Update: Resolution!
Asgard made it easy: We’ve a reservation for 15-20 at 6 p.m. under my name.
Website. Address: 350 Massachusetts Ave. Parking: on street or various near-by municipal lots. (Lot 6 on Bishop Allen is probably the closest muni one.)
Nearest public transport: Red Line T, Central Sq. Station. Taking John’s location as the Greenwich Observatory of our new global map — with the Parker House at one’s back, turn left towards Boston Common on Tremont St. Pick up the Red Line in the Alewife direction at the Park St. Station, on the corner of the Common — Park and Tremont Streets. Three stops to Central Sq. Sit near the rear of the train and take the exit nearest that end. Asgard is on the corner of Mass. Ave and Sidney street, about 350 yards east (back towards Boston) from the subway stop.
See y’all there
Dear all,
We’re meeting up tonight with the Blogfather in attendence, weather be damned.
No details have yet been worked out, so here goes:
Unless howls of rage/despair suggest otherwise — 8 p.m. on the time?
Update: per John — timing is 6-9 —which probably makes the venue a little easier, as we’d sneak in ahead of the worst crush at more restaurant-y places.
Location…Been working on that this a.m., with some perplexity. So a time-limited appeal to the hive mind (and/or those planning to come) seems in order.
Here are the criteria:
Has to be able to handle a party of up to 20 on a (snow-struck) Friday night.
Not disastrous parking.
Decent public transit access. (Pretty much Red Line, in my experience. Demur if you must.)
More or less central. John’s staying downtown, right by the Common, so while there’s a reasonable circle of travel, not deep suburbs.
Not terrible: decent food for those hungry, not too expensive, not pure bar focus given the range of folks that like adult beverages, those that don’t etc. I don’t think we’re looking at a sit-down dinner thing for the whole gang, but could stand to be corrected.
I’ve been looking at the Cambridge axis from Kendall Sq. to Harvard Sq. and at some Boston venues — but I’m sufficiently house-bound these days to be a little unsure of some of the more recent options. (For the olds out there — I still miss Cronins.)
So some options:
Dive bar, often with reasonable space betw. Central and Harvard Square: People’s Republik (how not, for this gang). Cons: dive bar, could be crowded, probably too bar like.
Asgard, near Kendal Sq. — bland, generic Irish-ish bar-restaurant, but very spacious.
Russell House Tavern, Harvard Sq. — Friday night problem, but it’s a big place and very easy to get to. Again, nothing special on the food, more a convenience choice.
Mead Hall, Kendall Sq. — great beer list (epic); crowded, loud. I could show up somewhat early and try to colonize space, but it can be a zoo. (It is spring break at MIT, which might help, but still).
Za in Kendall Sq. — they could accomodate us in a standing/high top area. Not ideal, and constrained to Za’s mostly pizza menu.
In Boston, a BJ tweep has suggested Brandy Pete’s, which I don’t know; business district joint; parking issues, possible Friday night terrors.
I’m looking at some other stuff, but figured that the jackals may have a much better idea — so vote on the above and/or come up w. something better. I’ll check in on the comments and try to make a consensus or a command decision w/in the hour.
OK?
Yr feckless social secretary.
Image: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, At the Moulin Rouge, 1892
John Cole
I think we should shoot for 6-9 pm and if people want to stay, they can. I am up dor anything anywhere.
cervantes
People’s Republic doesn’t serve food. Christopher’s in Porter Square is on the Red Line, but would likely be busy despite the weather. Doyle’s in JP would be perfect but not close to MBTA, alas.
I moved away from Boston a few years ago though, so I won’t be there.
ribber
Shouldn’t organizing this be tasked to Jared Kushner?
Tom Levenson
@ribber: You are not helpful. Kind of funny. But not helpful ;-)
Greg
I know I know I am pushing BPs. But for what you are trying to do it fits. The Post Office Square garage is $8.00 after 4pm so parking won’t be an issue if you can’t find street parking. Its a 15 min walk from the Parker House, Downtown Crossing, and State Street T stops. Other eateries that are OK near there would be Boston Beer Works and Porters. These two places are near the TD Garden and there is a Celtics game tonight. Eight’O might be fine since the game starts at 7:30. I still think PBs is the best option.. But who am I??
wuzzat
Sadly, I am unable to make it, but I’ve been getting T-alerts all day reminding me that there’s a huge anime convention this weekend, so maybe you all want to avoid the area around Hynes Convention Center.
