Meetup In Toronto, Fri 13th

November 4, 2009 7:28 AM

Friday the 13th Meetup in Toronto! Got the guts?

I would like to have a meetup in Toronto this coming Friday the 13th. As it's absolutely my first time to the city, I am open to suggestions about venue. I really hope to meet some Mefites, as I'm flying in all the way from Singapore (via London and Dublin), and honestly this might be my last long distance journey for a while to come.

Anyone have any preferred drinking hole or restaurant in mind?

posted by Alnedra to MetaFilter gatherings at 7:28 AM (73 comments total)

Damn it. I already have plans. Toronto is awesome, by the way.
posted by chunking express at 8:09 AM on November 4

Depending on venue and time, potentially. Perhaps something downtown--maybe the Green Room? Then we (well, me) could revisit our misspent youth.
posted by Go Banana at 8:09 AM on November 4

I'm free. Alnedra - what do you want to see in Toronto? Would you want to try a restaurant in one of our lovely ethnic-specific-but-not-exclusive neighbourhoods? That would be my suggestion as something very 'Toronto'.
posted by typewriter at 8:20 AM on November 4

I have no preferences (or indeed, any idea) about what I want to see in Toronto, as I'm primarily here to meet friends for a few days. But a ethnic-specific-but-not-exclusive restaurant sounds really great! I would love to see how Indian/Italian/Chinese/whatever cuisine tastes like in Toronto.

Go Banana -- the Green Room sounds really intriguing, but does it have decent food? I get pretty bad gastric when drinking, and need food to go with my alcohol intake.
posted by Alnedra at 8:33 AM on November 4

The Green Room has really shitty food, but it's cheap as fuck. I think there are better places to go eat and drink.
posted by chunking express at 8:37 AM on November 4

Nirvana at college and bathurst is run by the same people as the Green Room with the same menu, but the food is quite a bit better.

Also, I have to plug this whenever people visit Toronto. Go to the Island at night with a few bottles of wine. There's a pier on the far side with a lovely view. Go look at it. Then come back and take in a breathtaking view of Toronto at night. It's one of the few ways to get the impression of Toronto as a beautiful city.
posted by Alex404 at 9:15 AM on November 4 [1 favorite]

I wasn't suggesting Green Room for food--perish forbid!! I thought this was just a drinks thing.

Did you have any specific ethnic preference for food, Alnedra?
posted by Go Banana at 9:26 AM on November 4

Dreadnought and I will so be there.

As for good places to visit -- you want somewhere that can handle a big group, and is relatively quiet. Somewhere with round tables or the ability to move around some would also be good. We had a good meetup a while ago, but the table was long and thin and so you really could only talk to the people on either side or across from you. Also, it was a bit loud.

Problem is that I have no idea where -- the Chinese place I thought of is empty on a Tuesday, but packed on a Friday; same would go for the tasty Korean place I know nearby. Of course, you probably get good East Asian food all the time; while in Toronto you should try some of the stuff you might be less likely to get in Singapore, like our Carribean food -- I love roti, but jerk chicken (from Jamaica) is even more famous.
posted by jb at 10:05 AM on November 4

Speaking of jerk chicken / Carribean food, is there any good place in downtown Toronto for that? I only know Ackee tree on Spadina and the roti place near Honest Ed's.
posted by pravit at 10:09 AM on November 4

...and the Saint Cinnamon in the PATH around 145 King W, which inexplicably serves Jamaican food at lunch.
posted by pravit at 10:11 AM on November 4

Oh, Caribbean food sounds wonderful! I've had many varieties of cuisine before, but not Caribbean. Any recommendations?
posted by Alnedra at 10:12 AM on November 4

Ah crap. As is tradition, I'm working that night, but I'll keep an eye on this thread and see if I can swing by late.
posted by Schlimmbesserung at 10:26 AM on November 4

Real Jerk at Queen and Broadview? Lots of good (small) bars near there too.
posted by Go Banana at 10:31 AM on November 4

If it's somewhere that's either walking distance¹ from the subway, or in the east end, then I'm in.

