mexican sandwiches, and Troha's for some outstanding fried shrimp.  While I love Cunis Candies' ice cream (Thank you CarolinaBob/SurreyCounty, if you're reading this, for introducing us to Cunis), let me suggest a place The Contingent hasn't visited before, Black Dog Gelato.  Black Dog has been getting raves over at LTHForum, and I can personally attest to the excellence of their product.

Also possible; Ferro's Beef as suggested by stricken_detective, and Edzo's Burgers, per chicagostyledog.

That would give us, in no particular order, six places: Edzo's, Moody's (just my opinion, but this should be our wrap up spot in the evening), Ferro's, Troha's, Cemitas Puebla, and Black Dog.  I know we love La Palapa and Mario's, but that's already a long list.

How about some feedback folks?

Buddy

 
Now that we have one more vote on the Doodle survey for September 1st from someone who cannot do the 8th, September 1st is the day of the tour!  Sorry it doesn't work for everyone 
 
Since I don't know if changing the thread title to add that date in is something I can do or if a mod has to do it, I've flagged Jpfef's post requesting it be added in so a mod can change the title, or tell me how to do so.  If someone else can answer that for me sooner (since I flagged it a couple days ago and still no reply), I'd appreciate it.

Do those places Buddy threw out sound good?  I'm going to check with Moody's to see if they take reservations for exceptionally large groups, and that will determine if we start or finish with them.  Sooooo, can I get a head count of how many will be from each party?

The Froeman/Maki Household- 2
The Roadhouse Household- 2 
 
Oh, and to answer Q's question about street fests and stuff, here's what I found:

Crush in Old Town September 1 & 2, 2012
Wells St. from North to Evergreen Ave.
12 Noon - 10 pm Raise your glass and toast the farewell of another beautiful Chicago summer at Crush in Old Town! This sophisticated cocktail party is sure to please the novice wine seeker, as well as the expert taste buds of a sommelier.  
 
Ravenswood Remix September 1 & 2, 2012
Ravenswood
Belle Plaine & Ravenswood Ave. 
12 Noon - 10 pm Ravenswood Remix™ is a festival celebrating artists who incorporate used or recycled items in creating original, handmade art, clothing, household items, jewelry, paper objects, collectibles or any other crafts.  
 
Honestly, that Ravenswood Remix sounds kind of interesting.  If others want to go to that, I'll look at the map and see if it's something that can be done- I think it's pretty close to Moody's.
 

I'm definitely still in for the 1st and can drive also. 
 

Ravenswood does sound interesting.
 
For the tour, add:
 
quijote- 1

I'm going to guess 2 or 3 from my household, although the Mr is being kind of crabby this week....
I also think the Remix fest sounds interesting (not that the Crush sounds bad, but wine can = instant headache for me...)

Sorry to be so silent, guys.  I'm still not sure if I can attend, and since it is getting really close I better just put in a "no".  It's possible that may change, but if we need to make reservations I don't want to mess up any plans by switching the total count all over the place.

I'm in.
I'll probably ride with Gyp, if he lets me. 

MilwaukeeFoodLovers-2

Based on the above replies and the Doodle, here's the headcount so far:
Abe & Mr. Maki- 2
The Roadhouses- 2
MFL- 2
CSD- 2
Gyp- 1
Quijote- 1
X1- 1
Stricken- 1
Iris- 2 or 3
TOTAL- 14 or 15
 
I'll call Moody's later today and find out about possible reservations.
 
 

I'm gonna keep editing this one rather than post a bunch of times. Edited again to say: dammit, abe...lol.

Cubs/Giants @ Wrigley on September 1, game starts @ 12:05. The first 10K fans through the gates get a luggage tag.
 
abe_froeman, you have to PM a mod to do it for you. They will never see your flag.
 
JRPfeff + PieDiva =
 
Q or Gyp: how much gas money do you want? Who still has room in their car?
 
