BBQ in Chiba (it's not *that* far)
posted July 17, 2013 3:16 AM RSS | iCal | +googleCal
Sat August 17 at 1:00 PM, My House
Japan, Chiba Prefecture, Chiba, Inage Ward, Sonnocho, １１８５ (Map & Directions)
The BBQ is nigh, folks. This Saturday at my place in Inage. I know it's a jaunt for a lot of you, but I'll do my best to make sure it's worth your while.
So, this Saturday at maison d'Ghid, there will indeed be a BBQ, and your presence will make it the best IRL meetup ever. Mefites who made the mistake of not living in the Kanto region will long lament their geographic miscues.
The menu, as it stands, will be:
Pulled Pork (no, not from a crockpot, real, honest-to-god, smoked-for-7-hours pulled pork)
Grilled chicken
Homemade/handmade sausages
Grilled pineapple
There will be sightings, and tastings of bacon.
Let me know if you're feeling potluckish, otherwise, I'll take care of the food. Please bring your own drinks, or...
Just an idea, but given that we're looking at a small group, it might just be possible to do a round robin of drinks: everyone brings enough cans or bottles of their favorite beer for everyone else, and we all go, hey, this beer is awesome! I realize that can get a bit spendy, but it could be hella fun. What do you think?
The house number is 1185-4, which google will not let me add.
The menu, as it stands, will be:
Pulled Pork (no, not from a crockpot, real, honest-to-god, smoked-for-7-hours pulled pork)
Grilled chicken
Homemade/handmade sausages
Grilled pineapple
There will be sightings, and tastings of bacon.
Let me know if you're feeling potluckish, otherwise, I'll take care of the food. Please bring your own drinks, or...
Just an idea, but given that we're looking at a small group, it might just be possible to do a round robin of drinks: everyone brings enough cans or bottles of their favorite beer for everyone else, and we all go, hey, this beer is awesome! I realize that can get a bit spendy, but it could be hella fun. What do you think?
The house number is 1185-4, which google will not let me add.
Hi guys, I was sort of indecisively lurking in GTS's thread because Nakameguro is bit of an excursion for me and I wasn't sure if I could make it there for a nighttime meetup. But since this is in the afternoon and OMG BBQ!, I'd like to attend. Would it be all right if I brought along a non-English-speaking teenager for a one-day summer immersion experience? (I asked my husband if he wanted to drive us there come along too, but he's shy and opted to rusuban with our dog. Oh well.)
If this falls back on the nighttime drinking meetup plan, I'm afraid I'll have to pass this time.
posted by misozaki at 3:40 PM on July 17, 2013 [1 favorite]
If this falls back on the nighttime drinking meetup plan, I'm afraid I'll have to pass this time.
posted by misozaki at 3:40 PM on July 17, 2013 [1 favorite]
Family members are more than welcome, misozaki. You could always try to tempt your husband with tales of meat. You never know, he might waver.
Seriously, though, if people want to bring family, that's perfectly okay. We even have boardgames and a playstation for anyone who wants to retreat a bit. There's also a washitsu in the back where kids could take a nap if they need one (not that your high school aged kid would need a nap, I'm thinking of younger kids).
posted by Ghidorah at 4:39 PM on July 17, 2013
Seriously, though, if people want to bring family, that's perfectly okay. We even have boardgames and a playstation for anyone who wants to retreat a bit. There's also a washitsu in the back where kids could take a nap if they need one (not that your high school aged kid would need a nap, I'm thinking of younger kids).
posted by Ghidorah at 4:39 PM on July 17, 2013
Great, thanks Ghidorah. The teenager's at that age where doing stuff with Mom is So Not Cool, and the thought of having to use English is intimidating, but your enticing list of meats conquered all misgivings! (On his part, not mine, mind you. I've been looking forward to this for years.)
I'll bring wine! Or if you'd rather I bring something else, please specify and I'll gladly accommodate.
posted by misozaki at 5:59 PM on July 17, 2013
I'll bring wine! Or if you'd rather I bring something else, please specify and I'll gladly accommodate.
posted by misozaki at 5:59 PM on July 17, 2013
Any and all drinks are more than welcome. Looking forward to seeing you all again.
posted by Ghidorah at 6:36 PM on July 17, 2013
posted by Ghidorah at 6:36 PM on July 17, 2013
I'll be bringing my first-ever family member in Japan, my newly-minted ワイフ. And a bunch of beer. If we can't get up on that pulled pork, I'll be sad. Is there going to be some glorious home-made bread spread for sammiches too, or should I bring some of that as well? A nice hard, tasty slice is what I usually go for, so of course simple white bread is insufficient for my proclivities. Hamburger buns are nice too. These sausages, are they of the hotdog/brat variety? Are hotdog buns also necessary?