1 - "walking distance" for me is about 2 miles, though.
posted by FishBike at 10:33 AM on November 4

There are a few good Caribbean places by me too, at Bloor and Lansdowne/Dufferin.
posted by chunking express at 10:45 AM on November 4

I'm having a party, but I think I can definitely make it before if it's earlier in the evening.

I like this Caribbean thing going, but I'm definitely into Nirvana, too, there's lots of big tables and the food is surprisingly decent and some good drink specials as well...
posted by setanor at 11:04 AM on November 4

I just moved back to Toronto... so count me in!
posted by generichuman at 12:19 PM on November 4

i do not have the guts, and will therefore stay home out of fear.
posted by the aloha at 2:17 PM on November 4 [1 favorite]

I'll also be travelling to Toronto; count me in.
posted by Monday, stony Monday at 2:47 PM on November 4

i do not have the guts, and will therefore stay home out of fear.

the aloha, I have stayed home in fear many times in the past, including bailing on a meetup I suggested! Then I got up the courage to go to the 10th anniversary meetup, and I am so glad that I did. Everyone was super nice and totally accepting of the fact that, hey, weird, we're meeting because of the internet! Oh well, who cares, let's talk in person instead through pixels! Yay! I totally intend to go to any meetups that I am free for!

I assure you, I am super-shy around new people, and I was fine. (You might not believe me if you look in my profile and figure out my job etc. But in fact, I am an introvert trapped in an extrovert's career.)
posted by typewriter at 3:35 PM on November 4

I seem to recall meeting typewriter--not sure, the night got a bit fuzzy (much love, gman!)--but I think I remember a neat person.

Would love to come to this, but we already have a lot of reservations, and Fridays are very busy at the restaurant, followed by early Saturday. Alas.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 4:01 PM on November 4

I'm in. I vote for Chinese over Caribean and actually wonder if China Pearl might be a good option. They tend to be too busy (practically empty) on weeknights and I could probably score us a 1/2 off coupon.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 4:27 PM on November 4

But Alnedra is from Singapore, so probably gets enough Chinese food over there...
posted by typewriter at 4:45 PM on November 4

Ah, I had missed that. Ok. No chinese, then.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 4:57 PM on November 4

And if you're doing Chinese, your best bet is to go to Rol San and have the shrimp pancake and the crispy ginger beef, or Lai Wah Heen and have the tasting menu.

If you're feeling spendier, I might be able to get a special price for a three course tasting or something at the restaurant I work at. I believe the normal price is $90/5 courses. Insane, insane food... foie gras studded pork foot, or terrine of wild Scottish pheasant and venison, or white truffle risotto...
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 5:13 PM on November 4

Do you really want Indian? We can get the back half of Udupi Palace if we want.
posted by joeclark at 5:38 PM on November 4

Udupi Palace sounds good food-wise - it has good reviews. But what would it be like for hanging out for a while, and those who don't feel like or can't afford eating?
posted by jb at 6:50 PM on November 4

I could do this. I was all worried that it would clash with the awesomeness that is Athens lo-fi'ers Nana Grizol, but they changed to the 12th.
posted by scruss at 6:57 PM on November 4

Indian - Udupi Palace is pretty yummy and not expensive. Vegetarian. The staff are chill, they wouldn't care if people wanted to hang out. Is it licensed? East End, but on a streetcar line.

Caribbean - Real Jerk - Meaty. Across the street from some nice chill bars. East End, but more central. Also on two streetcar lines.