Or maybe you don’t, and want to go in costume.
Kropadope
I’m working til 8, so I’ll check back later and see if I can make anything work. Otherwise have fun.
Another Scott
Sorry, I can’t suggest anything (my Cheers suggestion last night went over like Donnie’s reception in Scotland).
If a real meetup ends up being too difficult (weather, logistics, crowds, etc.), is there some way to do it virtually? Maybe via WebEx or something? It would be even better if those of us not close [were able] to “stop in”.
Just a thought.
Good luck!
Cheers,
Scott.
FlyingToaster
We’d been suggesting Helmand (1st Street) all last night. Has a liquor license, but lacks a bar area.
Asgard was good the one time I met my BIL there and unlikely to be crowded.
Brandy Pete’s sometimes has an open mic, so I’m exceedingly leery.
Anime Boston is at the Hynes so BackBay is right the fuck off limits — good luck finding either parking or a seat.
Parking in Central Square is no big deal. There are lots, and meter spaces, and IIRC a couple of garages have gone up since my time working around there.
This is just like managing a programming project…
different-church-lady
Green Street Grill, Central Sq, Cambridge. Fast red line access, many bus lines nearby, cheapish public garage just down the street.
Aimai
@cervantes: christophres does not have room. Went there with an impromptu lawyers guns money group and they turned us away.
JMG
Of the ones you have suggested, Asgard and Russell House are probably the best choices for access. In Boston, Jacob Wirth’s has good food that’s not too expensive, it’s close to John and public transit (short walks from Boylston Green Line and Tufts Medical Center Orange Line) but parking is impossible. Are you familiar with Curley’s? It’s a bar very close to Park St. station that has a back room sometimes used for parties. It might be able to accommodate a group if you call ahead. Has pretty good food. I am not sure if I will be able to attend, but will monitor this discussion in case I can.
Tadutton55
How about Summer Shack in Cambridge?
Just a hop skip and jump from the end of the Red Line. Big place, big picnic tables that can handle crowds, good food and drink.
Ohio Mom
If I were you Tom, I’d start calling places now to see who can accommodate as many people as you expect and go from there. Restaurants like to know about large groups in advance. Some will not be interested and that will narrow the field.
Nobody is going for the food, everyone will manage to find enough on the menu to suit their tastes and keep body and soul together until the next opportunity to eat presents itself.
The parking thing could be a problem. If there aren’t spots reliable close, maybe someone could shuttle efg and anyone else who needs it from whatever parking is actually available. This is the type of thing cell phones were invented for.
You deserve a medal for undertaking this. It might be easier to be in charge of a military invasion.
prgchrqltma
I think Asgard would be plausible. Maybe call and see if they’ll hold space? I don’t fancy the drive in from the suburbs, but I would do it.
Villago Delenda Est
@ribber: Jared is like donuts; there’s nothing he cannot do.
I will raise a Dr. Pepper to you from 3000 miles away. Have a good time!
Villago Delenda Est
@Ohio Mom:
Dare I say it…Nachos!
raven
Where did I see Mose Allison in 1971? That was a good place.
Greg
@John Cole: 7pm would be better traffic wise. There is a Celtics game a 7:30 so take that into consideration. Also another suggestion would be The NoName in the wharf area. Great sea food and plenty of parking. You can walk from the Aquarium T..
GregB
Going to have to stay home in NH and Skype this meet up.
Ohio Mom
@Villago Delenda Est: Yes, nachos! Boneless chicken wings! Iceberg lettuce salads!
If someone is really worried about maintaining their diet/blood sugar levels, they can eat before they leave the house. Just leave a disproportionately big tip to make up for not running up a meal-sized bill.
Once the venue is settled, who will be in charge of documenting it all with photos for those of stuck several states away?
Downpuppy
Asgard has a big brother, the Kinsale, at Center Plaza (Across Tremont/Cambridge from City Hall) about 60 meters from the Parker House.
chopper
so i assume AL has calmed down over this whole thing, or is cole going to have to prostrate himself before everyone and commit seppuku before the food comes out?
Downpuppy
@Aimai: Christopher’s has also seriously gone downhill. Don’t think this is sounding like Newtowne again, as much fun as that can be.
jacy
Given the illustration, I’m going to be very disappointed if there are not photos of the meet-up with Cole in a top hat. And overalls.
NotMax
Everyone wear overalls. Pass it on.