I'm getting excited already! Not like that. Well, kind of like that. A little.
Also, randomly, is that a PLAYSTATION THREE? If so, I can load it up with approximately 8.4 metric fucktonnes of games through the PSN, if you've the HD space. Dunno how serious a gamer you are or if you'd even need it, but I have pretty much every classic 4 player game out there: TMNT, Final Fight, Simpsons, Scott Pilgrim (?!) etc etc etc.
posted by GoingToShopping at 7:39 PM on July 17, 2013
I'm getting excited already! Not like that. Well, kind of like that. A little.
Also, randomly, is that a PLAYSTATION THREE? If so, I can load it up with approximately 8.4 metric fucktonnes of games through the PSN, if you've the HD space. Dunno how serious a gamer you are or if you'd even need it, but I have pretty much every classic 4 player game out there: TMNT, Final Fight, Simpsons, Scott Pilgrim (?!) etc etc etc.
posted by GoingToShopping at 7:39 PM on July 17, 2013
Food, and food related things will be pretty solidly taken care of.
Sausage-wisea possibility of some or all of the following:
Plain Bratwurst, Chipotle Garlic Bratwurst, Smoked Bratwurst, or Andouille
Sauce-wise: I usually make up three sauces, Spicy Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce, South Carolina style mustard BBQ, and Alabama style mayonaisse/vinegar sauce for the chicken.
Buns will be had, as our savior Costco is a loving god.
Sadly, the PS3 is mostly used as a media center/DVR these days, and has very little space. Honestly, I don't play nearly as much as I'd like to (I still haven't opened Borderlands 2, and I've had it since April). Thanks for the offer though.
posted by Ghidorah at 7:47 PM on July 17, 2013 [2 favorites]
Sausage-wisea possibility of some or all of the following:
Plain Bratwurst, Chipotle Garlic Bratwurst, Smoked Bratwurst, or Andouille
Sauce-wise: I usually make up three sauces, Spicy Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce, South Carolina style mustard BBQ, and Alabama style mayonaisse/vinegar sauce for the chicken.
Buns will be had, as our savior Costco is a loving god.
Sadly, the PS3 is mostly used as a media center/DVR these days, and has very little space. Honestly, I don't play nearly as much as I'd like to (I still haven't opened Borderlands 2, and I've had it since April). Thanks for the offer though.
posted by Ghidorah at 7:47 PM on July 17, 2013 [2 favorites]
To quote the illustrious armage: I am so there, with beer.
Most likely with the missus and young'un in tow.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 12:17 AM on July 18, 2013
Most likely with the missus and young'un in tow.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 12:17 AM on July 18, 2013
Sadly, I'm in the U.S. of A. on the 17th...I'll be back that following Tuesday. Otherwise I'd totally be there. Damn.
Regarding backup venues, I went to the Nakameguro Taproom for the first time last weekend, and while I thought the pizza was decent, and the beer great, the service was seriously terrible, especially for Japan. They would practically run away every time we called out "sumimasen" without waiting for us to finish our order, which they would do with their backs half-turned (I had to call them back multiple times when they failed to finish taking an order) and barely bothered to acknowledge us coming in or out. And while we were all gaijin, it wasn't because of a language barrier--there were multiple people there who spoke Japanese just fine. "Authentic American-style service" I joked...I guess I'm spoiled by Japan.
I can see how it would be good for a big group of people though, just in terms of space. Big tables.
BUT, for those interested in places in Naka-meguro with better than average beer and food, I went here last night and it was great: http://sun2diner.com (beware auto-playing video). They had Rogue Pale Ale! I was very happy.
posted by dubitable at 12:27 AM on July 18, 2013
Regarding backup venues, I went to the Nakameguro Taproom for the first time last weekend, and while I thought the pizza was decent, and the beer great, the service was seriously terrible, especially for Japan. They would practically run away every time we called out "sumimasen" without waiting for us to finish our order, which they would do with their backs half-turned (I had to call them back multiple times when they failed to finish taking an order) and barely bothered to acknowledge us coming in or out. And while we were all gaijin, it wasn't because of a language barrier--there were multiple people there who spoke Japanese just fine. "Authentic American-style service" I joked...I guess I'm spoiled by Japan.
