Symposium Arrivals into Chicago - dinner Thurs Aug 13

[saralynn143]

Deb, Phyl - hope you are both feeling much better today.

How about if we set dinner at 6:30 to allow Steve a little more breathing room?

Sara

[Lilan]

Is the consensus to book Mity Nice for 6:30, then? If anyone gets over there early, it's easy to entertain oneself in Water Tower for a bit! The anchors are a giant American Girl and Macy's, and then there are lots of smaller stores in the mall.

http://www.shopwatertower.com/html/storedirectory.asp

My impression was that Gino's seemed a little discouraging as to the crowd/convenience factor; no one cast a vote for Frankie's; and Mity Nice was the one place willing to do separate checks if we ask nicely!

I don't mean to take over, I just thought I could come up with a couple ideas as a local! If there are other/better plans I'm happy to just drop it!

[sgerrard]

Lilan, I think you should go for it.

I'm not sure whether to join you or try and keep Phyl and Deb company in their room. Maybe I can pick something up to go for them?

If 6:00 pm is better for most, then do that, and I will come over and join you when I can.

One way or another, this is going to be fun. 

Steve

[Kaybo]

6:30 is good for us!!

K

[saralynn143]

Is the consensus to book Mity Nice for 6:30, then?

Yes, let's do it. I think I speak for everyone when I say that we don't think you are taking over; instead we are grateful that you are facilitating on our behalf.

Thank you Lilan,
Sara

[Lilan]

OK, I have perhaps something more conducive to our needs. It's also in Water Tower and is more casual, with food stations of all types, where everyone can order what they want on their own, then all sit together. It would be less of an issue with early or late arrivals, splitting bills, etc., as it's much more casual. People can come and go and pay as they please!

Entrees are under $10, and there is a $10 dinner special: soup or salad, entree from any of the kiosks, and gelato for dessert!

http://www.foodlifechicago.com/foodlife-menu.pdf

They technically don't take reservations but seem very willing to work with me on reserving a space, hopefully a quiet one. It may be slightly more boisterous than Mity Nice, but I think fits our needs in some ways better.

And it would be very easy to get takeout for anyone who stays back at the Drake or doesn't arrive in time!

[Kaybo]

I agree with Sara - I just hadn't gotten it posted - I am VERY glad that you are doing this because I know that it will come as NO SURPRISE to you (Phyl, be quiet!) I AM CLUELESS!!  I just follow along!!   

K

[Lilan]

OK, I'm going to book foodlife for 6:30 unless anyone has a major objection. I really like the idea that we can come and go as we please; I think that suits everyone on a traveling day better. It will be quicker and easier, and anyone who is really tired can leave on their own and not have to wait for the whole table to get through a meal, etc. And no complicated bill splitting.

It won't be the most glamourous meal ever, but casual, fun and convenient, and avoids all the formalities and constrictions of booking a large party for a true sit-down.

I apologize in advance if it's noisy! That's my one concern. I am going to explain the hearing issues and try to get us seated in as calm a corner as possible.

[saralynn143]

Looks groovy. Is this like a glorified food court? And one last question, for those with mobility problems, is there a parking garage for the Water Tower?

Thanks again, so much for coordinating this on our behalf. I feel better already having a plan for Thursday evening.

Sara

[Sue]

I hope you guys all have a great time.  Raise a toast to all of us who can't be there with you in person, but are there with  you in spirit.

Sue in Vancouver

[Lilan]

It is a glorified food court for sure. But slightly more atmospheric than the average one (by that I mean darker. LOL.)

But it's not fast-food chains -- it's one restaurant running it all, if that makes sense. It's not fast food or individual operators.

You get a little "card" that you use to "charge" whatever you buy at the stations, then you hand it over and pay as you leave. In other words, if you want a sushi appetizer and a Mexican entree and a smoothie, you don't pay three times -- you just swipe the card and pay as you leave.

Water Tower Place does have a parking garage. From anywhere within a mile a cab would probably be cheaper, even cabbing both ways.

[Captain Deb]

Jeez but that menu looks generic!  No offense!  But it sounds like the most practical place to eat given that there are a lot of us.  Count me out--I want some authentic Chicago Deep dish!  Don't mean to be a party pooper.  Will order some take out, maybe.  I just don't know what my back will be up to.

Geno's East is one of the top ten pizzerias in Chicago: http://www.10best.com/Chicago,IL/Restaurants/Pizza/ if anyone is still interested.

Capt Deb

[Lilan]

Steve looked into Gino's days ago, and here was his report:

I just called Gino's this morning. To arrange a room involves a contract arrangement, with food ordered ahead of time, like catering. $16 to $30 per person. That sounds unlikely to me. Also she said the Cubs are in town, so expect the restaurants, including Gino's, to be busy. Hmmm...

Steve

[saralynn143]

I see it as Thursday night is more for the company than the food. There is a wide array so everyone should be able to find something. There's the rest of the weekend for us to ferret out local eateries.

Gino's East was the original choice for Thursday, but since they don't take reservations and the Cubbies are in town, we thought it would be difficult for our large party to be accommodated.

I think we'll be walking the few blocks from our hotel.

Looking forward to seeing all of you Thursday evening. Well, Friday I guess for Captain Deb and Phyl.

Sara

[Captain Deb]

I guess I'll decide when the time comes depending on if I can walk or sit, which is becoming increasingly difficult for me although I will miss the socializing.

Capt Deb