How about Greek? We could go to the Danforth. Lots of options and nice bars for after if the group is so inclined. East End, but on the subway line.
posted by typewriter at 7:20 PM on November 4

Yay, meetup! Wherever it is, room to move and a conversation-friendly ambient sound level are pretty high priorities, I think. Nirvana was great for these reasons a couple of years ago, even though we were at one large table, because there was still enough room to move around. Of course, that was a very cold night right before a big blizzard ...
posted by maudlin at 7:21 PM on November 4

Udupi Palace is dee-lish, but not so filled with ambiance, and also not licensed (as I recall). Where do you work, dirtynumbangelboy?? I'm intrigued!
posted by Go Banana at 8:01 PM on November 4

I'll do my bestest. But you must all wave furiously at everyone who walks in the door so that I'm not wandering around looking like a sad, wet puppy that has lost its mama. And once I'm seated and have pounded back a drink, I will continue to furiously wave at every random person who walks in the place.
posted by meerkatty at 8:10 PM on November 4

Depending on venue and time, potentially. Perhaps something downtown--maybe the Green Room? Then we (well, me) could revisit our misspent youth.

I ate their during my own misspent youth. In fact, I'm still there, waiting for them to bring my bill.
posted by You Should See the Other Guy at 8:14 PM on November 4 [1 favorite]

I honestly would not mind Chinese or Indian food, as I've found out that they taste really very different from what I'm used to in Singapore. On the other hand, there's such a variety of cuisines in Toronto that would not be easy to find back home...decisions, decisions....

May I sweeten the pot a bit by offering little gifts for people who come? I may not have enough to go around if more than, say, ten people show up, but I will definitely have some presents from both Singapore and UK to offer (^_^).

The very first Metafilter meetup I had in Singapore (just recently for the 10th), I put up my netbook on the counter and had a scrolling marquee going "Metafilter Meetup". Not that it did any good, but we could try that.
posted by Alnedra at 11:44 PM on November 4

I might be able to make this. It would be my first meetup! What time do these things usually start?
posted by yawper at 7:01 AM on November 5

Alnedra, to simplify this you should make the call on type of food or area of Toronto you'd like to see. I'm sure we all want to make your time in Toronto optimal :) I'd probably only come after 9 pm anyways (after Go Banana Jr. is safely tucked into bed) so I don't want to make a restaurant call. Would love to meet all you guys (again)!
posted by Go Banana at 9:08 AM on November 5

The schoolyard must be a very unwelcoming place for Go Banana Jr.
posted by gman at 9:17 AM on November 5

Ok, I vote for Caribbean food, or something that is very Canadian (French food?). If possible, we can adjourn to a nearby pub or bar? I suppose we can make reservations so that there will be space for us even if the place is terribly crowded?
posted by Alnedra at 10:26 AM on November 5

Is there anywhere like Nirvana, where we can have both food, drink, and space to sit around and yak to our hearts' content? If there aren't any suggestions, perhaps we can go for Nirvana. I suppose we could try to make reservations?
posted by Alnedra at 10:56 AM on November 5

To me, there really isn't such a thing as "Canadian food", if you except poutine and shepherd's pie. A restaurant described as "eclectic" is confusing, which is a perfectly Canadian sentiment.
posted by Monday, stony Monday at 11:17 PM on November 5 [1 favorite]

Right then, shall we settle on Nirvana, say around 7.30pm? Food first, and drinks later for the ones who arrive after mealtime (^_^)
posted by Alnedra at 12:32 AM on November 6

Sounds good. Here's a map--hope to make it out for this.
posted by Go Banana at 4:49 AM on November 6

Who's making the reservation?
posted by Sys Rq at 12:51 PM on November 6

(Oh, wait: Takes Reservations: No)
posted by Sys Rq at 12:53 PM on November 6

Well, whatever. Sounds good!
posted by Sys Rq at 12:55 PM on November 6

I heard Nirvana could be loud -- and is it safe to go without reservations? Will there be room? Sorry to be a worrier, esp as I am a hermit and have no other suggestions, because I never leave my house.
posted by jb at 1:59 PM on November 6

Nirvana is pretty large, it's likely we can snag some pretty large table sections, especially around that time of evening (it usually gets busier on weekend nights much later)
posted by setanor at 11:20 PM on November 6

I suppose if I try to arrive early and claim some prime territory (and probably keep the proprietor happy by ordering lots of drinks in the meantime) we should be safe.

