melbourneites visit the big smoke

posted November 20, 2012 12:45 AM | |

Thu November 29 at 6:00 PM, The Duck Inn

74 Rose St, Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia (Map & Directions)

I'm in Sydney on the 4th and 5th of December - so if people are around on the 4th, a meetup could be great.

No stress if that date doesn't work for anyone else though - I'm there for work and will have colleagues floating about. So if another day suits everyone else better, then go with that!

I was supposed to be there from the Sunday - but all my colleagues decided to come too, so my trip got cut back. BOO!
posted by jonathanstrange at 5:33 PM on November 20, 2012

Looks like our hotel is close to Central Station, if that helps.
posted by goshling at 7:44 PM on November 20, 2012

I'm free on the evening of Thursday 29th, if anyone else is available then.
posted by Kris10_b at 11:30 PM on November 20, 2012

I can do pretty much any night, I think. Shall I suggest a venue? There's a nice pub in Chippendale called The Duck Inn that's got good food, nice beer garden out the back, etc. It's about 10min walk from Central, so not far from your hotel...
posted by web-goddess at 11:51 PM on November 20, 2012

OMG! I'm so excited - this is the first Sydney meetup since I joined up. I can do any of those dates.

The Duck is a great idea. Good food, and quiet, so good for talking.

If you're looking for something a bit more Melbournish, there are some great restaurants and small bars in Newtown, which is in the next suburb over.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 12:31 AM on November 21, 2012

I *just* got the automated email about this thread, so hopefully some of the other Sydneysiders might see it. I can also send up the Bat Signal via email if needed...
posted by web-goddess at 12:40 AM on November 21, 2012

My partner has agreed to baby wrangle - I could do Thursday dinner (early would be great so I don't have to hang around like a bad smell in the city after work!)
posted by smoke at 12:56 AM on November 21, 2012

If you're looking for something a bit more Melbournish, there are some great restaurants and small bars in Newtown, which is in the next suburb over.

given what we made UbuRoivas deal with in Melbourne, I think it's only fair we do something actually Sydney-ish... :)
posted by russm at 1:12 AM on November 21, 2012

russm & I were just discussing the automated notifications, we think they used to go out only when a meetup went from proposed to confirmed, but that's since changed, and there is a delay. Apparently. It's all very confusing, but it's good to see notifications have gone out! I hope this isn't too short notice for people.

The Duck sounds great to us.

We're actually free from Wednesday 28th, flying out evening of Wednesday 5th. I'm attending seminars 25-28, and 30/11 - 2/12. Anyway, we're pretty open to any suggestions & looking forward to meeting you guys!
posted by goshling at 1:19 AM on November 21, 2012

Don't fuss over ubu, I think he's the one that suggested jacalata, liquorice & I meet up at The Croft.
The Workshop is a flashing neon beacon compared to The Croft. Finding that place is like Labyrinth without the Jim Henson input.
posted by goshling at 1:28 AM on November 21, 2012

Hello, hello. I have a more than casual interest in attending this! Depending on what suits whom and when.... I shall indeed endeavour to come. And attempt not to offend.
posted by taff at 1:53 AM on November 21, 2012

Thursday at the Duck is looking good. Taff, do you need to go out of your way not to offend, possum?
posted by goshling at 3:28 AM on November 21, 2012

Smoke - early Thursday evening sounds great. We'll send you home in one piece & I have registration for the second seminar at the UNGODLY hour of 8am Friday.
posted by goshling at 4:33 AM on November 21, 2012

I'm appalling goshling. Truly.

So what's the final date and time?
posted by taff at 10:41 AM on November 21, 2012

goshling that sounds excellent! 8am Friday eh? No rest for the wicked.
posted by smoke at 12:52 PM on November 21, 2012

From the Duck menu: Battered Zucchini Flowers Stuffed w/ Goats Cheese & Herbs. I am so up for this. Thursday is good for me too.
posted by unliteral at 4:13 PM on November 21, 2012

So what time is good for everyone? russm & I don't have any other plans for day yet, so anytime works for us.

I'm also sold on the zucchini flowers.
posted by goshling at 6:28 PM on November 21, 2012

It's a maybe from me. Life is a bit crazy busy, but I've put it in the diary.
posted by kjs4 at 6:56 PM on November 21, 2012

Speaking wholly selfishly, earlier is better for me (as I have miles of public transport to go before I sleep), so like 6.00? 6.30? I could go even earlier!
posted by smoke at 7:11 PM on November 21, 2012 [1 favorite]

Count me in as another Melburnian who happens to be in Sydney. The Duck is nice and close to home/work too.