;)
FlyingToaster
@jacy: He came to Bwahstin via CT, so there won’t be any overalls. Not that we’d care in the least.
FlyingToaster
@NotMax: I’m not buying fucking overalls. I moved 1500 miles to get away from that.
JanieM
I would come if I were in town, but I’m not getting down there until tomorrow or Sunday. So too bad for me.
I haven’t read the whole thread, but Christopher’s seems pretty small to me for this purpose. I haven’t been to all the places suggested, but the Asgard is big and has okay food and a bartender named Chris….. I know some people who hang out there a lot, that is all.
the Conster, la Citoyenne
I vote for a Boston venue – getting across the river now on Fridays is a clusterfuck, especially with bad weather. Cambridge parking is also hugely challenging. Also probably won’t make it since I have to get back to South Station by 7:30 to catch the train.
Quinerly
If anyone ever wanted a meet up in St. Louis, I will organize it with ease. It certainly wouldn’t take multiple threads with 100 plus comments. Who are you people? Is this a Boston thing? Been reading this blog since the Bush Administration, and quite frankly have never seen anything quite like this. Too painful to watch anymore
NotMax
@FlyingToaster
Well, there’s the drink…
laura
The meet-up sounds Jackel-tastic!
Pics or it didn’t happen.
I hope someone has the foresight to get to Mike’s to bring the Boston cream pie for the crowd.
Tom Levenson
@Quinerly: Student town, Friday night. Convention in town. Pro sports event. Craptastic parking. And I kind of have a democratic urge — I like hearing what people want. Strange, that.
Oh — and that rusty pitchfork thing too.
FlyingToaster
@the Conster, la Citoyenne: On Cambridge parking, I beg to differ. Outside of Harvard/Porter, I haven’t had any problems parking after 5pm. And I’m often parking down in Kendall with the MIT and OKS and Tech Square and all that mess.
Harvard Square outbound (anything west of Hancock Street, or around Inman) is a different story. For that I recommend parking elsewhere and T-ing in. But almost nobody’s suggesting anything there, because sleet or no, they’re all packed.
* Christophers is at Porter, and I’d thumbs-down that too. They are too damn small, and their food is at best bleah.
MomSense
Just get on the Downeaster and I’ll meet you in Portland! We can all have lobster before the snow starts (up here anyway).
Have fun Boston jackals.
eschneider
All of Tom’s suggestions sound reasonable. I’d suggest calling around to see who has space and making a reservation. I don’t see anything wrong with just making an arbitrary decision here. Don’t make the perfect the enemy of the good. :>
FlyingToaster
@Quinerly: Jackals. or Massholes. We wear that label with pride.
The Revolution was organized in Taverns. And by a few guys (Revere, S. Adams, etc.) just hopping up and doing seriously provocative shit that dragged everyone else along.
the Conster, la Citoyenne
@Tom Levenson:
It’s hard to explain to out of towners the challenges faced getting in here and parking, especially on Fridays. Once you’re in, you’re good – can walk just about anywhere or take the T to everywhere too. But yeah – between the traffic getting out and coming in for all the stuff going on? NOT EASY.
Quinerly
@Tom Levenson:
Beyond ridiculous. And rusty farm implement right back at you. I grew up in the South and live in the Midwest. Multiple kinds with varying degrees of rust. Easy access.?
eschneider
@FlyingToaster: Cambridge parking’s ok.
If Kendall, there’s the garage at One Kendell Square,
If Central, there’s lots of parking behind the big Post Office building
If Harvard, there’s the garage off JFK Ave.
There’s parking, just not necessarily free.
FlyingToaster
@NotMax: Okay, that‘s disturbing.
Ahasuerus
There’s always Legal Seafood in Kendall Square, Cambridge. There’s booze, and the appetizers aren’t too pricey. And it’s right on the Red Line.
Tom Levenson
@Quinerly: So you grew up in land use hell and moved to the depopulating midwest. Easy to arrange events in the blighted post industrial hellscape. Or am I missing something? (No need for farms to apply rust to implements. I might just settle on a rake (lots of leaves you know) for extra added oomph…;-)
Tom Levenson
@Ahasuerus: Legal’s is anathema for two reasons: it’s relentless meh (and pricey past the apps)…and the Kendall Sq. venue is where a ton of working MIT lunches and faculty-recruitment dinners take place, so yours truly is legalled out.
JPL
It sounds like fun and maybe someday, there will be a meetup in Atlanta. Probably not anytime soon though.
