Live Free With Pie

posted November 29, 2012 8:09 AM | |

Sun December 23 at 5:00 PM, Martha's Exchange

185 Main Street, Nashua, NH, USA (Map & Directions)

YEEEEEAAAAAHHHH

I'd be down! Still trying to figure out my Xmas travel-plans, but I should know better within the next couple of weeks. I think I'm there the 22nd through the morning of the 26th, but I may be skiing (for the first time ever!) on one of those days, so I dunno, the 23rd might work best for me? And while Manchester is easiest for me, anywhere in the Southern NH area is feasible.
posted by Greg Nog at 8:39 AM on November 29, 2012

Whoo! We can totally extend it to a different day - the 23rd works fine for me, too.
posted by ChuraChura at 8:49 AM on November 29, 2012

Just throwing Keene into the ring as a possible location, though it's probably a little out of everyone's way but mine.
posted by usonian at 5:00 AM on November 30, 2012

(Nashua?)
posted by usonian at 5:26 AM on November 30, 2012

I'm interested, and hope it falls on a convenient evening. Ten bonus points for the post title.

I'm also interested in Greg Nog's post-skiing twurt.
posted by not_on_display at 6:25 AM on November 30, 2012

I'd possibly make the trip up from the Boston area, assuming it was on a night I could go. My wife is in full-on crunch mode with rehearsals (she's gonna be in Annie, you should go see her!) so if I can get a sitter for Bondcliff Jr. I could be free.

The further south, the better, though Manchester is certainly doable.

I'd be happy to give someone a lift from the area, though I probably wouldn't stay too late so keep that in mind.
posted by bondcliff at 6:41 AM on November 30, 2012

not_on_display and Bondcliff, would December 23 be a convenient evening?
posted by ChuraChura at 9:43 AM on November 30, 2012

Assuming I can do it, the 23rd would be decent.
posted by bondcliff at 9:56 AM on November 30, 2012

I was just looking around Nashua restaurants - Portland Pie Co, though disappointingly a pizza pie place, has a location in Nashua which claims to be good for groups, have pizza, and Maine beer. I haven't been in Nashua in a very long time, though, so if anyone has better ideas about places to gather in Nashua...
posted by ChuraChura at 9:59 AM on November 30, 2012 [1 favorite]

I would definitely be interested and, given the time of year, week nights work well, though the 23rd is open for me right now (you may have to promise to keep the score of the Very Important and Compelling Patriots/ Jags match I will have taped secret).
posted by yerfatma at 11:43 AM on November 30, 2012

And I could give 1 or 2 people from the Seacoast a lift if needed.
posted by yerfatma at 11:45 AM on November 30, 2012

Keeping this thread on my radar, but unsure as of yet.
posted by terrapin at 1:30 PM on November 30, 2012

December 23, AKA "Little Christmas Eve" to overexcited children everywhere, should work well.
posted by usonian at 2:47 PM on November 30, 2012

I'm Mrs Usonian and I approve this meetup. Unfortunately I don't have firsthand experience about anyplace fun to go there, it's been strictly get-stuff-done trips every time I've gone. (I confess knowledge of a Bugaboo Creek near the LL Bean outlet but please oh please no.)

Here's some search results on Yelp for Nashua pubs good for groups.

Martha's has a brewery.
posted by Lou Stuells at 3:12 PM on November 30, 2012

Maybe? The 23rd would be the only workable day. Could possibly provide transport from Boston.
posted by maryrussell at 6:54 PM on November 30, 2012

If Dec 23 works for others, I'll do my best to make it! It won't be too taxingseewhatididthere!
posted by not_on_display at 7:41 PM on November 30, 2012

I will do my best to get there(from Maine). Portsmouth is closer.
posted by theora55 at 11:44 AM on December 1, 2012

I'm about an hour west of Concord/Nashua and would love to meet all you folks. Will stay tuned for final location and time.
posted by Hobgoblin at 9:44 AM on December 2, 2012

23rd still seems like it works for me, and I reiterate that I'm happy to go anywhere in Southern NH, within like a two-hour drive from Manch Vegas.
posted by Greg Nog at 12:13 PM on December 2, 2012

December 23 in Nashua sounds like it'll be the best bet for the greatest number of people. Why don't we go ahead and say Martha's Exchange at 5:00 PM? The bar is open until 1:30, the restaurant until 9. Hooray!
posted by ChuraChura at 6:31 PM on December 2, 2012

Woo! Count me and usonian in.
posted by Lou Stuells at 10:21 AM on December 3, 2012

I am going to be on my way down to holidays in MA and I will be attending this.
posted by jessamyn at 3:06 PM on December 3, 2012

I will attend.
posted by TheProudAardvark at 7:06 PM on December 3, 2012 [1 favorite]

Also in the area for the holidays; also in.
posted by likeatoaster at 8:22 PM on December 3, 2012

I plan on attending this... I think this may be my first NH meetup! That would make CT the only New England state I hadn't attended a meetup in.