I can see how it would be good for a big group of people though, just in terms of space. Big tables.
BUT, for those interested in places in Naka-meguro with better than average beer and food, I went here last night and it was great: http://sun2diner.com (beware auto-playing video). They had Rogue Pale Ale! I was very happy.
posted by dubitable at 12:27 AM on July 18, 2013
Very sad that I will be out of the country :(
Photos please :)
posted by gen at 12:29 AM on July 18, 2013
Photos please :)
posted by gen at 12:29 AM on July 18, 2013
Yes, it is *that* far ...
The way I might be able to swing it is to save up a bunch of Tokyo stuff, do that on the Friday, crash in a capsule, and then head out your way on the Saturday. We'll see ...
posted by woodblock100 at 12:45 AM on July 18, 2013
The way I might be able to swing it is to save up a bunch of Tokyo stuff, do that on the Friday, crash in a capsule, and then head out your way on the Saturday. We'll see ...
posted by woodblock100 at 12:45 AM on July 18, 2013
Woodblock, have I got a deal for you! I spoke with the Mrs., and if you need it, we've got the washitsu and spare futons. If it helps get you to the meetup, you're more than welcome to crash with us the night before.
posted by Ghidorah at 5:09 AM on July 18, 2013
posted by Ghidorah at 5:09 AM on July 18, 2013
crash with us the night before ...
Hah! I know how this works ... I then have to spend all of Saturday morning chopping vegetables, right? :-)
Let me mull this one over; I'm not sure just how late I will be busy in town. I usually use a convenient capsule in Ueno (only 2,500 yen), so that part of it is not such a burden. My bigger 'problem' with this meetup is whether or not I will be able to take the day off for it, as August is really going to be hairy.
posted by woodblock100 at 8:20 AM on July 18, 2013
Hah! I know how this works ... I then have to spend all of Saturday morning chopping vegetables, right? :-)
Let me mull this one over; I'm not sure just how late I will be busy in town. I usually use a convenient capsule in Ueno (only 2,500 yen), so that part of it is not such a burden. My bigger 'problem' with this meetup is whether or not I will be able to take the day off for it, as August is really going to be hairy.
posted by woodblock100 at 8:20 AM on July 18, 2013
Such barbarity! Chopping vegetables? Vegetables? We'll have none of those at my BBQ.
posted by Ghidorah at 3:00 PM on July 18, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Ghidorah at 3:00 PM on July 18, 2013 [1 favorite]
If we do end up in Nakameguro I can recommend the pizza place 聖林館/Seirinkan, which would comfortably manage any number that doesn't get us to BBQ status.
posted by 23 at 9:28 PM on July 18, 2013
posted by 23 at 9:28 PM on July 18, 2013
I can also recommend 聖林館, the pizza is great. The staff is also supposedly surly, but based on my experiences I'd take 'em over Nakameguro Taproom any day. And the place itself is super cool, it's like an old bank or something.
posted by dubitable at 1:11 AM on July 19, 2013
posted by dubitable at 1:11 AM on July 19, 2013
I seriously can't wait to see you guys. I've just spent the evening trying to explain to people that my dislike of their casual use of racist language isn't PC, it's just basic human decency. As in, in expressing my dislike of racist language used in my house, at thanksgiving, I'm being called reactionary. It's evidently my obligation to let people know that they shouldn't be racist around me.
In other words, I miss communicating with adults.
posted by Ghidorah at 6:01 AM on July 19, 2013
In other words, I miss communicating with adults.
posted by Ghidorah at 6:01 AM on July 19, 2013
I've heard good things about Seirinkan too, mostly about their supposedly insanely expensive handmade iron spiral staircase, though.
Dubitable, you should really give the Taproom another chance. I've been there quite a bit, had my birthday/proposetomygirlfriend party there, and know the head chef pretty well (cool dude with an awesome mohawk, from Portland). They can get a little swamped, sure, but this is the first time I've heard of anyone having bad service from them.
posted by GoingToShopping at 9:13 AM on July 19, 2013
Dubitable, you should really give the Taproom another chance. I've been there quite a bit, had my birthday/proposetomygirlfriend party there, and know the head chef pretty well (cool dude with an awesome mohawk, from Portland). They can get a little swamped, sure, but this is the first time I've heard of anyone having bad service from them.
posted by GoingToShopping at 9:13 AM on July 19, 2013
Well, after our initial flurry of activity, it looks like we've got... 8 people. 9, maybe. Any chance we can get at least 12 righteous MeFites?
