Let's go to China in the Paris of the Piedmont
posted February 15, 2014 8:48 AM RSS | iCal | +googleCal
Thu March 20 at 7:30 PM, Gourmet Kingdom (Ba shu chuan cai)
301 East Main Street, Carrboro, NC, USA (Map & Directions)
I've been memailing mediareport about it, and we both agree that we need to have another meetup in March. I was thinking Gourmet Kingdom would be a great option because it's quiet during the week (meaning not quiet on Fri/Sat), it has a challenging/intimidating/exciting/fun Szechuan menu (attn: vegetarians: the braised eggplant is amazing!), and it's in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro part of the triangle, thus satisfying the "our turn" part of the rotation. There's ample parking, and plenty of nearby watering holes for afterwards should we want to maintain conversational momentum like last time in Raleigh.
Would any Thursdays in March be bad for anyone? What Thursdays work best for you in March? What Thursdays work worst for you in March? Why wouldn't you want to meet up on a Thursday? What is it about those damned Thursdays? Do you know anybody named Thursday? Are they coming? Would they be embarrassed?
Since I had to miss the last meetup, this intrigues me.
posted by ardgedee at 2:14 AM on February 16, 2014
posted by ardgedee at 2:14 AM on February 16, 2014
If I'm not traveling for work, I'll be there!
posted by Stewriffic at 4:39 AM on February 16, 2014
posted by Stewriffic at 4:39 AM on February 16, 2014
Thursdays are actually much better for me than weekends, so yay! I'll check my calendar in more detail on Monday, but I think I am in!
posted by Rock Steady at 5:03 AM on February 16, 2014
posted by Rock Steady at 5:03 AM on February 16, 2014
Also the Kung Pao Lotus Root at GK is one of my favorite things ever.
posted by thivaia at 6:59 AM on February 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by thivaia at 6:59 AM on February 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
YES to kung pao lotus root. I can probably make this!
posted by leesh at 10:01 AM on February 16, 2014
posted by leesh at 10:01 AM on February 16, 2014
Would love to meet my fellow MeFites down here in North Carolinastan! And since this one is in my back yard I can probably even make it. Thursdays are good for me!
posted by skepticbill at 10:55 AM on February 16, 2014
posted by skepticbill at 10:55 AM on February 16, 2014
I am in for any thursday! I have been wanting to try this place for a while.
posted by scose at 10:59 AM on February 16, 2014
posted by scose at 10:59 AM on February 16, 2014
I'm still marked "maybe" (that ought to resolve a week or two before the meetup) but there are a couple seats in the car if anybody wants to carpool from/through Durham or the immediate RTP area. As long as you're OK with your ride leaving before the post-meetup drinks, because we are old and boring and have early work hours on weekdays.
posted by ardgedee at 11:22 AM on February 16, 2014
posted by ardgedee at 11:22 AM on February 16, 2014
Awesome. Looks like it'll work out. Looking forward to the food and drinks and company.
So, we have March 6, 13, 20 and 27 as possible dates. Any preferences?
posted by mediareport at 2:06 PM on February 16, 2014
So, we have March 6, 13, 20 and 27 as possible dates. Any preferences?
posted by mediareport at 2:06 PM on February 16, 2014
Huzzah! I won't be back in town until the 13th, so if I can nudge to either of the last two dates (20th or 27th) I'd be grateful, but if many people prefer the 6th or 13th, obviously I'd have to make more of an effort next time around.
posted by tarheelcoxn at 2:35 PM on February 16, 2014
posted by tarheelcoxn at 2:35 PM on February 16, 2014
The 20th is the best for me, but the 6th would also work.
posted by oceanjesse at 3:28 PM on February 16, 2014
posted by oceanjesse at 3:28 PM on February 16, 2014
Oh, awesome! This will be my first meetup and I have been wanting to go to one for awhile. (I finally wised up and realized you can get email alerts for meetups in your area.) I am so there. Plus, yeah, Gourmet Kingdom is an excellent choice.