Wyatt Derp
Cambridge Brewing Co. In Kendall square.
lahke
This was my comment from the last thread, stripped of screaming and threats: if they can take our numbers, could we make a reservation and go for it? If folks don’t want the Parker House, let’s do the Summer Shack at Alewife–lots of parking and the food will give Cole a taste of Boston. Service at Legal’s is way too slow.
Are there objections to Parker House? Those of us on budgets, can we just get a salad without getting broke?
Parker House is central, one block from a parking garage and T stop for two subway lines, and that T stop is one stop away from two other subway lines. Let’s move the time to something that fits for those in the city, and the rest of us will show up whenever.
FlyingToaster
@eschneider: The garages in Harvard Square are full on Friday nights. Except maybe the one at the Charles Hotel, which is Chinatown-expensive, and can’t handle tall vehicles. I’m always better off taking the 71 in from Watertown Square.
In Kendall/Lechmere, there are multiple garages, and on-street parking. I’m down there about every third Friday evening at 6. At most I have to park 2 blocks from the destination.
In Central there are half-a-dozen municipal lots, and several garages (University Park is where Asgard is, there’s a garage down the block).
the Conster, la Citoyenne
@lahke:
I’m there for the Parker House.
Wyatt Derp
Also Flat Top Johnny’s Kendall Square
the Conster, la Citoyenne
@the Conster, la Citoyenne:
or meeting at the Parker House and taking a cab together to Cambridge.
Pete Mack
Legal seafood? Have some pity on John. Come all the way to Boston, and go to a boring seafood chain. Surely there’s something with more local colah
FlyingToaster
Tom, I think we should go with Asgard. Though I like the idea of the Summer Shack, I fear that they’ll be full on Friday 6-9, whereas Asgard doesn’t expect to fill up until after 9.
Spanky
Incredibly off-topic, I know, and a mortal sin for such an important topic. But I thought y’all should know that the English lexicon is expanding, and I’d like to think BJ had something to do with it. Witness the headline of a WaPo article today:
Kudos!
Quinerly
@Tom Levenson: We really can’t pick where we are born. But I actually came to St. Louis for law school after working in DC. Never dreamed I would stay after graduation but did…mostly for the music scene, ease of meeting friends in bars and restaurants. Great city for sports, getting around, and parking. Obviously, what’s going on with hundreds of comments on multiple threads is a Boston thing that no one else could possibly understand.
satby
Tom, weigh the options and weather and pick one. This is Balloon Juice, you’ll hit a T-Bogg unit of comments and still have mass confusion.
patrick II
Can I bring my friend Donald with me? He’s lonely and seems to need the friendly company of decent people.
ThresherK
Ugh. I’m in western CT and cannot get any closer. Maybe next time.
raven
Tom Levenson
@Quinerly: Nothing about Boston can be understood. If you think you understand it, refer to rule 1. And repair for consolation to Widener Library’s stacks.
FlyingToaster
@Quinerly: Dude, I’m a third generation Kansas Citian. Trust me, this isn’t hard to understand.
Boston is, to quote one novelist, a town laid out by cattle herders, with street names by Italo Calvino. It is really hard to navigate by auto, especially when the street signs seem to have disappeared or never been posted. There is a falling-apart subway, bridges over the Charles in the process of being replaced, and a dearth of parking in specific parts of town.
Add in the complications of 600K+ college students, a sleet storm, an NBA game, and the smaller convention center hosting an Anime festival, and voila!
Or as one of my T-Shirts says: Welcome to Boston! Now Go Home!
aimai
@Downpuppy: Hi Downpuppy! I’m not going to be able to make this one because of my father’s birthday party (Giulia! Great food). So, so, sorry to miss JC and everyone else. When comes such another time?
satby
@satby: Hooray! Well done Tom! And have fun everyone, wish we could be there with you.
NotMax
@satby
In this case, Mass confusion.
;)
satby
@NotMax: ouch! TBH, I did LOL though.
rikyrah
Have a good time :)
the Conster, la Citoyenne
Well I’ll probably be the first one there. There’s no way I’m working after 5:00 and it won’t take an hour to get there. If anyone else is in that boat with me here in the city, let me know.
eschneider
See you all there!
feathers
Stayed out of it and y’all picked a place within walking distance! For people who are driving, there are garages on Green Street, which runs parallel to Mass Ave, on the right if you are coming from Harvard Square.