So it's a week from today, early dinner?
posted by Trivia Newton John at 11:06 PM on November 21, 2012

I could go earlier too. Hell, I could do lunch.
posted by taff at 11:07 PM on November 21, 2012

Fiasco? Lovecraft? Embrangled?
posted by taff at 11:09 PM on November 21, 2012

ok... so Thursday the 29th, 6:00 at the Duck it is...
posted by russm at 3:56 AM on November 22, 2012

oh, ok, this is no longer "Australia > Sydney" it's now "Australia > Chippendale". MeFi fails at Australian cities vs. suburbs.
posted by russm at 4:08 AM on November 22, 2012 [1 favorite]

wait, LiB is still around? didn't he push the big red button?
posted by russm at 4:16 AM on November 22, 2012

He did. But surely he's still reading!
posted by taff at 11:15 AM on November 22, 2012

6 is a bit early for me to make it home from work, so I'll probably be a bit late.
posted by web-goddess at 12:36 PM on November 22, 2012

Excellent, looking forward to meeting everyone.
posted by smoke at 1:22 PM on November 22, 2012

LiB said he might pop in around 7
posted by Trivia Newton John at 3:44 PM on November 22, 2012 [1 favorite]

Chippendale is a place?
posted by pompomtom at 2:56 AM on November 23, 2012

Chippendale is a place?

No, it's the 2 buff lads on this years The Amazing Race. James & Jaymes.
posted by goshling at 7:37 AM on November 23, 2012

Yay Lovecraft!

So embrangled and Fiasco????
posted by taff at 1:44 AM on November 24, 2012

wait, does that mean I need to wear one of those little bow ties before they'll let me in the suburb? I don't really have the torso for it...
posted by russm at 3:49 PM on November 24, 2012

Yes.
posted by taff at 12:27 AM on November 25, 2012 [1 favorite]

Chippendale is a place?

RESCUE RANGERS!

See you guys there - looking forward to it.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:36 PM on November 25, 2012

However, I'll totally be late - maybe 6:30 - 7:00 pm.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:37 PM on November 25, 2012

Did ubu and fiasco get a notification of some sort?
posted by taff at 9:53 PM on November 25, 2012

I just sent out the mefi sydney meetup spam. fiasco isn't on it though.
posted by unliteral at 3:06 PM on November 26, 2012

Well, that weeded out a few dead addresses.
posted by unliteral at 5:04 PM on November 26, 2012

I will try to drop in, maybe a bit late.
posted by embrangled at 1:34 PM on November 27, 2012

Can't make it sorry kids.
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 3:17 AM on November 28, 2012

Poop.
posted by taff at 3:35 AM on November 28, 2012

Oooh, just got memail about this (thanks taff).

6pm at the Duck & Swan* sounds doable, with lil ubu in tow most likely - Thursdays are my bludgy paternal day off.

* It used to be the Duck & Swan but they had to drop the Swan part; it became too expensive from a trademark point of view after we won the flag.
posted by UbuRoivas at 4:05 AM on November 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Yay!
posted by taff at 12:22 PM on November 28, 2012

Awesome. I used to live in Chippendale. All my stuff was covered in a layer of black dust. Good times.
I can probably make it by 6:30 ish.
posted by misfish at 12:56 PM on November 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

Smoke, (or anyone else -Taff?) if you're bored with not much to fill in the time, we'd be happy to meet you there earlier.
We've just had lunch with a friend, and now we're having coffee near Museum station passing the time and trying to digest lunch.

My mobile number is in my profile if anyone wants to contact us.
posted by goshling at 7:21 PM on November 28, 2012

Sounds good, basically I'm going to make my way there straight after work - with a small but significant detour to the glorious Basement Books at Central Station, so I reckon I'll definitely be there by six if not before.

I have no carnation for my button hole, but I carry a bright orange laptop backpack which should stand out enough. :)
posted by smoke at 7:41 PM on November 28, 2012

goshing, you're pretty near the Art Gallery of NSW - pretty good way to kill an hour or two. Also the Museum of Contemporary Art (bit more of a walk, but it's a nice day).
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:06 PM on November 28, 2012

I'm thinking I'll be there in about 45 minutes. Will I be lonely?
posted by taff at 9:41 PM on November 28, 2012

Nah im on the train now, definitely be there by then. :)
posted by smoke at 10:05 PM on November 28, 2012

I'm walking through Sydney Uni, near St John's now. Fully expecting a hazing.
posted by taff at 10:15 PM on November 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

At the Seymour, dignity intactus.
posted by taff at 10:32 PM on November 28, 2012

I'm wearing a ridiculously big straw hat. Where are youse? And WHAT DO YOU LOOK LIKE????
posted by taff at 10:35 PM on November 28, 2012

I'm napping and I can't get up.... When I do, I just need to put the bins out and I'm a 10 minute walk away.

LiB is no longer attending. Better offer *hmph*
posted by Trivia Newton John at 10:36 PM on November 28, 2012

On my way now. I'll be there by about 6:30.

And WHAT DO YOU LOOK LIKE????