Also I don't know what it is about Thursdays but that Morphine song seems relevant to link to here.
posted by aka burlap at 4:59 PM on February 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
Also I don't know what it is about Thursdays but that Morphine song seems relevant to link to here.
posted by aka burlap at 4:59 PM on February 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
Oh, and any of those dates are fine for me.
posted by aka burlap at 5:00 PM on February 16, 2014
posted by aka burlap at 5:00 PM on February 16, 2014
My order of preference would be 27th, 20th, 13th, 6th.
I could also possibly carpool with someone on the West-ish side of Raleigh or in the Cary area.
posted by Rock Steady at 6:08 AM on February 17, 2014
I could also possibly carpool with someone on the West-ish side of Raleigh or in the Cary area.
posted by Rock Steady at 6:08 AM on February 17, 2014
I love this idea! We do a lot of Chowhound dinners there and the food is always fantastic.
3/27 is easiest for me since I have a pet sitting gig in Durham that week which will make for a shorter drive. But I can make any of the Thursdays.
Thanks Oceanjesse for putting this out there!
posted by cat_link at 12:46 PM on February 17, 2014
3/27 is easiest for me since I have a pet sitting gig in Durham that week which will make for a shorter drive. But I can make any of the Thursdays.
Thanks Oceanjesse for putting this out there!
posted by cat_link at 12:46 PM on February 17, 2014
I just set the date to 03/20/2014 at 7:30 PM. Let me know if there are any issues with that.
posted by oceanjesse at 9:38 AM on February 18, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by oceanjesse at 9:38 AM on February 18, 2014 [2 favorites]
Do they do reservations? I guess I could call a week in advance.
posted by oceanjesse at 9:42 AM on February 18, 2014
posted by oceanjesse at 9:42 AM on February 18, 2014
In my experience, they do take reservations (and we should make one for a large group), but don't always answer their phone.
posted by leesh at 11:28 AM on February 18, 2014
posted by leesh at 11:28 AM on February 18, 2014
They do take reservations. The large tables with the lazy Susan seat about 10 max. For larger groups they can push two of the large round tales together. We have requested one of the private rooms when our group was large enough.
posted by cat_link at 11:59 AM on February 18, 2014
posted by cat_link at 11:59 AM on February 18, 2014
Uh, this is weird. I was just complaining to my husband the other night about how I miss the Szechuan eggplant from this place I used to go when we lived in LA and how there is nothing similar available in Raleigh. Maybe there is in Chapel Hill, though! I will put myself down as a maybe (hopefully).
posted by something something at 10:14 AM on February 19, 2014
posted by something something at 10:14 AM on February 19, 2014
It's on the calendar! See you all there.
posted by msali at 8:43 PM on February 19, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by msali at 8:43 PM on February 19, 2014 [1 favorite]
If I'm not traveling for work, I'll be there!
posted by Stewriffic at 7:39 AM on February 16 [+] [!]
I'm traveling for work. :-(
posted by Stewriffic at 8:51 AM on February 26, 2014
*clears throat, adopts boss voice*
Hey, Stewriffic. This is Boss. Um, from Work? I just had a telephone call from... Corporate... and it turns out you don't have to travel on that day you were asking about after all. Your coworker... Joe... Smith? He will take care of it. Also, you probably get a raise or something. Talk to you later!
*whispering*
How was that, guys? I think Stewriffic totally bought it!
posted by Rock Steady at 10:25 AM on February 26, 2014 [5 favorites]
Hey, Stewriffic. This is Boss. Um, from Work? I just had a telephone call from... Corporate... and it turns out you don't have to travel on that day you were asking about after all. Your coworker... Joe... Smith? He will take care of it. Also, you probably get a raise or something. Talk to you later!
*whispering*
How was that, guys? I think Stewriffic totally bought it!
posted by Rock Steady at 10:25 AM on February 26, 2014 [5 favorites]
I plan to be there! Haven't eaten there in a long while. Their duck tongue is not something I would recommend (worth trying only to say you've tried it in my opinion), but everything else I've tried there has been fantastic.
posted by k8lin at 4:30 PM on March 1, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by k8lin at 4:30 PM on March 1, 2014 [1 favorite]
Hey I can possibly make it!
posted by past at 4:58 PM on March 4, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by past at 4:58 PM on March 4, 2014 [1 favorite]
The BF and I are driving down to Pinehurst for a wedding, and may be passing through. If we are in town, we would love to attend. (Confirmation to follow.)
