Toronto. Meetup. BEER.

June 12, 2007 4:21 PM

Toronto meetup, anyone?
posted by dirtynumbangelboy to MetaFilter Gatherings at 4:21 PM (72 comments total)

I was thinking June 29th.. or if everyone's heading to cottages for the long weekend (you bastards), how about the weekend after?

I think partly because this guy right here? He deserves a beer or ten.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 4:23 PM on June 12, 2007

Date's no good for me, as I have out of town guests that weekend, but then, neither is the weekend after, so, uh, yeah. Good idea! Bad timing! (At least for me.)
posted by jacquilynne at 5:46 PM on June 12, 2007

June 29 or the next weekend works for me. MeFites, beer, the possibility of accordion music -- it's all good.
posted by maudlin at 5:48 PM on June 12, 2007

June 29th works for me. I don't know about the following weekend.
posted by Felicity Rilke at 6:13 PM on June 12, 2007

Anytime before then? Weekend before maybe? I've been patiently waiting for another TO meetup but my due date is Canada Day so that is cutting it too close for me...
posted by Melinika at 6:56 PM on June 12, 2007

I was thinking of suggesting a MetaFilter Ride for Heart contingent, but I decided against going this year (fun, but ~$35..).

Anybody interested in doing a recreational trail? I love this route, and I could see meeting up with people along the route at various times - leave Bloor/Bathurst at 1:00, leave Eglinton West Station at 2:00 (a pretty long wait), leave Old Mill Station at 3:00 (a shorter wait). That would let people latch on at points that suit their ability/schedule/whatever. We could then go and stink up a pub en mass :)
Obviously other points (or a different route!) could be subbed in. I'm thinking in terms of subway stations because not everyone will want to do a closed circuit.. I'm happy to time the route (any route :P), to nail down a schedule better. And finally, morning or evening can be better for traffic/sun/heat/pollution..
posted by Chuckles at 10:31 PM on June 12, 2007

The Humber trail is gorgeous you know! A doe crossed my path one evening last August :)
posted by Chuckles at 10:34 PM on June 12, 2007

Graaaak, I'm not going to be up there until late July, and now I'll have to wait for god-knows-how-long before another meetup rolls around again. Have you people no compassion? I'm trying to leave Ohio, dammit!
posted by the dief at 5:46 AM on June 13, 2007

I think maybe. I really need to organize my calendar.
posted by GuyZero at 6:58 AM on June 13, 2007

Trails! Yes, please!
posted by smably at 6:59 AM on June 13, 2007

Toronto meetups have been known to happen only a month or two apart, dief. Just call another one when you get here.
posted by jacquilynne at 7:22 AM on June 13, 2007

I'm interested in the trails thing although I'll have to rent a bike since my bike is not in TO. If we do the trails June 29th might not work for most people since it's a Friday. It's OK for me because I'll be on vacation for that week. Trails or no trails, I'm probably good for any day that weekend.
posted by bread-eater at 8:04 AM on June 13, 2007

Hey kids, I'd like to make this my first meetup. The trails idea sounds great, I've only ridden the Don and part of the Humber. Early evening would keep the pub stink down - just as long as folks are comfortable riding back home in the dark.

(oh, and the 'mapmyfitness' engine seems to have died)
posted by anthill at 6:53 PM on June 13, 2007

bread-eater, how tall are you? I have two 21" bikes.
posted by anthill at 6:53 PM on June 13, 2007

I'll meet y'all at the pub... No biking for me :P
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 6:21 AM on June 14, 2007

I will also meet at the pub -- I'm working until 7.
posted by Felicity Rilke at 8:17 AM on June 14, 2007

Thanks a lot for the offer anthill, but I'm super tiny. I can only ride 15" or smaller bikes.
posted by bread-eater at 7:50 PM on June 14, 2007

I'm definitely down for a pint on a patio, if we can agree NOT to have it in the east end this time.
posted by SassHat at 9:45 AM on June 19, 2007

The Capulets-Montagues split that is the DVP rears its ugly head once again. Maybe we can split the difference by electing somewhere along transit or at least near the centre.

The aforementioned bicycle route orbits my house, so that's fine by me, but I am sympathetic to our Danforth and Beach-dwelling compatriots.