posted by Ghidorah at 6:43 PM on July 20, 2013
posted by Ghidorah at 6:43 PM on July 20, 2013
Have you counted flapjax's family? That's +2. Though that still isn't enough...
posted by misozaki at 6:58 PM on July 20, 2013
posted by misozaki at 6:58 PM on July 20, 2013
Honestly, I'm okay with what we've got now, though it would be nice if we could get more people. Obviously, dubitable and Gen can't make it, but maybe some other folks will pop up.
posted by Ghidorah at 7:44 PM on July 20, 2013
posted by Ghidorah at 7:44 PM on July 20, 2013
Yup, I'll be with the fambly! Also, I've got a cousin just got out of the federal pen on an aggravated assault stint. He did his 7 years, and he's ready to get out and meet some new faces. He's mostly staying off the meth, and he's PROMISED me he'll leave his knife at home. So, he can come too, right? He loves BBQ!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:52 PM on July 20, 2013
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:52 PM on July 20, 2013
The thing is, with flapjax, we have no way to tell if that's actually a joke ... or not ...
posted by woodblock100 at 9:41 PM on July 20, 2013
posted by woodblock100 at 9:41 PM on July 20, 2013
A joke? I hadn't even thought of that. And here I am wondering what flavor of wood would be best for making smoked meth for Flapjax's cousin. Now I feel silly.
posted by Ghidorah at 9:57 PM on July 20, 2013
posted by Ghidorah at 9:57 PM on July 20, 2013
Have him bring his knife! He can help carve!
posted by GoingToShopping at 12:58 AM on July 21, 2013
posted by GoingToShopping at 12:58 AM on July 21, 2013
Would Sunday be better for anyone? I just realized I have to go to a fireworks event in the evening -- in Kawasaki... :-/ I can still make it but I would probably have to leave around 5 PM or so.
posted by armage at 12:28 AM on July 22, 2013
posted by armage at 12:28 AM on July 22, 2013
Either day is fine for me, but I was thinking of Saturday so that people wouldn't have to worry too much about work on Monday. What does everyone else think?
posted by Ghidorah at 2:49 AM on July 22, 2013
posted by Ghidorah at 2:49 AM on July 22, 2013
Sunday 18th is NG for me...
posted by flapjax at midnite at 3:59 AM on July 22, 2013
posted by flapjax at midnite at 3:59 AM on July 22, 2013
Well, it would seem the only way to solve this issue is a knife fight between flapjax and armage. Careful, armage, I hear flapjax is going to bring his cousin as a second.
Seriously, though, would you be able to make it for a short while, armage? A day where we can all get together, even if for a little while, is better than a day where folks are missing. Plus, to-go-cups.
posted by Ghidorah at 7:10 AM on July 22, 2013
Seriously, though, would you be able to make it for a short while, armage? A day where we can all get together, even if for a little while, is better than a day where folks are missing. Plus, to-go-cups.
posted by Ghidorah at 7:10 AM on July 22, 2013
Vegetables? We'll have none of those at my BBQ
So of course, when I saw this on the front page, I had to double check to see if it was posted by Ghidorah.
posted by woodblock100 at 2:32 PM on July 22, 2013
So of course, when I saw this on the front page, I had to double check to see if it was posted by Ghidorah.
posted by woodblock100 at 2:32 PM on July 22, 2013
You know, in terms of future plans for meetups, I think it's outright bizarre we haven't done a meetup at a Japanese baseball game. For partisan reasons, I'd prefer a Marines game, but I could be convinced to attend a Swallows game. We should try to find a game that's doable sometime.
on the plus side, they let you bring in your own food and drink. There's a Costco by the Marines stadium. Once, we had a group of fifteen, and brought in four pizzas, as well as our own beer (to keep costs down) with no problems. Just an idea.
posted by Ghidorah at 6:33 PM on July 22, 2013
on the plus side, they let you bring in your own food and drink. There's a Costco by the Marines stadium. Once, we had a group of fifteen, and brought in four pizzas, as well as our own beer (to keep costs down) with no problems. Just an idea.
posted by Ghidorah at 6:33 PM on July 22, 2013
Bah, baseball... We're soccer people here at casa de misozaki!
posted by misozaki at 11:46 PM on July 22, 2013
posted by misozaki at 11:46 PM on July 22, 2013
Just this morning my son was complaining that the entire school has to head out to the Marines stadium to root for their baseball team this coming Friday because they're still winning the Chiba regionals for the summer Koshien. Oh, the ordeal! Just kidding, sort of.