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 7:50 PM on March 15, 2014
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 7:50 PM on March 15, 2014
I called today, and made reservations for this Thursday at 7:30 PM.
posted by oceanjesse at 11:35 AM on March 17, 2014
posted by oceanjesse at 11:35 AM on March 17, 2014
Just realized that my status had still been set on "maybe". Upgraded to "yes". See you all there!
posted by ardgedee at 7:25 PM on March 17, 2014
posted by ardgedee at 7:25 PM on March 17, 2014
OK, I probably can't make this after all, my cousin is coming to town on Thursday! Eat some lotus root for me. :)
posted by leesh at 6:13 AM on March 18, 2014
posted by leesh at 6:13 AM on March 18, 2014
Excited to see good people and eat good food!
posted by mediareport at 6:24 AM on March 18, 2014
posted by mediareport at 6:24 AM on March 18, 2014
Ugh, coming down with a flu so I'm going to have to cancel.
Have fun and hope I can make the next one!
BTW - I recently heard that Gourmet Kingdom allows BYO.
posted by cat_link at 1:02 PM on March 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
Have fun and hope I can make the next one!
BTW - I recently heard that Gourmet Kingdom allows BYO.
posted by cat_link at 1:02 PM on March 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
How was that, guys? I think Stewriffic totally bought it!
HA HA HA!
I put in a consulting proposal recently for a project where I am literally one of the very few people that exists with my set of skills. To a for-profit company. And they basically are willing to pay me 1/9 of what I proposed, at the same rate per hour I was getting by tutoring kids Spanish in 1993.
So I'm not buying any of that.
I am, however, buying that in the future I'm going to be obligated to go to Okracoke on business. Found that out today. Very nice.
Sorry I'll miss you tomorrow. There is a WEE chance I can make it, but don't count on me.
posted by Stewriffic at 1:49 PM on March 19, 2014 [2 favorites]
HA HA HA!
I put in a consulting proposal recently for a project where I am literally one of the very few people that exists with my set of skills. To a for-profit company. And they basically are willing to pay me 1/9 of what I proposed, at the same rate per hour I was getting by tutoring kids Spanish in 1993.
So I'm not buying any of that.
I am, however, buying that in the future I'm going to be obligated to go to Okracoke on business. Found that out today. Very nice.
Sorry I'll miss you tomorrow. There is a WEE chance I can make it, but don't count on me.
posted by Stewriffic at 1:49 PM on March 19, 2014 [2 favorites]
Totally excited for this. Can't wait to see everyone. Bring your cousin, leesh! Bring your flu, cat_link! OK, maybe not that last one. The menu seems a little adventurous for me (I'm not eating any tendons, I know that), but I'll trust y'all to steer me in the right direction.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:45 PM on March 19, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Rock Steady at 5:45 PM on March 19, 2014 [1 favorite]
Aw, I am bummed not to be able to see you guys. I would totally bring my cousin, but her flight gets in on the later side.
posted by leesh at 8:03 PM on March 19, 2014
posted by leesh at 8:03 PM on March 19, 2014
Moving into the maybe column. The life of a freelance translator is unpredictable. "Oh, you need that seven thousand words for TOMORROW morning?"
Attendance is now contingent upon completing at least half of this project before sundown.
posted by msali at 6:18 AM on March 20, 2014
Attendance is now contingent upon completing at least half of this project before sundown.
posted by msali at 6:18 AM on March 20, 2014
We are terrible Triangle residents for scheduling this thing on the opening night of the NCAA basketball tournament, you realize. At least we didn't plan to be somewhere even remotely like a sports bar. Go Pack! Really hope you got enough of that translation done, msali!
posted by Rock Steady at 1:13 PM on March 20, 2014
posted by Rock Steady at 1:13 PM on March 20, 2014
Parking is available right next to a ridiculous ridiculous sports bar. See ya'll in a bit.
posted by oceanjesse at 2:44 PM on March 20, 2014
posted by oceanjesse at 2:44 PM on March 20, 2014
I'll be a little late; don't wait to start ordering, though. I'll be there by 8 for sure, hopefully closer to 7:45.