Of course, DNAB, AccordiognGuy and I are all eastenders, so this may not wendell.
posted by GuyZero at 10:37 AM on June 19, 2007

I like the idea although I think I am busy that Friday.
posted by philfromhavelock at 3:39 PM on June 19, 2007

I'm in the Junction, but I can go anywhere the subway or streetcars can take me. Some place that smells relatively good, please.

(Hey GuyZero, don't you mean you're all west-enders?)
posted by maudlin at 6:42 PM on June 19, 2007

I won't be doing the bike hike, but will show up for the pub part.

Hello neighbour maudlin, I live in the Junction as well.

I thought DNAB lived in Roncesvalles. Did you move, DNAB?
posted by orange swan at 5:18 AM on June 20, 2007

Oh. Yeah. No one moved, I'm just geographically dyslexic. We're west enders. I get confused by that British soap opera every time I use a cardinal directions and the word "enders".
posted by GuyZero at 7:58 AM on June 20, 2007

Looking at the pre-meetup bike route that Chuckles suggested, on second thought I'm not keen on riding so far on Bathurst & Eglinton during Friday rush hour... even if the Humber is pretty. What about these two options?

Humber + High Park, 15km

or

Don Valley mountain biking, 15km
posted by anthill at 12:20 PM on June 20, 2007

Conveniently, one is near the Junction, the other the Danforth.
posted by anthill at 12:22 PM on June 20, 2007

Oh, okay GuyZero. And here I just changed my latitude and longitude to reflect my new Junction address and thought it must not be working well because it showed you as living so near me!
posted by orange swan at 9:10 PM on June 20, 2007

Hey, since LA is having one at the same time, email one of us a phone number and we'll do an international MeFi shoutout (assuming that you're still going at, what, 11:30-midnightish).
posted by klangklangston at 12:19 PM on June 22, 2007

No, we need someone with a webcam-enabled laptop and a bar that has free wifi or one in the toronto hydro free wifi zone... hey accordion guy, does that ferrari you got come with a webcam? THAT would be a trans-continental MeFi nerd-out.

But can we start by chosing a bar?
posted by GuyZero at 12:43 PM on June 22, 2007

When I made the riding suggestion, I didn't really realise I was horning in on an event that already had a theme (it was completely obvious though, to anyone paying attention, I'm just an idiot). So, I think we should think of the riding thing as a trial run, or something. If it works at all, we can have a meetup designed around it some other time.

Conveniently, one is near the Junction, the other the Danforth.

Only convenient if somebody out there can make a decision :)

I'm not keen on riding so far on Bathurst & Eglinton during Friday rush hour...

I can't blame you..

I'm up for any route, but I kind of embedded some general ideas about how to make an inclusive outing in the plan I outlined..

Everyone has a different level of fitness and/or skill, and it would be nice to include as many as possible. By adding people at points along the route, and keeping the hard going early, dropping stragglers shouldn't be too much of an issue. If the route passes a couple of subway stations, people can join up and get home easily. No need for riders to complete a closed route to get back to cars, and no need to ride long distances to and from the route.

In theory, this would maximize the number of people able to participate at all, and allow individuals to maximize group riding distance based on their ability and interest. I don't really know if it is a particularly good idea.. For example, it would mean lots of stops for people doing the whole distance, but I was thinking that hanging out is kind of the point of a meetup anyway. Just have to try a couple of times to see, I guess.

Breathless and sweaty should be a great way to meet people!
posted by Chuckles at 8:46 PM on June 22, 2007

If Danforth, I suggest either Allen's or the Willow.

If Juntionish-type-area... what about The Local, at Roncesvalles & Howard Park? (Yes, I know I'm stretching the definition a bit).

