Kanishka's Neo-Indian Gastropub - Walnut Creek
posted March 10, 2015 11:41 AM   RSS | iCal | +googleCal

Sat April 4 at 6:00 PM, Kanishka's Neo-Indian Gastropub
1518 Bonanza Street, Walnut Creek, CA, USA (Map & Directions)
I must be crazy but I'd like to have another IRL event on the horizon, gives me something to look forward to. My husband and I have been here twice - lunch and dinner service - and it's been incredibly good. If you like beer and Indian food, this is the meetup for you! (They also have wine.)
Here's the website. Food is incredible, you will not want to just order drinks here! Here are the Yelp reviews, and photos of food, etc.

Address is:

1518 Bonanza St
Walnut Creek,CA 94596

Google maps streetview.

It's literally like a five minute walk from BART.

The beer list is very good indeed, and when we were there for dinner the waiter knew his beer stuff and talked us through the various options. I don't know if they have the same knowledgeable staff on at lunchtime.

Pricing: Yelp gives the place $$ dollar signs. It would be a bit pricey if you're a student or otherwise on a budget. Sorry! I can arrange a cheapie event next time.

Their lunch menu is more reasonable. I'm leaning towards a dinner event though - what do you all think?

They serve food on pieces of slate and stuff - weird wild stuff. Here's a beer flight photo.

Note/warning: I would really, really love to take photos of you all, so be forewarned. I will upload them via imgur once the event has taken place, as I usually do. They will be in focus this time!
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome to Meetup (63 comments total)

(Actually, time estimate is more like a 16 minute walk from BART, here is the map.)
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 11:44 AM on March 10, 2015


Fanghorn Dungeon, LLC said "YES" before I finished explaining. So if we're not already scheduled for something, we are interested! And we're not opposed to dinner.

For people who might drive, Yelp sayeth "your quickest bet is to just park in the Locust Parking Garage (North not the South garage. This is located near Lesher Center) which has a free hour (which you will need for this place) and $0.50 per hour after with no limit."
posted by wintersweet at 11:19 AM on March 11, 2015 [1 favorite]


Oh great! Good info on parking I usually forget about that.

I was aiming for a date in 4-6 weeks time...? hope that sounds good. give me some open dates or I'll wing it.
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 3:28 PM on March 11, 2015 [1 favorite]


Let's begin with the proposed weekend of, say, March 4th (a Saturday).
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 6:40 PM on March 11, 2015


Tentatively, that sounds good to me, although I lost a bunch of my calendar data, so WHO KNOWS.

(April 4th, right? Though you might have a TARDIS in your satchel. ;))
posted by wintersweet at 7:26 PM on March 11, 2015 [1 favorite]


April! Yes, April 4th...
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 8:01 PM on March 11, 2015


Not getting feedback about 4th - also I'm thinking that's a bit soon, gotta spread 'em out. How about the following weekend -

April 11 or 12th ? (Sat / Sun)

This meetup will happen even if two people (me, my husband) turn up! We will bring the signage and take photos and everything. :D
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 8:17 AM on March 14, 2015


Hello, is there anyone else out there???

I'd prefer the 4th to the 11th or 12th because I have another thing on the 11th (I guess we could do a noon-ish thing on the 11th and then go to the other event...). But it would be good to hear from other people.
posted by wintersweet at 10:16 AM on March 14, 2015 [1 favorite]


Any day works for me.
posted by bleep at 2:40 PM on March 14, 2015 [1 favorite]


This one might be ... intimate! That's cool.

Okay so let's say 4th. How is 5pm or is that a bit too early? I DON'T KNOW WHAT TIME THE KIDS EAT NOWADAYS.
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 5:25 PM on March 14, 2015


(My dinner clock is a bit skewed as my husband commutes and we therefore eat rather late, between 8 and 9pm, sometimes later. :P )
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 5:26 PM on March 14, 2015


Any time on a Saturday is fine. I eat whenever there's food available, haha. Earlier on schoolnights is better than later.
posted by bleep at 5:38 PM on March 14, 2015 [1 favorite]


Yeah, I like having dinner later too, but if I know a thing is earlier, I just have a light lunch or whatever. 5 PM is fine with me because it'll probably be less crowded, easier to park, etc. :)
posted by wintersweet at 6:57 PM on March 14, 2015


I've never been to that gastropub, and I'd like to try it. I might be able to convince Mr. Psho to come out as well, if it's not too early. But if early is better for people, I'll go alone and Mr. Psho can deal.
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 2:57 PM on March 15, 2015


What time is too early for him?
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 5:15 PM on March 15, 2015


(There's no pressure for him to turn up - I'm just trying to figure out what time I might book.)

Going to let this stand a few days before declaring anything, so more people can discover this event and RSVP...
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 5:16 PM on March 15, 2015


He has an ongoing commitment most Saturdays, so lunch would be difficult for him. But that shouldn't drive the time. Whatever makes sense for most.
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 9:22 AM on March 16, 2015


Okay.