posted by mediareport at 4:03 PM on March 20, 2014
posted by mediareport at 4:03 PM on March 20, 2014
Oh, and no matter what I always find free on-street parking along West Cameron Avenue between South Merritt Mill and Kenan at night; it's a block east and 2 blocks south of the restaurant. A little bit of a walk, but not much.
posted by mediareport at 4:06 PM on March 20, 2014
posted by mediareport at 4:06 PM on March 20, 2014
OK, I'm here. I said I was with a large group at 7:30 and he put me right in a private little alcove. See the rest of you when you get here!
posted by Rock Steady at 4:20 PM on March 20, 2014
posted by Rock Steady at 4:20 PM on March 20, 2014
Great meetup everyone, and it seems like everyone is interested in exotic Cary highway 55 Indian food in the not-so-distant future. What are the restaurants that we should be fighting over?
Tarheelcoxn, thanks again for taking photographs, and mediareport, thanks for buying my beer.
posted by oceanjesse at 7:47 PM on March 20, 2014 [2 favorites]
Tarheelcoxn, thanks again for taking photographs, and mediareport, thanks for buying my beer.
posted by oceanjesse at 7:47 PM on March 20, 2014 [2 favorites]
Well hell, thanks for organizing, oceanjesse. I always laugh a lot at meetups; it was just what I needed this week. And I love how everyone just kind of moved into sharing everyone's plates on that huge lazy susan without any discussion. MeFites are the best.
Oh, and if we decided to not do the next one in Durham (did we?), the strip of international markets/restaurants between Raleigh and Cary is on East Chatham Street (not 54 like I said) and has a ton of neat spots. The South Indian vegetarian place I mentioned is Udupi Cafe (map). I've been there a couple of times and it's pretty good, but there are other choices along that road, too.
posted by mediareport at 8:51 PM on March 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
Oh, and if we decided to not do the next one in Durham (did we?), the strip of international markets/restaurants between Raleigh and Cary is on East Chatham Street (not 54 like I said) and has a ton of neat spots. The South Indian vegetarian place I mentioned is Udupi Cafe (map). I've been there a couple of times and it's pretty good, but there are other choices along that road, too.
posted by mediareport at 8:51 PM on March 20, 2014 [1 favorite]
I mean, we could do the next one in Durham, but the only restaurant we talked about in Durham was the Jiro Dreams of Sushi strip mall joint. I saw the gleaming eyes when people started talking CaryIndian.
We don't have to do a restaurant meetup for the next meetup either if we want to maintain a fair proper orderly rotation. Perhaps we could have a thirty minute-long MeFi meetup at DefyGravity. Or we could do a full evening of rollerskating!!
posted by oceanjesse at 9:39 PM on March 20, 2014
We don't have to do a restaurant meetup for the next meetup either if we want to maintain a fair proper orderly rotation. Perhaps we could have a thirty minute-long MeFi meetup at DefyGravity. Or we could do a full evening of rollerskating!!
posted by oceanjesse at 9:39 PM on March 20, 2014
oceanjesse: the Jiro Dreams of Sushi strip mall joint
That's all I could think of when ardgedee and research monkey were talking about that place, too.
oceanjesse: Or we could do a full evening of rollerskating!!
I suck at rollerskating, but I will destroy you all in The First Annual MeFiKart Triangle Championships.
I actually think a non-restaurant meet-up is a stellar idea. Once spring finally arrives and it's Oak City's turn again we could do the Raulston Arboretum which is close by Neomonde Cafe and Raleigh Brewing for optional eating/drinking.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:55 AM on March 21, 2014
That's all I could think of when ardgedee and research monkey were talking about that place, too.
oceanjesse: Or we could do a full evening of rollerskating!!
I suck at rollerskating, but I will destroy you all in The First Annual MeFiKart Triangle Championships.
I actually think a non-restaurant meet-up is a stellar idea. Once spring finally arrives and it's Oak City's turn again we could do the Raulston Arboretum which is close by Neomonde Cafe and Raleigh Brewing for optional eating/drinking.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:55 AM on March 21, 2014
mediareport: I always laugh a lot at meetups; it was just what I needed this week. And I love how everyone just kind of moved into sharing everyone's plates on that huge lazy susan without any discussion. MeFites are the best.