Or a bit further south.. Freshwood Grill? Amazing (cheap!) food, decent beer on tap, amazing back patio..
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 12:53 PM on June 23, 2007

Ooh, this may be my first meetup as well! I won't know for sure if I can make it for the drinks-portion of the evening until the day of since it all hinges on my sister's schedule, but I will be keeping my eye on this thread. :)
posted by phoenixc at 5:32 PM on June 23, 2007

Mmmm, I would love to come but since I am supposed to drive up to Manitoulin the very next morning I'm thinking I'll be missing it. Damn, well, I'll keep an eye on this thread and see how energetic I feel on Friday (unless it's East, then the extra travel time home tips me to a definate no).
posted by saucysault at 6:44 PM on June 23, 2007

Well no one seems to be chiming in, so I may second the Local. Butif someone wants it somewhere else, speak up!
posted by GuyZero at 11:17 AM on June 25, 2007

I'd really prefer Freshwood (much better food and PATIO OMG), but I could do The Local.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 11:28 AM on June 25, 2007

Heh. Let me mess things up and vote for the mouthwatering Freshwood (if we could get a large party in there on a Friday), but I can live with The Local, too.
posted by maudlin at 3:21 PM on June 25, 2007

(cheap!)

That's all I need to hear :)   Not a particularly useful link there though.. Is this the place: Freshwood Grill?

Riding is the only possible way I can make it, but people will have to speak up (with where you are coming from, what other modes of transport will need to be considered, if any, and how hard you want to exercise on the day). With that information, a destination and a time, the other details can be ironed out easily enough..


Some place that smells relatively good, please.

That sounds like a dig.. Don't be so maudlin :P
posted by Chuckles at 4:07 PM on June 25, 2007

This appears to be their actual website, and I wouldn't call that cheap, just sort of average.
posted by Chuckles at 4:18 PM on June 25, 2007

Chuckles, have you been to the Junction lately? Train tracks, vegetable oil processing plants, various other industrial outlets, and myriad slaughterhouses: yes, even Lake Scugog starts looking pretty tempting. :>
posted by maudlin at 5:28 PM on June 25, 2007

I'll try to come, since people are actually drinking this time. The Local would be cheaper, but a patio would be nice too. I won't, however, ever eat Freshwood food again. A whole long table of us had bad, bad feelings after eating there once.
Mitzi's Sister, just a bit south on Queen a bit east of Roncy may be an option also. (Beer, patio, food, probably live music on a friday also.)
posted by chococat at 6:36 PM on June 25, 2007

Yeah, that hot, hot kitchen at Freshwood must take the "fresh" out of some of the ingredients. I like it well enough, but I don't love it.

I'm just there for drinks, so the Local works for me, but as the one who started the thread I'm going to call on DNAB to make the official call.

the pressure is way to much for me to handle
posted by GuyZero at 6:55 AM on June 26, 2007

I vote for the Local too. And if DNAB doesn't call it soon I will. I am accustomed to being unpopular;-)
posted by orange swan at 10:04 AM on June 26, 2007

The Local looks good and is just a hop by transit for me. It's apparently cash only, though, albeit with an ATM on site. I pay cash for just about everything these days, so that's fine, but YMMV.
posted by maudlin at 1:04 PM on June 26, 2007

Whoops -- Local link.
posted by maudlin at 1:05 PM on June 26, 2007

If cash money is an issue, there's a TD about half a block south. The only bank not on Roncesvalles is, OF COURSE, my bank. BMO vacated a very nice building to make way for a Starbucks. Fricking BMO.
posted by GuyZero at 1:20 PM on June 26, 2007

The Local takes both Interac and various credit cards.

I'll give 'em a call tomorrow.. I really would prefer Freshie (okay, so I'm addicted to the BBQ pulled pork sandwich), and they are rather larger.. and they have a patio, which The Local does not... but the masses, they have spoken!
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 7:10 PM on June 26, 2007

I will try to be there, so please count me in if you are counting. How shall this newbie stranger recognize you people? Do you usually make a little sign or something?
posted by bread-eater at 9:12 PM on June 26, 2007

We'll be the ones who are drunk by 6:00PM shouting obscenities and making vague threats against the UN.

Well, I will, anyway.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 10:46 PM on June 26, 2007

I, too, should be there. A quelle heure rencontrons-nous?
posted by Felicity Rilke at 12:40 PM on June 27, 2007

First come, first served I assume. Realistically, probably 6 or 7 I would guess. That's about when I'll arrive. Unless people really want to do it late, like 8 or 9. But I have to go before too late, visitors soming in to town, etc.