I pulled the trigger, what the hell. I'll change the time if there's a huge problem with it.
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 8:49 PM on March 16, 2015 [1 favorite]


I went ahead and booked a table through Open Table/Yelp for:

Saturday, April 4th @ 6pm

I booked for 10 just in case we get some last-minute 'yeses'. There's one big long table at the restaurant and I'm hoping we get that - otherwise I don't see how it would work, as the rest of the tables are for 2 or 4 people..

Hope to see you all there, this will be fun!
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 9:35 AM on March 20, 2015 [2 favorites]


We will try not to be so sloth-slow in getting there. (Maybe I should lie and tell him it's 45 minutes earlier than it really is?)
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 1:01 PM on March 20, 2015 [1 favorite]


Ha, yeah - that might work.

I shall bring stress man (1) and, if brundlefly attends, the Tesla crayon. If no brundle, I will toss the Tesla crayon into the air and whoever catches it shall be its new owner.(2)

(1) This is NOT 'We had a deal, Kyle'.
(2) I'm joking I hope you know that. Reserved for brundlefly.
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 2:57 PM on March 20, 2015 [1 favorite]


jcifa, how much do you want to return to this restaurant in the future? Because I feel like someone can't just say this and then expect to show up at a meetup a week later without, you know...putting their tongue where their nose is money where their mouth is. :D
posted by wintersweet at 7:36 PM on March 30, 2015


I want to return to this restaurant in future.
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 1:30 PM on March 31, 2015


Darn, I figured as much from the alluring twitter photos. I guess psho is going to get away without a demonstration...THIS TIME.
posted by wintersweet at 5:36 PM on March 31, 2015 [1 favorite]


:D
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 6:20 PM on March 31, 2015


DON'T MAKE ME DO MY LIZARD TONGUE TRICK D-:

(that requires multiple large margaritas)
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 6:26 PM on March 31, 2015 [1 favorite]


Things awesomer than discovering hitherto forgotten currency in ones jeans pocket? Checking IRL "just in case" and finding an awesome meetup right here! Hopefully I'll be able to make it.
posted by susiswimmer at 9:00 AM on April 3, 2015 [3 favorites]


That's great - hope to see you there!
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 8:11 PM on April 3, 2015


Okay, sooooo, maybe you "maybes" can firm up your RSVP's? Today is the day.

It would be nice to know if I've under-booked - I need to try and get more seats set aside if that's the case. Thanks!
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 9:28 AM on April 4, 2015


If you're trying to decide they're on Instagram and this might be useful to you. (I'm not on Instagram so didn't think to link it before.)
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 11:00 AM on April 4, 2015


Errands/outing planned in the area.
Is there space to drop in for dessert/caffeine around 6:30/7?

(SturdiBag stays under table.)
posted by captivepredator at 12:32 PM on April 4, 2015


Sorry, I've been flipping back and forth but I'll be there today if there's still room.
posted by yaymukund at 12:44 PM on April 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


(& am totally excited to check out this place and meet many of you! I've seen a few of ya'll from the 10th anniversary meetup but that was many, many years ago and there were lots of people there, so IDK if we would remember.)
posted by yaymukund at 12:48 PM on April 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


I don't know, let me describe the situation for you:

There is one long table in the middle of the room that larger groups can reserve. I don't recall how many it seats, unfortunately (I was there with my husband and my mind wasn't in "planning for an IRL event" mode at the time).

Then there are tables for two and four people against either wall. So, I guess, if you came in for dessert/coffee (which would be great - it would be nice to met you!), I guess if the long table was full, I could switch to a satellite table and give you a seat at the long, main (reserved) table.

It's no trouble at all and I would have done a lot of socializing by then!

But maybe I'm overthinking a reserved table and things will work out - there is also a small bar area where drinks are prepared and if memory serves you can sit there (or, I would, you could be at the table).

What the heck is a 'SturdiBag'? Does it have a Mefi account? :)
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 12:54 PM on April 4, 2015


(my long comment above was in response to captivepredator)

That's great yaymukund! Thanks for updating your RSVP.
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 12:56 PM on April 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


I am currently obsessed with Michael Kors bags so if anyone has one please bring to event! .👜❤👈
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 12:58 PM on April 4, 2015


[I've made a reservation for a table of 10, just to clarify (please see upthread comment, which I appreciate probably has gotten lost in this thread).]