[gets out map and magic marker]
posted by not_on_display at 8:42 PM on December 3, 2012

Count me in!
posted by suchatreat at 7:11 AM on December 4, 2012

I'm definitely in for the 23rd in Nashua. I assume we're all gonna be wearing our Metafilter holiday sweaters, right?
posted by bondcliff at 7:16 AM on December 4, 2012

If usonian is going, then hopefully it won't be too cold for me to wear my kilt! We have had much helpful kilt talk via memail!
posted by Greg Nog at 9:11 AM on December 4, 2012

Did this just turn into a MetaFilter meetup and kilt night? Worlds are colliding!
posted by usonian at 9:13 AM on December 4, 2012 [1 favorite]

Oh man! I might swoon!
posted by ChuraChura at 9:41 AM on December 4, 2012

*fans self*
posted by Lou Stuells at 11:50 AM on December 4, 2012

Obligatory kilt song

In lieu of a kilt, can I just wear a bath towel?
posted by not_on_display at 12:09 PM on December 4, 2012

Er, I think I'm gonna switch back to a "maybe."
posted by bondcliff at 12:16 PM on December 4, 2012

But I made this kilt just for you!

*holds up paper towel with BNODCLIF crudely sharpied on*
posted by Greg Nog at 12:46 PM on December 4, 2012 [2 favorites]

Careful, man, we've already reaches maximum swoon in this thread. You don't want to push them over the top.
posted by bondcliff at 12:48 PM on December 4, 2012

In lieu of a kilt, can I just wear a bath towel?

I know you were not asking me, but I am going to say no anyhow.
posted by jessamyn at 12:51 PM on December 4, 2012 [3 favorites]

not_on_display would no longer be an appropriate user name.
posted by Lou Stuells at 4:33 PM on December 4, 2012

TheProudAardvark is my father and he has assured me that he will not be kilted.
posted by ChuraChura at 5:06 PM on December 4, 2012

ooo possibly! Nashua's halfway between home and family gatherings.

I don't own a kilt and most of my bath towels are dirty. Would a big plaid lamp shade be acceptable?
posted by xbonesgt at 9:44 PM on December 5, 2012

I've been meaning to attend a meetup for a while, and the 23rd should fit nicely into my busy holiday schedule. Martha's in Nashua works for me. Looking forward to meeting you all!
posted by The Girl Who Ate Boston at 9:09 AM on December 7, 2012

Fortunately, you are not the girl who ate Nashua, so we should be safe!
posted by ChuraChura at 9:49 AM on December 7, 2012 [1 favorite]

De-lurking to RSVP to my first meet-up! I will be wearing pants.
posted by casualinference at 7:05 AM on December 8, 2012 [2 favorites]

jessamyn: I know you were not asking me, but I am going to say no anyhow.







...but it will be a funny beach towel.
posted by not_on_display at 10:59 PM on December 8, 2012

A funny beach towel, you say?
posted by usonian at 5:35 AM on December 9, 2012

I actually own the Wearable Towel, which I like to wear like a toga. I bought it because my old roommate brought the product to my attention, forwarding me the commercial with a "ha ha ha look how dumb this is, who would buy such a ridiculous thing," and I decided to take my trolling to the Next Level by quietly buying one and then wearing it around our apartment like it was no bigs.