Alright, people, help me out with the geography:
 
Bennison's
1000 Davis St  Evanston, IL 60201

Cemitas Puebla
3619 W North Ave  Chicago, IL 60647
 
Black Dog Gelato
859 N Damen Ave  Chicago, IL 60622  or
1955 W Belmont Ave Chicago, IL 60657
 
There's a dog park on the corner of W Schubert & N Sheffield called Wiggly Field, LOLOL 
 
Edzo's
1571 Sherman Avenue  Evanston, IL 60201
If you click the names of the restaurants, you will get to their website, or a reasonable facsimile.
Ravenswood does look like it would be pretty cool.
 
Looking forward to other drinks elsewhere, lol
-stricken_detective

Ok, I think I've narrowed down the stops, made some additions and cut some stops.

I've cut Moody's from the list, for a few reasons.  Edzo's is just a better burger.  It just is.  Moody's is good, but the bigger reason to go to Moody's is the beer garden and it's a good place to hang out, but we don't have that kind of time.  Not that I want to rush through the tour, but in the context of the rest of the day, it just doesn't work.

Based on Buddy's suggestion, I've decided to add in Captain Porky's.  It's very close to the Wisconsin border, so we can either start there or end there.  My vote is to end there, but I'm convincible.
 
If we do Captain Porky's at the end, we'll start with Edzo's...maybe around 12/12:30.  I think Q mentioned possible doing breakfast somewhere near there before Edzo's and I suggested Bennison's.  I'm willing to get together early for that, and anyone is welcome to join us.  
 
Next stop will be a non-food one- the Ravenswood Remix.  With that Cubs game starting at 12:00, we should try to get there by 2-ish, so that everyone going to the game should be there by then (Wrigley Field's only about a mile and a half away).
 
Next stop will be Cemitas Puebla.  Then Black Dog Gelato.  And assuming we're doing Capt. Porky's last, up to Wadsworth.

That Cubs game sorta throws a wrench into the day, so if anyone has ideas about ways to minimize its impact on us (gawd, why does Chicago even bother having a baseball team?!?!?....kidding! ), throw it out there!

abe_froeman
Next stop will be a non-food one- the Ravenswood Remix.  With that Cubs game starting at 12:00, we should try to get there by 2-ish, so that everyone going to the game should be there by then (Wrigley Field's only about a mile and a half away).

Everyone who's going to the game will be there by noon, and the game will get out @ 3-3:30. Well. Depending on who's pitching. The Cubs just traded 2 pitchers for some Little League players, and if they pitch like crap the game will be over sooner. But remember that one day they went into 14 innings? For the Cuban Sammiches tour?

abe_HATERADE_froeman
That Cubs game sorta throws a wrench into the day, so if anyone has ideas about ways to minimize its impact on us (gawd, why does Chicago even bother having a baseball team?!?!?....kidding! ), throw it out there!

If Lincecum is pitching for the Giants, we may get a contact high & not care about the traffic.

Aye Aye, Captain Porky!!!
 

Meals include choice of garlic potatoes or steak fries, coleslaw or greens, homebaked dinner roll or cornbread.
Make it a Meal add $2.00

---

1/2lb.
1lb.
Jumbo Gulf Shrimp
$8.50 $15.99
Cajun Jumbo Gulf Shrimp
8.50 15.99 Coconut Jumbo Gulf Shrimp 9.50 16.99 Crabmeat Stuffed Jumbo Gulf Shrimp 9.50 16.99 Catfish (filets) 6.99 11.99 Cajun Catfish filets 6.99 11.99 Lake Perch 8.50 15.99 Walleye Pike 7.50 13.99 Jumbo Cod 7.50 13.99 Clam Strips 5.99 11.99 Alligator Tail 8.50 15.99 Calamari 5.99 11.99 Sea Scallops 9.50 17.99 Smelt 5.99 12.50 Crawfish Tails 8.50 15.99 Oysters 8.50 15.99 Frog Legs 7.50 13.99 Tilapia 5.99 12.50 Crab Cakes 6.99 12.99 Smoked Wild Salmon Market Price Jumbo Boiled Cocktail Shrimp Market Price Soft Shell Crab Market Price Snow Crab Market Price King Crab Market Price Cold Water Lobster Tail Market Price

Banana Pudding

Looks like a great tour, and I'll be happy to kick it off with a Maple Bacon Donut at Bennison's. What time?  10/10:30? If anyone else from Milwaukee wants to meet up and get to Evanston early, I'll be happy to pay gas money and go as a passenger, or I'll be willing to drive myself and others. If we meet at Bennison's by 10/10:30 am, that means a departure time of around 8 am.

stricken_detective


Banana Pudding

 
Mmm, love naner pudding. There's also that newish donut place in downtown Chicago where everyone lines up for great things every morning.... Okay, I better start thinking about celery and carrots now.