Also: there will be NO NOSE-TONGUEING. Or tongueing of any other bodily orifice/orifices. This is clean family fun, folks.
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 1:03 PM on April 4, 2015


(Never thought I'd have to say that..)
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 1:23 PM on April 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


‎(ノಥ益ಥ)ノ ┻━┻
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 4:20 PM on April 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


You can go out on the street!
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 5:02 PM on April 4, 2015


AHHHH I GOT DISTRACTED BY LESSON-PLANNING
WE ARE COMING
posted by wintersweet at 5:09 PM on April 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


Just bring the lessons and grade 'em at the table, I'm sure it's the perfect atmosphere. Won't be distracting at all.
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 5:32 PM on April 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


I'm running about 10m late!!
posted by yaymukund at 5:50 PM on April 4, 2015


I'm on my way- I'll be way late, but I really wanted to join, so I'm not going to let that stand in my way!
posted by susiswimmer at 6:13 PM on April 4, 2015


By way late, I mean I'll be there in about 20 minutes.
posted by susiswimmer at 6:14 PM on April 4, 2015


Had to park 8 miles away.not sure where I am. Walking
posted by bleep at 6:53 PM on April 4, 2015 [1 favorite]


(I wish I had had a phone to check for updates - thank you for making it bleep and susiswimmer!)

My satchel strap got dipped in beer.
MY SATCHEL STRAP GOT DIPPED IN BEER.

Thanks for a great turnout. I may leave Stress Man at home in future, I think that joke has run its course.

Thank you for not doing your tongue-nose trick psho, as I think this was a posh place.

Also: thanks for everyone's indulgence in keeping the flowers. WHAT THE HECK PEOPLE THIS IS PART OF THE AMBIANCE AND YOU WANT THEM TO REMOVE THEM??
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 9:59 PM on April 4, 2015 [2 favorites]


Photos uploaded - if anyone doesn't want one up on Flickr, do drop me a line and I'll remove. I finally captured the elusive Stress Man.
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 10:10 PM on April 4, 2015


I AM SORRY I WAS THE FLOWER-REMOVER VOTE!

It was a great meet-up -- thanks to everyone!

I'm sorry that I didn't get a real chance to speak to wintersweet & spouse, yaymukund, Halifix, captivepredator and human, and bleep and susieswimmer. TOO LOUD.

I'm serious about doing a meetup on the beach.

And I'm especially sorry that my husband and I kidnapped WHADK. :( but we had fun! :)
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 11:55 PM on April 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


BRING STRESSMAN ALL THE TIME
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 11:58 PM on April 4, 2015 [3 favorites]


OMG
SPOUSE IS JOINING MEFI
WHAT DO I DO
WHAT DO I DO????
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 12:05 AM on April 5, 2015 [4 favorites]


You obviously need more StressMan.

That was fun. I'm sorry that joseph conrad is fully awesome left a bit early. I'll make no apologies for sending your husband back tight as an owl.
posted by gav at 12:08 AM on April 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


GAV IS A TERRIBLE MAN AND DOESN'T LIKE BIRDS OR CAT ENOUGH
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 12:17 AM on April 5, 2015


Susan and bleep were proper awesome tonight. I don't know the name of the lady with the cat, but that was very cool too.

We should do another one soon.
posted by gav at 12:29 AM on April 5, 2015 [3 favorites]


(he is still terrible in spite of cat praise and can hum the real housewives of Beverly Hills theme song on demand I DARE YOU TO ASK HIM)
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 12:45 AM on April 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


"A bit early..."?!? It was nearing 11pm - way way past my bedtime! (Welcome to mefi.)
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 7:44 AM on April 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


Thanks for organizing, joseph conrad is fully awesome!! It was lovely chatting with everyone ❤❤❤
posted by yaymukund at 11:36 AM on April 5, 2015 [2 favorites]


Welcome to mefi Gav! A big thank you to JCIFA for organizing such a lovely meet up.
posted by susiswimmer at 11:56 AM on April 5, 2015 [3 favorites]


It lasted to 11 pm??? What'd I miss? Did more kitties show up? Was there nose-tongueing?

(Meetup was great, hopefully my swaying when unable to hear well wasn't too distracting)
posted by halifix at 1:47 PM on April 5, 2015 [3 favorites]


It was nice to see/meet/distantly gaze upon everyone! Thank you for organizing, jcifa.

I think I may have talked over susiswimmer a bit (moving? yesterday?!) about games (sorry!!!), but I would love a game-playing meetup sometime. A) Games! B) It might be easier to hear each other and talk to each other. I also have a thought about a Cat Town meetup, but first I need to go there by myself or with a couple other people and see whether it'd work out.
posted by wintersweet at 3:09 PM on April 5, 2015 [4 favorites]


gav is still lounging in bed. lol.

GET UP LAZYBONES
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 4:21 PM on April 5, 2015


Lol. WS, no worries! But I'm definitely going to keep up the grassroots movement for a board game meet up.
posted by susiswimmer at 10:02 PM on April 5, 2015 [1 favorite]


I'm on board in favor. Somebody's house, a coffeehouse that's quiet enough to hear ourselves but noisy enough not to mind, a pizza place's back room, whatever! (Or Games of Berkeley? I don't see how to rent space there on their website, but maybe we could pitch in...)
posted by wintersweet at 10:09 PM on April 5, 2015 [2 favorites]



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