posted by misozaki at 11:54 PM on July 22, 2013
posted by misozaki at 11:54 PM on July 22, 2013
We just spent a couple hours cheering on Narita High School over Chiba Eiwa. Good times had by many. Soccer confuses and mystifies me.
posted by Ghidorah at 12:36 AM on July 23, 2013
posted by Ghidorah at 12:36 AM on July 23, 2013
I'll make a lot of sacrifices for good BBQ. Let me see what I can do on my end to ensure I can stay as long as possible!
posted by armage at 2:32 AM on July 23, 2013
posted by armage at 2:32 AM on July 23, 2013
Whoa, there, armage. The construction of the knife fight pit has already begun. I mean, it'll be great to have you there on Saturday, but I've already started selling tickets to Flapjax vs. Armage. Expectations must be met.
Seriously, though, I'm glad you can still make it. It'll be good to have you around as long as you can stay.
posted by Ghidorah at 7:07 PM on July 23, 2013
Seriously, though, I'm glad you can still make it. It'll be good to have you around as long as you can stay.
posted by Ghidorah at 7:07 PM on July 23, 2013
I'd prefer Saturday. Jus' sayin'. Nobody else seems to be weighing in, and nature abhors a vacuum.
posted by GoingToShopping at 1:13 AM on July 24, 2013
posted by GoingToShopping at 1:13 AM on July 24, 2013
Excellent. Saturday the 17th, see you guys at my place. I imagine I should probably clean up a bit.
One last thing: any deadly allergies I should know about? Likes and dislikes are pretty simple, there will be plenty of food, so if you don't like X, you can eat Y, but if there are allergies, let me know. I mean, if someone's going to die from my cooking, I'd prefer it not be an accident.
posted by Ghidorah at 2:18 AM on July 27, 2013
One last thing: any deadly allergies I should know about? Likes and dislikes are pretty simple, there will be plenty of food, so if you don't like X, you can eat Y, but if there are allergies, let me know. I mean, if someone's going to die from my cooking, I'd prefer it not be an accident.
posted by Ghidorah at 2:18 AM on July 27, 2013
Eggplant here.
posted by GoingToShopping at 4:11 AM on July 27, 2013
posted by GoingToShopping at 4:11 AM on July 27, 2013
Just penicillin, but if that's in the food I suspect we have bigger problems.
posted by 23 at 5:12 AM on July 27, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by 23 at 5:12 AM on July 27, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'm allergic to phonies, ponies, and peonies. I'm assuming none of those will be in attendance.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:53 PM on July 27, 2013
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:53 PM on July 27, 2013
It looks like we're only at 9 people. I'm pretty sure I can bring more heads, if it makes the difference between Nakameguro restaurant and FANTASTIC UBER PULLED PORK PARTY, but they'd all be buddies and of no relation to Metafilter.
What's the best thing to do in a situation like this? Not trying to make Poor Ol' Ghidorah my MeatSlave™ or anything, but I'm super-duper looking forward to this. Have messages been sent to all the right people alerting them of this thread?
posted by GoingToShopping at 1:14 AM on July 29, 2013
What's the best thing to do in a situation like this? Not trying to make Poor Ol' Ghidorah my MeatSlave™ or anything, but I'm super-duper looking forward to this. Have messages been sent to all the right people alerting them of this thread?
posted by GoingToShopping at 1:14 AM on July 29, 2013
Yeah, I've sent some mails to people who haven't chimed in, and bugbread is the one (so far) who's responded. I think we've got enough, as I think Flapjax is bringing some kinfolk, and perhaps bugbread is bringing someone as well. I think we'll be fine when it comes to numbers.
posted by Ghidorah at 1:20 AM on July 29, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Ghidorah at 1:20 AM on July 29, 2013 [1 favorite]
Yes, Ghidora, it's flapjax plus two!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 3:59 AM on July 29, 2013
posted by flapjax at midnite at 3:59 AM on July 29, 2013
(the cousin I mentioned before got sent up for another bid...)
posted by flapjax at midnite at 4:08 AM on July 29, 2013
posted by flapjax at midnite at 4:08 AM on July 29, 2013
PS I'll totally take the empty spot in the knife fight. I'm a quarter ninja on my mother's side.
posted by GoingToShopping at 4:55 AM on July 29, 2013
posted by GoingToShopping at 4:55 AM on July 29, 2013
Bad news -- I have to be in Osaka on business that weekend now :-( And I was so looking forward to this!