I'm told I look like a South American drug dealer. Make of that what you will.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 10:51 PM on November 28, 2012

Wearing a polka dot dress!
We're in the front bar.
posted by goshling at 10:56 PM on November 28, 2012

Work is finally done, so I'm catching a bus from the Rocks. Given the traffic on George St, it'll probably be at least 7 by the time I get there. I am tall, I'm wearing a black t-shirt with a car crash on it, and my hair is in a ridiculous (ironic) topknot on my head.
posted by web-goddess at 11:20 PM on November 28, 2012

UGH. The stupid ARIAS and the Martin Place Christmas lights concert all happening at once. Just getting to Central now...
posted by web-goddess at 12:02 AM on November 29, 2012

Plans fell through, so I'll be joining you. I'll be there by probably 7.30.
posted by kjs4 at 12:12 AM on November 29, 2012

well that was thoroughly pleasant - thanks all for coming out and showing us a good time!
posted by russm at 1:03 PM on November 29, 2012

Yes the evening was an unmitigated delight for and it was lovely to meet everyone. :)
posted by smoke at 1:10 PM on November 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Massive girl crushes on everyone now. Thanks possums, it was fabulous.
posted by taff at 2:42 PM on November 29, 2012

It was great meeting everyone. I'll have to try and comment more often so people know who I am next time!
posted by Kris10_b at 6:04 PM on November 29, 2012

There was unattended cheese! Best night ever.
posted by Trivia Newton John at 6:29 PM on November 29, 2012 [2 favorites]

Not for long, it wasn't. You're a dab hand with a knife, my friend.
posted by taff at 7:44 PM on November 29, 2012

And not a single duel. Clearly we are all officers and gentlemen.

Except for goshling, who ate all my fries. PISTOLS AT DAWN!
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:18 PM on November 29, 2012

It was indeed a delightful evening. Lovely to meet/see you all!
posted by embrangled at 8:57 PM on November 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

Goshling needs a spanking. I reckon Trivia and smoke earned a few too.

I, of course, was exemplary.

Red thoughts....I worry you'd enjoy it.
posted by taff at 10:25 PM on November 29, 2012

Well, Taff, I say that some are born to spanks; others have spanks thrust upon them.

I only wish I could have stayed later. I have no doubt whatsoever that you disgraced yourself by 10:00pm at the latest. That truffle went straight to your head, I saw.
posted by smoke at 11:02 PM on November 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

My very word.
posted by taff at 12:44 AM on November 30, 2012

I can't remember, smoke, did you leave before or after taff started demanding that all the bearded men pash each other?
posted by embrangled at 1:51 AM on November 30, 2012 [1 favorite]

Nope I was there. And if Red Thoughts had maintained those razor mutton chops we saw on Misfish's iPhone, let's just say the evening could have had a very different finish for me.
posted by smoke at 2:55 AM on November 30, 2012

It was in the name of science, I swear!!!
posted by taff at 3:43 AM on November 30, 2012

Well, that explains why smoke kept putting his hand on my thigh.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 3:02 PM on November 30, 2012

That was your thigh? I'm a lot less interested now.
posted by smoke at 4:23 PM on November 30, 2012

OI!
You not only encouraged me to eat the fries, you then thanked me for rescuing you from those calories!
Last time I try to protect you for your own good, you ungrateful scoundrel.
posted by goshling at 8:04 PM on November 30, 2012

It was indeed a delight to meet everyone! Thanks everyone for coming out & being social. The food was almost as good as the company and man, that food ROCKED.

We also have custody of the little dog toy (dog toy, not dog toy) that Taff gave Lil Ubu to play with. Shall we post him somewhere?
posted by goshling at 8:10 PM on November 30, 2012 [1 favorite]

No, he is your souvenir. I suggest taking photographs of him at all the meet ups you attend. Call him MattPuppy.
posted by taff at 11:16 PM on November 30, 2012

You not only encouraged me to eat the fries, you then thanked me for rescuing you from those calories!

I am deep. I contain multitudes. Some of those multitudes are fickle.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 11:45 PM on November 30, 2012

That was your thigh? I'm a lot less interested now.

Your comments say no, but your favorites say yes.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 11:47 PM on November 30, 2012 [2 favorites]

So who is the big smoke? I'm confused.
posted by taff at 11:59 PM on November 30, 2012

Woot!
We've wandered across the road to pub for dinner & brought him with us.
posted by goshling at 12:39 AM on December 1, 2012 [1 favorite]

Can I have a 20 minute edit window please?

our little friend
posted by goshling at 12:56 AM on December 1, 2012 [1 favorite]

So who is the big smoke? I'm confused.

Well it's not my place to brag.
posted by smoke at 2:26 AM on December 1, 2012

Oh gracious, it's you?!

Red Thoughts is going to be soooo disappointed you didn't pash.
posted by taff at 3:10 AM on December 1, 2012