While I mostly bought it to annoy him, it's actually a pretty good towel! Soft and absorbent and endurant and big enough for lying on at the beach. And the last time I brought it to the beach, it was an unexpectedly cold day, and my friend was chilly, and I said "HEY IF YOU'RE COLD YOU CAN WEAR MY TOWEL!" and she did, looking mildly embarrassed as she put it on, and I was the HERO OF THE BEACH
posted by Greg Nog at 8:05 AM on December 9, 2012 [4 favorites]

It's the evolutionary link between towel and terrycloth robe! It's like an absorbent Slanket! I wonder what these technologies will look like when I'm an old man and will actually covet one.
posted by not_on_display at 10:17 AM on December 9, 2012

Note: You're going to see these people in real life.
posted by not_on_display at 10:19 AM on December 9, 2012 [2 favorites]

Here's a towel for you to wear, n_o_d.
posted by bondcliff at 11:04 AM on December 9, 2012

Does it come with a manual or a help file? I can't tell my butt from my face.
posted by not_on_display at 2:45 PM on December 9, 2012

casualinference: "De-lurking to RSVP to my first meet-up! I will be wearing pants."

Same here, on all points! And I'm shy in real life until I have had a beer, and then look out.

Do I just look for the loud table of kilts?
posted by theredpen at 4:22 PM on December 11, 2012

Usually at meetups, it is pretty easy to spot mefites by their confused and lost facial expressions and general demeanor. So, I guess, stand there and look confused until a bunch of strangers start waving at you?

Or we could make a sign! (not kilt-ist)
posted by likeatoaster at 4:44 PM on December 11, 2012

When it gets a little closer, I can make a reservation. Then you can probably just tell the host(ess) you're looking for the group of between 11-16 people.
posted by ChuraChura at 5:29 PM on December 11, 2012

Yeah I am in favor of a reservation. I know I am not like this but there have been some people at past meetups who have sort of peered in windows and then kept walking when they haven't seen obvious WE ARE YOUR PEOPLE signs and I'd love to avoid that. The passphrase people sometimes use is "Are you a friend of Matt?" which is good if you're not comfortable with "Are you my internet friends" as an opening gambit.
posted by jessamyn at 5:31 PM on December 11, 2012

I also have a tendency to shout "METAFILTER???" at lost-looking people who wander into a meetup locale, but if we're sitting away from the front of the place, I may not be as easily able to do that.
posted by Greg Nog at 7:58 PM on December 11, 2012

likeatoaster: "stand there and look confused until a bunch of strangers start waving at you"

This is actually my usual MO. Works in so many situations.

Thank you!
posted by theredpen at 7:01 AM on December 12, 2012

Sadly we're out, but it's a good thing (for you all, definitely) as my wife now has the 24th off so we can travel earlier.
posted by yerfatma at 5:39 AM on December 14, 2012

Dang, I have a schedule conflict. Have fun!
posted by theora55 at 6:01 PM on December 14, 2012

Yay! Horace Rumpole and I can go to this!
posted by DiscourseMarker at 3:44 PM on December 15, 2012 [2 favorites]

I will be in the boston area around then. I may be able to make it to this!
posted by aubilenon at 9:54 PM on December 16, 2012

Yay! Horace Rumpole and I can go to this!

Huzzah! I mean, huzzah for everyone coming, but a special huzzah for you guys, since the only other time I've met you was when I also met ChuraChura!
posted by Greg Nog at 9:05 AM on December 17, 2012

I know, this is like my first meetup with added goodness!

I'll call Martha's Exchange tomorrow to make the reservation. It looks like we'll be between 15 and 20.
posted by ChuraChura at 4:53 PM on December 17, 2012 [1 favorite]

Well, that was easy! Martha's Exchange is out-customer-servicing the heck out of Guy Fieri. Our reservation is set for 5:00 on Sunday. It's under my name, Erin. See you all there!
posted by ChuraChura at 8:00 AM on December 19, 2012 [4 favorites]

I'm not usually one to give a crap about my dreams but I had a dream about this meetup last night. There was singing, people were playing some variation of Magic: The Gathering (a game I know nothing about other than it is played with cards of some kind) and the guy next to me was trying to snuggle with me.