If you wanted to come early and see cool stuff, the MIT Museum is a block down the street from Asgard. It closes at 5, however.
Quinerly
This chick votes for a collective sigh of relief. Our long national nightmare is over. What was the total count on at least three threads? Always wanted to visit Boston but think I’ll pass. Between the traffic, parking, college students, sports, terrible restaurants, crowded restaurants, overpriced restaurants, it sounds like a real hell hole.? Plus, it just doesn’t seem that “welcoming.” Kidding aside (I truly threw my 2 cents in in the beginning half way joking), have a great time. Hope pics get posted and there’s a final headcount!
feathers
@FlyingToaster: My favorite is “Welcome to Massachusetts – If you don’t know where you are, you don’t belong here.”
pamelabrown53
@Quinerly: #31.
Hey Quinerly! Spouse and I will be in St. Louis to visit son and d-i-l and attend the March for Science event. Would love to meant some real, live BJuicers and hear of your epic SW trip first hand! So…work your magic. Maybe before or after the March? If memory serves, the March in St. Louis starts at 3PM, April 22nd.
Humboldtblue
Oh ye of little memory.
You cold-ass-snowed-in-motherfuckers are gonna schlepp on down to McGillicuddy’s or whatever shitty bar and expect that Cole will arrive in one piece. You know damn well his fat ass is gonna slip while walking to the train station and he’s gonna fall and break a heel bone or dislocate an ear drum or some such weird shit. And then tonight when I am well oiled and giggly the front page will be filled with posts asking where the hell is Cole is, his trip to the emergency room where he will also find out he’s pregnant and threads of comments with recovery suggestions and how to deal with male pregnancy or some off the wall shit like that.
Quinerly
@pamelabrown53:
That would be great! Maybe we can get Ozarkhillbilly involved. He came in for the Woman’s March and we had a grand time. Email me at [email protected]. I’m thinking a place in my neighborhood (Howards). Cheap drinks, good food, music, outside patio. I’m in Soulard (historic neighborhood down by the AB Brewery). Where you coming from? Let’s get a group together! Thanks for reaching out.
pamelabrown53
@Quinerly: #75.
Sounds wonderful! Will shoot you an e-mail. Were coming from JAX airport in Florida. My family in St. Louis live in the 63109 zip code: cute “germanic” brick houses with round arched doors and limestone pointing. At any rate, a cab or Uber will get us to the whichever destination you pick.
FlyingToaster
@Humboldtblue: Cole’s taking a taxi from the taxi line in front of his hotel. Which solves SO many problems.
FlyingToaster
@Quinerly: Yes, but it’s our fucking hellhole. And everyone here is just as irritated as everyone else.
If you do ever deign to visit, please come during tourist season (July-August), when the students are gone, there is no snow, and we are generally welcoming (because we want your money). And it’s probably 15 degrees cooler than St. Louis in July :)
Quinerly
@FlyingToaster:
Thanks for the invite! My travels have been confined to New Mexico and the SW for 4-6 week stints for the last 7 years and to my family home on the coast of NC. Always wanted to do an extended road trip through New England up to Maine. It’s one area that I haven’t prowled. I do get cranky when I’m hungry and I love my cocktails along the way. Where would I eat and drink? I heard somewhere that it was very complicated.?
Quinerly
@pamelabrown53:
63109! Basically St. Louis Hills area. Straight shot to the march, easy access to Soulard for before or after the march festivities. Let’s talk this up on other threads and maybe we can pull together a “gathering.” That’s what I call these sorts of things. I’ll have a small group of my circle together for the march anyway. We can set a time for all to meet before the march (carpooling launch pad for the group)at Howards. People can show show up before or after or both. Jazz trio plays there at 6 if anyone needs an after march music fix. This is so cool. Love meeting new people.
liberal
@Quinerly: actually, it’s pretty nice here. Winters are milder than the Midwest, but last longer. 40 more sunny days than Pgh. And, at least out in the burbs, there’s so much nature it feels like you’re on a perpetual camping trip.
Quinerly
@liberal:
?
JanieM
@Tom Levenson: Unless I’m way out of date, you gotta have an in to get a Widener stack pass….or pay a lot of $. But it’s true that it’s heaven once you get there.
FlyingToaster
@Quinerly: It’s approximately one billion times easier in the summer. But only a milion times easier on Friday nights :(
The real problem tonight is a) last minute and b) snow.