And yeah, I really needed that as well. Thanks, y'all.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:57 AM on March 21, 2014
And yeah, I really needed that as well. Thanks, y'all.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:57 AM on March 21, 2014
Y'all are wonderful. The food was wonderful. Photos are coming.... soon.
posted by tarheelcoxn at 8:07 AM on March 21, 2014
posted by tarheelcoxn at 8:07 AM on March 21, 2014
The Peruvian/Indian place I mentioned was Bill-La's/Chefs of India. The Peruvian is great; I haven't tried the Indian menu or buffet yet; still trying to twist my coworkers' arms into trying it for lunch.
I haven't been to Udapi Cafe yet, and I'm all for trying that out.
If this becomes an every-other-month thing, that could be pretty awesome.
There's been previous talk about getting a block of tickets for a meetup at a Durham Bulls game. I'd be willing to research that if there's interest.
posted by ardgedee at 8:08 AM on March 21, 2014 [1 favorite]
I haven't been to Udapi Cafe yet, and I'm all for trying that out.
If this becomes an every-other-month thing, that could be pretty awesome.
There's been previous talk about getting a block of tickets for a meetup at a Durham Bulls game. I'd be willing to research that if there's interest.
posted by ardgedee at 8:08 AM on March 21, 2014 [1 favorite]
Sorry I had to bow out last night but I am all for Udupi Cafe! I've lived here nine years and have been meaning to try it every single one of those years.
posted by something something at 8:24 AM on March 21, 2014
posted by something something at 8:24 AM on March 21, 2014
Got my photos up. Apologies for all the shots where the focus hits a shirt or somesuch instead of a face; I'm out of practice. I think mediareport is the only one who doesn't show up more than once (I was trying to be mindful of the invoice I'd be getting ;-).
posted by tarheelcoxn at 9:07 AM on March 21, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by tarheelcoxn at 9:07 AM on March 21, 2014 [1 favorite]
Love the pictures!
posted by oceanjesse at 9:49 AM on March 21, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by oceanjesse at 9:49 AM on March 21, 2014 [1 favorite]
Durham Bulls game would be fun too, especially since I've never been to a Durham Bulls game.
Weekend home game in May?
posted by oceanjesse at 9:52 AM on March 21, 2014 [2 favorites]
Weekend home game in May?
posted by oceanjesse at 9:52 AM on March 21, 2014 [2 favorites]
Oh, man, can we get them to say "The Durham Bulls welcome MetaFilter" on the JumboTron? That would be awesome!
posted by Rock Steady at 2:07 PM on March 21, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by Rock Steady at 2:07 PM on March 21, 2014 [2 favorites]
If we do a group buy of 20 or more people we can get that message on the jumbotron!
posted by research monkey at 2:10 PM on March 21, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by research monkey at 2:10 PM on March 21, 2014 [4 favorites]
Yes! We must do that!
posted by Rock Steady at 4:02 PM on March 21, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Rock Steady at 4:02 PM on March 21, 2014 [1 favorite]
Oh yes great to meet everybody! My stomach was suffering a lot today though.
posted by zscore at 4:15 PM on March 21, 2014
posted by zscore at 4:15 PM on March 21, 2014
So sorry I missed this, just chiming in to say I'd definitely be in for a Bulls game!
posted by leesh at 7:58 PM on March 21, 2014
posted by leesh at 7:58 PM on March 21, 2014
I told you those pig ears were trouble, zscore.
Also, had a great time tonight with research monkey, ardgedee and oceanjesse at Durham's 3rd Friday gallery hop. We should definitely think about non-restaurant options for future meetups. A Bulls game on a warm evening sounds perfect.
posted by mediareport at 9:31 PM on March 21, 2014
Also, had a great time tonight with research monkey, ardgedee and oceanjesse at Durham's 3rd Friday gallery hop. We should definitely think about non-restaurant options for future meetups. A Bulls game on a warm evening sounds perfect.
posted by mediareport at 9:31 PM on March 21, 2014
Yeah, that was fun, thanks everyone! Great to meet y'all.
posted by aka burlap at 10:30 PM on March 21, 2014
posted by aka burlap at 10:30 PM on March 21, 2014
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by Maecenas at 3:35 PM on February 15, 2014