I'm counting on all you people to be as bizarre as the people in my dream.
posted by bondcliff at 8:34 AM on December 20, 2012 [2 favorites]

I enjoy singing, likeatoaster just recently taught me how to play Magic: The Gathering, and I will probably snuggle all'a'y'all, so I'd say that was fairly prophetic, overall.
posted by Greg Nog at 9:05 AM on December 20, 2012

it appears that my plans are working out such that I can delurk long enough to attend this shindig.
posted by Davidicus at 12:57 PM on December 20, 2012

Let me just say that 'snuggle' looks an awful lot like 'snuggie' at first glance.
posted by usonian at 2:22 PM on December 20, 2012

A snuggie is like, two times a kilt!
posted by not_on_display at 6:04 PM on December 20, 2012

I've been driving cross country from Los Angeles since the 6th and I'll be in the Boston area from Dec 21 - Jan 1st... I think I might make the short trip on Sunday to meet East Coast MeFites. :D
posted by xtine at 6:43 PM on December 20, 2012 [1 favorite]

Will be headed to NJ by then but have fun, y'all.
posted by Miko at 8:53 PM on December 20, 2012

Courtesy of a family emergency, I can't make it to Nashua tonight. Martha's Exchange called yesterday to confirm the reservation, so they're ready for a bunch of people from the internet! Like I said, the reservation is under the name Erin - they'll be expecting you! Have fun, and a slice of pie for me!
posted by ChuraChura at 7:09 AM on December 23, 2012

Aww Erin, I'm sorry. I hope everything turns out okay. I'll try to get there a little early and nail down the table situation. Thanks so much for putting this all together.
posted by jessamyn at 7:17 AM on December 23, 2012

oh, i'm sorry to hear that! i hope your family's holding up okay.
posted by Greg Nog at 8:07 AM on December 23, 2012

Sorry we'll be missing you. I hope everything is ok with the family. Thanks for organizing it and I hope you'll catch other NE meetup soon.
posted by bondcliff at 8:35 AM on December 23, 2012

I found a random $50 Visa card which I got for doing some survey a million years ago so the first $50 of food/drink is on me(fi). Also n_o_d is home with something contagious-sounding so we'll have to hoist a glass in his honor.
posted by jessamyn at 9:12 AM on December 23, 2012

Oh no! I hope everything's OK, Erin. And I hope you're feeling better n_o_d!
posted by usonian at 9:19 AM on December 23, 2012

Oh no! we'll be thinking of you, ChuraChura and not_on_display. And yes we'll just have to catch up with you at the next one.
posted by Lou Stuells at 9:21 AM on December 23, 2012

Well I didn't take anything out for dinner tonight, so Horace and I are still coming!
posted by DiscourseMarker at 10:06 AM on December 23, 2012

Thanks, folks. My great grandma fell and hit her head badly this morning, so I'm watching my brother and then we're probably driving to NY for a funeral on the 24th or 25th. I'd much rather be hanging out with you!
posted by ChuraChura at 12:07 PM on December 23, 2012

Can't make it but have great festivities and fun!
posted by rmd1023 at 12:24 PM on December 23, 2012

Oh no, so sorry ChuraChura! I hope your grandma is feeling much better soon.

I am very sorry but it is looking like I probably won't make it, but I will be thinking of you all. I am super bummed. Have a lovely time.
posted by theredpen at 1:03 PM on December 23, 2012

Sorry to hear about your great grandma, ChuraChura.

And thanks for the get-well wishes, y'all. I was really looking forward to seeing those of you I know and meeting those that I didn't yet know. (Lou Stuells, your username always makes me laugh; usonian, I dunno why, but I always want to read your username like it's in upside-down text. uɐıuosn.)

Instead, I hoist my bottle of Chloraseptic to you all and take a throat-numbing swig in your honor!

Whoo, this stuff's gooooood.
posted by not_on_display at 1:33 PM on December 23, 2012

Also, an update from jessamyn, who is on I-93 on her way there: she will not be early, but won't be running too late. (She texted me from the 93 tollbooths at 4:40PM)
posted by not_on_display at 1:43 PM on December 23, 2012

thanks y'all! that was good times.
posted by xbonesgt at 7:00 PM on December 23, 2012

Hey, all! Wonderful to see those of you I've met before, and to meet all the new-to-me folk, also! Good times!
posted by Greg Nog at 7:17 PM on December 23, 2012

Great meeting and re-meeting all of you . Sad that I was the only NH rep. Get well, NOD. ChuraChura, thanks for starting it all and may times be better soon.
posted by Hobgoblin at 7:17 PM on December 23, 2012

I just realized that no one got pie.
posted by xtine at 7:18 PM on December 23, 2012 [3 favorites]

Yeah, I had a lot of fun! Thanks for a great time, everybody. This was my first meetup and I'll definitely be coming to more.