Also, the Local has some super-exclusive German wheat beer, which will be just about perfect if this damn heat keeps up.
posted by GuyZero at 1:22 PM on June 27, 2007

I can't be there until about 7, depending on whether I skive off early from work.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 5:50 PM on June 27, 2007

How shall this newbie stranger recognize you people? Do you usually make a little sign or something?

Just wander around until you overhear someone saying "Mathowie" or "chicken fucking."

Can anyone tell me the best way to get there on ttc, though? I have never been to this Roncesvalles...say I'm coming from midtown.
posted by SassHat at 10:45 PM on June 27, 2007

SassBabe, take the subway west to Dundas West. Get on the 504 King car, get off at Howard Park, and walk south briefly.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 4:39 AM on June 28, 2007

I've been trying to call The Local, haven't yet gotten through. Will drop in this evening on my way home.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 12:26 PM on June 28, 2007

I'm still riding.. Given the destination, if anyone wants to meet at Old Mill Subway Station, at about 6:30, let me know (30-45 minutes to get to the lakeshore and back up Roncesvalles, I think). Or tell me where to meet you!?!? Should we be posting an update thread, or is it too late to bother?
posted by Chuckles at 9:58 PM on June 28, 2007

I'll be riding, but it will be from the Queen and Strachan area at about 6:30. As in, when I get off work. So I doubt me and my old bike will be meeting you at Old Mill.
posted by Felicity Rilke at 12:49 AM on June 29, 2007

I sprained my wrist yesterday, so I'm out of the biking plan, Chuckles. Next time. :(
posted by anthill at 9:41 AM on June 29, 2007

Your other wrist still works for hoisting beer!
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 11:11 AM on June 29, 2007

Will anyone still be there around 9-ish? I've got to attend my mom's birthday party first.
posted by AccordionGuy at 12:07 PM on June 29, 2007

Looks like most of us are arriving around 7, so I think there should still be a critical mass there for 9-ish.
posted by maudlin at 12:37 PM on June 29, 2007

Now I'm thinking I'll be later rather than early. I dunno. Luckily it's close regardless.
posted by GuyZero at 2:06 PM on June 29, 2007

I'll probably get lost and not end up out that ways until maybe 8?
posted by SassHat at 2:22 PM on June 29, 2007

Well.. Looks like I won't be there until 8 either.
The way things fill time, when you don't have a deadline.. ARGH!
posted by Chuckles at 3:51 PM on June 29, 2007

We're here, we'redrinking fabulous beer, get used to it. I just flashed everyone and they oohed and aahed.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 5:53 PM on June 29, 2007

It was fabulous.

Pictures when I sober up.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 11:01 PM on June 29, 2007

DNAB, you bitch. You got home an HOUR after me and you went to an extra bar on top of it all...boo to Roncesvalles. Too far!
posted by SassHat at 12:02 AM on June 30, 2007

Good times, nice meeting y'all.
posted by anthill at 9:42 AM on June 30, 2007

A+++++++++++ meetup! Would go again!

Sadly, most of my pictures are lousy and some, like the obscured face-shot of smably and his awesome corona of hair, didn't show up at all. I'll post the half-decent ones when I get a chance. Those of you who want copies of any snaps I have of you, or who don't want to have your likeness posted, drop me a line. My email address is in my profile.
posted by maudlin at 10:04 AM on June 30, 2007

smably and his awesome corona of hair, didn't show up at all.

Tragic!

Train tracks, vegetable oil processing plants, various other industrial outlets, and myriad slaughterhouses

It just seemed like a lot of pubs (and drunken MeFites), to me. :)
posted by Chuckles at 10:14 AM on June 30, 2007

Glad this happened while I'm in town. Very cool to meet fellow mefites. DNAB, will you post your cellphone pics?
posted by bread-eater at 10:25 AM on June 30, 2007

Sorry, totally missed your comment above about pics. Thanks.
posted by bread-eater at 10:58 AM on June 30, 2007

OK, we have (some) pictures
posted by maudlin at 4:21 PM on July 1, 2007

Thanks maudlin!

So, two other recent meetups had entire photo threads.. I'm thinking that tucking the pictures away down here is a good thing, but either way, it is typical :P
posted by Chuckles at 11:30 AM on July 3, 2007