Sorry Ghidorah, please let me know if you decide to do this again!
posted by armage at 8:01 PM on August 9, 2013
Sorry Ghidorah, please let me know if you decide to do this again!
posted by armage at 8:01 PM on August 9, 2013
Damn, sorry to hear that. I was looking forward to seeing you. Good luck in the sauna that is summer in Osaka.
posted by Ghidorah at 8:10 PM on August 9, 2013
posted by Ghidorah at 8:10 PM on August 9, 2013
Sorry, I'll be attending, but I'll be on my own, so that makes 10 people total. So what shall we do locationwise? As awesome as meatmeatmeat sounds, Nakameguro is a full hour closer to me, so I must confess I'm pulling for the Nakame option.
posted by Bugbread at 4:13 PM on August 11, 2013
posted by Bugbread at 4:13 PM on August 11, 2013
Well, actually, my son says he might not be able to tag along because of bukatsu practice that day, so if that happens that would be another minus one. Since this meetup plan did start out originally as GoingToShopping's suggestion to get together in Nakameguro, I'll try to at least drop by and say hi if it ends up falling back on that plan.
posted by misozaki at 4:44 PM on August 11, 2013
posted by misozaki at 4:44 PM on August 11, 2013
Oh no! This thing is moving away from the BBQ at Ghidorah's idea? Yikes! Bummer! I'm seriously bummed, here, people! Say it ain't so!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:26 PM on August 11, 2013
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:26 PM on August 11, 2013
oh, it's definitely on. sorry, just been busy with stuff. bbq is definitely on. details to come.
posted by Ghidorah at 11:21 PM on August 11, 2013
posted by Ghidorah at 11:21 PM on August 11, 2013
Just an addition: the google directions are not so good. Our house is about fifteen minutes on foot from the station, but there's also a bus.
Walking: go out the east exit of JR Inage station and turn left towards the Excelsior coffee shop. Go around the Mr. Donut, and turn left at the takoyaki shop. Go straight and cross the street. There will be an izakaya and a pachinko parlor. Turn right, going past the pachinko, and go straight for about twelve minutes. On your left will be the Chiba Girls HS, and after that the Chiba Mother's Support office. Immediately after that, there is a brand new road next to a giant white construction fence. This is new, and has cut ten minutes off of your trip, saints be praised. Go up the road, follow it around to the exit from the development. Turn left, then right at the first road. You should smell BBQ by now. It will seem as if the road ends in a cliff, it does not, that's just how steep our road is. Come on down.
For the bus, the bus that stops in front of Mr. Donut is the safest bet. Get off at Chiba Girls HS (千葉女子高校) and follow the walking directions.
If you're looking for a conbini, the best bet is right around the station if you're taking a bus, or the Lawson 100 on the left if you're walking.
Looking forward to seeing you guys.
posted by Ghidorah at 8:31 PM on August 14, 2013
Walking: go out the east exit of JR Inage station and turn left towards the Excelsior coffee shop. Go around the Mr. Donut, and turn left at the takoyaki shop. Go straight and cross the street. There will be an izakaya and a pachinko parlor. Turn right, going past the pachinko, and go straight for about twelve minutes. On your left will be the Chiba Girls HS, and after that the Chiba Mother's Support office. Immediately after that, there is a brand new road next to a giant white construction fence. This is new, and has cut ten minutes off of your trip, saints be praised. Go up the road, follow it around to the exit from the development. Turn left, then right at the first road. You should smell BBQ by now. It will seem as if the road ends in a cliff, it does not, that's just how steep our road is. Come on down.
For the bus, the bus that stops in front of Mr. Donut is the safest bet. Get off at Chiba Girls HS (千葉女子高校) and follow the walking directions.
If you're looking for a conbini, the best bet is right around the station if you're taking a bus, or the Lawson 100 on the left if you're walking.
Looking forward to seeing you guys.
posted by Ghidorah at 8:31 PM on August 14, 2013
The flapjax family will be there with bells on.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 11:50 PM on August 15, 2013
posted by flapjax at midnite at 11:50 PM on August 15, 2013
I'm coming too, with son in tow. Looking forward to seeing everyone.
posted by misozaki at 6:14 AM on August 16, 2013
posted by misozaki at 6:14 AM on August 16, 2013
Ghidorah, I was going to ask you this in an email, but then I thought if you answered in this thread it might be helpful for others...