If you ever have a restaurant recommendation for the New England area, send a MeMail my way. Maybe sometime we can turn it into another meetup! :)
posted by The Girl Who Ate Boston at 7:28 PM on December 23, 2012

Woohoo! Thanks for a wonderful time, all! Good food, good beer, good people. Thanks for organizing it, ChuraChura. I'm sorry you were unable to make it yourself.

Hope you're feeling better, n_o_d, sorry if I woke you texting you from Jessamyn's phone. She did holler at me for that, so it's all good.

Added to my bucket list: Eat at Anna's, eat some duck eggs, join the Masons.

Nobody snuggled with me, there was no singing, and nobody played Magic: The Gathering. I'm pretty sure Greg was giving me The Look though, so my dream nearly did come true.

And yeah, I was promised some pie. There was no pie.
posted by bondcliff at 7:55 PM on December 23, 2012

I just realized that no one got pie.

Who needs pie when you have bondcliff's wife's cookies! And I think you'd make a swell Mason.

That was terrific, I was so happy to meet new folks and get a chance to see folks I already knew and dish about ... everyone! Just a reminder: anyone who wants to come watch movies and eat snacks with me and n_o_d in Westport MA on the 25th, feel free to ping me and I'll send directions. I'll have a proper bigger meetup here when the weather's good for beachin'

Thanks for setting it up ChuraChura, you'll be in my thoughts, let us know if we can help at all.
posted by jessamyn at 8:17 PM on December 23, 2012

bondcliff: no harm no foul; I'd been awake when the text came in. Thanks! (Hope your wife feels well soon, too. I did not text her.)

And I saw the kilts! I SALUTE YOU BOTH! Hope you kept Willys-the-Groundskeeper warm.

It was great to hear the recounting of the meetup from jessamyn. I'm glad you all had a great time.
posted by not_on_display at 8:18 PM on December 23, 2012

Wait, I wanna see the kilts! jessamyn, you should post the kilt pics!
posted by Greg Nog at 8:30 PM on December 23, 2012

Added under the photos list up top. I have a few more and if any of them are any good I'll upload them tomorrow.
posted by jessamyn at 8:37 PM on December 23, 2012

yessss rad
posted by Greg Nog at 8:39 PM on December 23, 2012

Looks like it was great! Sorry to have missed it (especially the kilts!). If you're ever in Columbus, OH let me know and I'll make sure you get some pie!

Thanks for all the good thoughts. Unfortunately, we're driving to Brooklyn tomorrow for the funeral. Give your loved ones big hugs for the holidays.
posted by ChuraChura at 8:53 PM on December 23, 2012

What a great time, what excellent company! And fantastic cookies (thanks Mrs. Bondcliff!) and dudes in kilts, one of which I even got to take home! Gosh I didn't even get to say hi to you, xbonesgt. I think we were enclosed on separate areas of the booth seat. It's wonderful to have such cool folks in the area, and it was really nice to have a relaxing respite this evening from the frantic holiday preparations. Thanks for a great night, everybody!

ChuraChura, I hope your gram is alright and home safe soon. not_on_display, it was truly humane of you to resist sharing your virus. Enjoy a night of heady Chloraseptical dreams. usonian and I will surely meet you both at future events.

and upon reflection, if I did change my handle I could only change it to Edgar Allan Poo. Scatalogical humor is too much a part of {beats chest with each word for emphasis} who I am.
posted by Lou Stuells at 9:03 PM on December 23, 2012 [2 favorites]

Nice to meet you all, and hope to see you in the future! Sorry to miss those who couldnt make it.

Also I am pro-Marthas Exchange; the food and beer were both fantastic.
posted by likeatoaster at 9:47 PM on December 23, 2012

Yay internet friends! What a nice respite from holiday madness. Good food and good company... we must do this again.
posted by usonian at 10:11 AM on December 24, 2012

Achievement unlocked: I just returned from lunch at Anna's.
posted by bondcliff at 10:36 AM on December 28, 2012 [2 favorites]

How was the hype:reality ratio?
posted by usonian at 11:19 AM on December 28, 2012

It was really good. I found the flavors a little bland, maybe I didn't get the right salsa on it or something, but the ingredients were amazingly fresh. I think the hype is justified.

El Pelon still has the better burrito, IMO, but the taco I just had at Anna's was the best taco I've had East of the Mississippi*.

*sadly, 99.99% of those were from Taco Bell or made at home with Ortega taco mix.
posted by bondcliff at 11:27 AM on December 28, 2012 [2 favorites]