8AM? Where do you want to meet @ 8AM? Gyp's house? LOLOL
 
Seriously, you live on the North side? (just guessing, please don't be insulted if you live in Elm Grove) Should we do the Park & Ride Lot in Oak Creek? At 8AM?

We can probably get away with leaving at 8:30 or 9:00, so you'll be able to sleep in.   Any later, though, and we risk getting to Bennison's after hungry Evanstonians have gobbled up all of the city's supply of Maple Bacon Donuts.  Oak Creek is fine, but Chez Gyp is good, too, if that pans out.

Gyp lives in Bay View now, just sayin'.

Sorry for neglecting this. I will be happy to drive. So it'll be X1, SD, and Q in my vehicle. I'll post more details tonight when I get home. I'm using my phone now. The ancient browser we use at work doesn't allow me to post messages for some reason

How do we feel about the fact that the Hurricane Isaac effect is supposed to hit Chicago sometime on Saturday afternoon? 
 
Keep calm and carry on? 

OC Park and Ride works for me. I'll pick X1 up on the way. I just have one underground parking spot at my new place, other than that it's street parking. Not as conducive to all day parking as my Tosa apartment. 8:30 maybe?

If we decide to cancel, I will post here and send out a text message.  I have cell phone numbers for everyone on the headcount list below except Gyp, MFL and CSD. 
 
MFL, I know you're a luddite, so check this thread before you leave.  I'll try to post by 8:00am on Saturday. 
 
Other than the Roadhouses, who I know don't do texts, is anyone else opposed to receiving a text message?
 
Abe & Mr. Maki- 2
The Roadhouses- 2
MFL- 2
CSD- 2
Gyp- 1
Quijote- 1
X1- 1
Stricken- 1
Iris- 2 or 3
 
Is that list still accurate-ish?
 
Thanks!

You're kidding me Hurricane Isaac should be all pooped by Sat...
I'm supposed to fly from Boston Fri evening
I swear it always storms when I fly....
I am fine w txt msg-
I have childrn-tht is how thy comunc8,,LOL
 

Weather information was taken from Tom Skilling's Tribune forecast page.  It usually changes as the week wears on, but sometimes it's dead accurate.  We'll just need to wait it out and see what the storm does.
 
We even considered swapping the October Milwaukee tour with this weekend's Chicago tour, but if the storm hits, it will be just as bad up north.
 
Buddy

Well I never!!!! My friend, abe_froeman...a p****???? (Did you just call MFL "Amish"?? )
 
LOL @ iris.
 
What does Albert the Alley Cat have to say about Saturday?
 
Edited to say: What kind of interference from Ike? Like a little rain, you're not sugar you ain't gonna melt? Or like "ALL I WANTED WAS SOME ICE CREAM AND TO SMELL LIKE BOOKS!!! I DON'T WANT TO DIE IN A CULVER'S PARKING LOT, PEOPLE WILL THINK I ATE HERE!!!"
 

Gyp, thank you--if the tour goes through I'll see you at 8:30 at the Oak Creek P&R.
 
I don't really do texting myself, but I think I can receive them just fine on my cell. I hope Isaac doesn't ruin the day for us.

I enjoyed an Atomica at Cemitas Puebla, last night. Did I mention that I live in Ukranian Village a few days a week. After speaking to the owner, he suggested that we call an hour prior to arriving at the restaurant on Saturday, since the place gets mobbed on weekends. Be advised that parking on North Ave and the adjoining one way side streets is limited. FYI, we're having a tent sale at the Vienna Beef Factory on Saturday. All skinless and natural casing hot dogs are on sale in 10 pound cases, so bring a cooler, if so inclined.