Are you sure that the only extra directions I need if I'm taking the bus is to just pick up from the Chiba Girls HS point of the walking directions? Will this Chiba Mother's Support office be visible from the bus stop? Cause we couldn't find that on the Google map, and well, we just wanna avoid wandering in the wrong direction in the midday heat!
Otherwise, might one be able to get a taxi from Inage station? That's something we might consider as well, depending on the heat, you know.
Lastly, would you send me your phone # via MeMail? Thanks!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 8:12 AM on August 16, 2013
Are you sure that the only extra directions I need if I'm taking the bus is to just pick up from the Chiba Girls HS point of the walking directions? Will this Chiba Mother's Support office be visible from the bus stop? Cause we couldn't find that on the Google map, and well, we just wanna avoid wandering in the wrong direction in the midday heat!
Otherwise, might one be able to get a taxi from Inage station? That's something we might consider as well, depending on the heat, you know.
Lastly, would you send me your phone # via MeMail? Thanks!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 8:12 AM on August 16, 2013
Please post a precise address tomorrow so that my ワイフ and I can get a taxi there. Fuck walking.
Fuck summer.
I'm sure you understand.
posted by GoingToShopping at 8:51 AM on August 16, 2013
Fuck summer.
I'm sure you understand.
posted by GoingToShopping at 8:51 AM on August 16, 2013
Also, we might be a WEE bit late. I'm staying up late to play the PS3 FFXIV beta. You heard me. NO SHAME.
posted by GoingToShopping at 8:52 AM on August 16, 2013
posted by GoingToShopping at 8:52 AM on August 16, 2013
Flapjax, the directions should be okay. When you get off the bus, you'll be in front of the girls HS. Follow the bus as it drives off (going away from the station). The motet and child support center is the building next to the HS, and the place to turn is immediately after the support center. There's a mansion being built, so there's a giant white construction fence that's hard to miss.
GtS, I added the house number at the top of the post. Metafilter's google maps doesn't play well with Japanese addresses.
posted by Ghidorah at 4:25 PM on August 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
GtS, I added the house number at the top of the post. Metafilter's google maps doesn't play well with Japanese addresses.
posted by Ghidorah at 4:25 PM on August 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
WARNING: All (ALL) must participate in a MEETUP JAM to be recorded and posted to Metafilter Music. I am bringing the percussion. Failure to join in, wholeheartedly and unabashedly, will result in BANNINATION from Metafilter. I have Matt's express approval of this idea.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:47 PM on August 16, 2013
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:47 PM on August 16, 2013
Ordinarily, I'd be all for it, but one of the neighbors is having a monk come by for Obon for services for her late husband. Noisy gaijing talking-levels are okay, but full on rocking out might be a bit much...
posted by Ghidorah at 7:55 PM on August 16, 2013
posted by Ghidorah at 7:55 PM on August 16, 2013
Ah! Thanks for letting me know, Ghidorah. Leaving the percussion at home!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 8:03 PM on August 16, 2013
posted by flapjax at midnite at 8:03 PM on August 16, 2013
Sorry I'm running late - I underestimated the train time and might not be there until 2, but I'm on my way!
posted by 23 at 9:21 PM on August 16, 2013
posted by 23 at 9:21 PM on August 16, 2013
Despite not normally being a fashionable person, I'm going to be very fashionably late.
posted by Bugbread at 9:23 PM on August 16, 2013
posted by Bugbread at 9:23 PM on August 16, 2013
We are, obviously, going to be late. At Aoyamaicchome now, heading towards our Tokyo transfer.
I'd be lying if I claimed this wasn't FFXIV (beer) related.
Hangovers are nasty, friends. Drink safe.
posted by GoingToShopping at 9:54 PM on August 16, 2013
I'd be lying if I claimed this wasn't FFXIV (beer) related.
Hangovers are nasty, friends. Drink safe.
posted by GoingToShopping at 9:54 PM on August 16, 2013
Thinking of you guys while slaving over a hot woodblock here this afternoon ... :-(
posted by woodblock100 at 11:06 PM on August 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by woodblock100 at 11:06 PM on August 16, 2013 [1 favorite]
Thank you Ghidorah and Mrs. Ghidorah for having us over! The food was really, really great! You can be sure I'll be placing orders once your business starts rolling.
I found it rather amusing that when you said "no vegetables" you weren't kidding.
posted by misozaki at 5:32 AM on August 17, 2013
I found it rather amusing that when you said "no vegetables" you weren't kidding.
posted by misozaki at 5:32 AM on August 17, 2013
Hey! There were onions! And ketchup is sort of a vegetable...