Going to sidebar this now.
posted by Alnedra at 8:52 AM on November 7

How was the meetup?
posted by chunking express at 8:54 AM on November 7

chunking express, are you from the future?

*looks for TARDIS*
posted by Alnedra at 8:57 AM on November 7

Why did I think this was last night? Well, remember my question and then you can answer it in a week.
posted by chunking express at 11:18 AM on November 7

Aye aye sir!
posted by Alnedra at 12:09 PM on November 7

I'll be walking to the venue after work, so if a few folks are planning to be there early, I'll also show up early.

(Although not 1 week early, like Mr. Express. Maybe about 7:00? Anything after 5:00 is possible for me.)
posted by FishBike at 1:05 PM on November 7

ooh, i wish i could be there. i like Nirvana, and i like all of you!

i'm working too late on Friday and too early on Saturday, though.

have fun!
posted by gursky at 7:41 PM on November 7

I'll be walking to the venue after work

After failing to cycle to Hamilton last time around, I feel obligated. I sure hope the weather is nice though :)
posted by Chuckles at 9:42 PM on November 8

Will do my best to come to this!
posted by randomination at 7:01 AM on November 9

I should be able to come to this provided I can finish a hellish term paper in time.

Also seconding the furious waving.
posted by betafilter at 6:29 PM on November 9

Yeah, I can make this after work after all. See you then, then.
posted by scruss at 5:23 PM on November 11

I'll be there.
posted by voronoi at 12:20 PM on November 12

I may show up too.
posted by Hildegarde at 7:13 PM on November 12

Folks, given the troubles Matt is having maybe one topic on the agenda can be figuring out something nice and supportive we can do to show him how much Toronto loves metafilter)
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:20 PM on November 12

Yeah, agreed. We could get a really big card and all sign it. Kinda lame, but it's something.
posted by Hildegarde at 7:39 PM on November 12

joeclark's posted a new summary thread here.
posted by maudlin at 4:08 AM on November 13

I don't post that often, but I am intrigued. May I attend?
posted by tantrumthecat at 1:05 PM on November 13

I don't post that often, but I am intrigued. May I attend?

I'm pretty sure mostly-lurkers are still welcome, yeah.
posted by FishBike at 1:31 PM on November 13

We are currently at the meetup in Nirvana. Free wifi, yay! Unfortunately as I met up with some old friends (jb and her hubby), I have been neglecting most of the other Mefites. My apologies to all present.

Lighting here is too low for decent shots with my camera, although Richer managed to get some good photos after some trial and error. The food here is pretty good, the ambience is nice. The only complaint I have is that the music is much much much too loud. I think I will probably not have a voice by tomorrow.
posted by Alnedra at 9:04 PM on November 13

Yesterday, I was conviced to go up the CN tower; I report: it is high. I took photos, but my card isn't with me right now.
posted by Monday, stony Monday at 4:21 PM on November 14

Stuck at work until 9 pm last night, at which I point I realized I was too tired to do anything other than go home and sleep. Sorry!

Would like to attend the next one, whenever it is. There's a Toronto contingent on another message board that I'm part of, and I've become good friends with most of them through this kind of meetup.

Hope everyone who attended had fun!
posted by tantrumthecat at 5:47 PM on November 14

It was definitely fun, and it would be great to make some new friends through these meetups. We do need to find somewhere quieter for the next one, though.
posted by FishBike at 6:43 PM on November 14

Apparently I missed a cute boy. This is another reason to wreak vengeance upon the goddamn pigs and their goddamn viruses.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 7:38 PM on November 14

I uploaded some photos of the event.
posted by Monday, stony Monday at 5:14 PM on November 21

Yay, pictures!
posted by FishBike at 6:28 PM on November 23

Oh, everything and everyone is all goldy, even the candy. Nice!

Nirvana was spacious and the service was great, but boy, was it noisier than the 2007 meetup If we are going to Yonge and Eglinton next time, hopefully those places will also be quieter.
posted by maudlin at 7:47 PM on November 23