Thanks for coming, and thanks for the umeshu. Masami loves it! It was fun to talk to your son too. He seems like a pretty good kid, and he handle being around a ton of people speaking English too quickly very well.
posted by Ghidorah at 5:38 AM on August 17, 2013 [1 favorite]
Thanks for coming, and thanks for the umeshu. Masami loves it! It was fun to talk to your son too. He seems like a pretty good kid, and he handle being around a ton of people speaking English too quickly very well.
posted by Ghidorah at 5:38 AM on August 17, 2013 [1 favorite]
Thanks, I'll tell him. He said he enjoyed talking with you while you were grilling those yummy pineapples. And that Bugbread told him that not speaking Japanese for two weeks was no big deal (or something to that effect). Thanks to everyone for being patient with him. He had a good time.
posted by misozaki at 6:05 AM on August 17, 2013
posted by misozaki at 6:05 AM on August 17, 2013
I'm contrarian, so I'd just like to say, that was a terrible time, you are all awful people, the food was disgusting, and no thank you for all the super duper not-awesome fireworks.
NYAAH!
(see you next time!)
posted by GoingToShopping at 7:52 AM on August 17, 2013
NYAAH!
(see you next time!)
posted by GoingToShopping at 7:52 AM on August 17, 2013
Also, Mayumi says I'm an asshole, and thank you all for everything.
She's pretty kibishii. :(
posted by GoingToShopping at 7:52 AM on August 17, 2013
She's pretty kibishii. :(
posted by GoingToShopping at 7:52 AM on August 17, 2013
Hey guys - did someone leave an umbrella (brand "Chloe") at the event? I have taken it into safekeeping, but if it's yours give me a heads-up and we can set up a hand off.
posted by 23 at 7:06 PM on August 17, 2013
posted by 23 at 7:06 PM on August 17, 2013
Hi there, 23, and thanks for taking the parasol: it's ours! If you're thinking of coming to my gig tomorrow night, bring it along, if you'd be so kind. Details (except for my band's start time, which is 9:00pm) are HERE. Other stuff on the bill (2 acts are ion before us) might be interesting. One of them is a sitar player.
And Ghidorah, thanks so much for your great hospitality and killing BBQ! Photos on the way today!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:47 PM on August 17, 2013
And Ghidorah, thanks so much for your great hospitality and killing BBQ! Photos on the way today!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:47 PM on August 17, 2013
Oh, and Ghidorah, that song I was suggesting should be your company's Official Theme...
posted by flapjax at midnite at 8:56 PM on August 17, 2013
posted by flapjax at midnite at 8:56 PM on August 17, 2013
Roger that, Flapjax - in that case I'll see you tomorrow!
posted by 23 at 10:50 PM on August 17, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by 23 at 10:50 PM on August 17, 2013 [1 favorite]
Thanks again to everyone who made it. We had a good time. Let's do another meetup sometime in the fall.
posted by Ghidorah at 8:05 PM on August 18, 2013
posted by Ghidorah at 8:05 PM on August 18, 2013
Darn, I'm sorry I missed this one! I'm definitely in for a fall meet up, with or without Ghidorah's meat.
...yeah.
posted by armage at 5:27 AM on August 21, 2013
...yeah.
posted by armage at 5:27 AM on August 21, 2013
Are there pix?
posted by woodblock100 at 3:28 PM on August 21, 2013
posted by woodblock100 at 3:28 PM on August 21, 2013
woodblock100, though I've usually been a prolific photo-documentarian of the meetups, this time around I mostly took pictures of... Ghidorah's MEAT!
That sounds vaguely pornographic, I know.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:50 PM on August 21, 2013
That sounds vaguely pornographic, I know.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:50 PM on August 21, 2013
By the way, thanks to your suggestions that I give the embassy a try, I now have a notarized letter for the State Department. Best part of the whole adventure: When I brought in the letter requesting the information (written to the requirements of the website to which the embassy directed me, no less), they said they weren't sure it would work, and had never had someone request that sort of letter be notarized before. Yes, the same people who told me to do thing A then told me they'd never heard of anyone doing thing A before, and were wondering why I was doing it.
posted by Ghidorah at 9:26 PM on August 21, 2013
posted by Ghidorah at 9:26 PM on August 21, 2013
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
So this is a BBBQ? And the extra B is for BYOBB?
posted by armage at 3:18 AM on July 17, 2013