You didn't really want to eat a home cooked meal, did you? April 30, 2010 9:23 PM   Subscribe

Won't someone think of the people of San Francisco who have endured two long weeks without some Mefite from out of town requesting a meetup!

So, on the 12th-14th I'm going to be at the Fisherman's Wharf Sheraton giving a presentation on my little thing. But after that the spouse (no, not that one) and I are loose on the town. I would like to meet you all, see amazing cool things and go to wherever one can get the best Mission Burrito in town.
posted by Kid Charlemagne to MetaFilter Gatherings at 9:23 PM (78 comments total) 3 users marked this as a favorite

Oh thank God. The shakes were setting in.
posted by mostlymartha at 9:51 PM on April 30, 2010


Yes please. I hope I'm not in tech.
posted by mollymayhem at 11:10 PM on April 30, 2010


We'll be back from England, so we're probably in!
posted by rtha at 11:12 PM on April 30, 2010


Jeliz.
posted by greekphilosophy at 11:50 PM on April 30, 2010


yay!
posted by special-k at 12:10 AM on May 1, 2010


Let's meet down in Santa Cruz! Yeah!

Yeah?

anyone?
posted by sambosambo at 12:40 AM on May 1, 2010


Yay! Any date but the 14th works for me.
posted by gingerbeer at 11:16 AM on May 1, 2010


And the 14th is the only day that works for me. Well, damn.
posted by bakerina at 3:53 PM on May 1, 2010


Some possibility I'll still be in SF 12-14. If so, see you where ever. Kid Charlemagne, do we get on the list for "your little thing?"
posted by StickyCarpet at 11:08 PM on May 1, 2010


Sure! sambosambo's going to come up to the Bay Area and pick us all up! Yaaaay!

I could probably lift up gingerbeer, ooga_booga or special-k. I don't know if I could hoist iamabot or potch.
posted by sambosambo at 1:35 AM on May 2, 2010


Oh good. I missed the last one because awesome robot combat got in the way.
posted by Pronoiac at 9:57 AM on May 2, 2010


Well, here's the web page for it. I'm sure there's a ludicrous cover charge that everyone get's their corporate masters to pay, but I'm up for an encore presentation if you're all really into obscure bits of analytical biochemistry. If you just can't wait maybe you should get outside more here's an article that will give you an idea of what it is I do all day. I will at least bring a copy of the slide where I wanted to label the axes "Good - Evil" and "Law - Chaos".

As for where and when - they are done with me Friday a little after five, and we're staying and doing atypical touristy things Saturday (as opposed to at home where we do atypical local things) so I'm entirely flexible on the when and where part. I'll want dinner on Friday and Saturday so this doesn't have to devolve into some kind of Gingerbeer / Bakerina cage match. Hell, if you want to divide up into teams of handlers and pass us off to one another I'm cool with that.

My kind of Geekery - the SF version:
The Long Now Foundation
The Wave Organ
The Computer History Museum (which is a ways out I understand)
Emperor Norton's Grave (which is also a ways out)
Make Faire (but I just don't have the vacation time to stay another week)

We're not renting a car and I'm probably to big for Sambosambo to carry far so keep that in mind when discussing venues.
posted by Kid Charlemagne at 2:09 PM on May 2, 2010 [1 favorite]


It looks like I'm available. If you're staying at the Wharf, maybe we could shoot for some place in North Beach?
posted by jasper411 at 10:21 AM on May 3, 2010


I think I'm available and I call dibs on the chair next to Kid Charlemagne because I want to hear about his assay. Really - I'm an introverted dorky biochemist and shop talk is more fun for me than normal social chitchat.

Venues that are BART- or Muni-friendly are preferred, as always.
posted by Quietgal at 5:34 PM on May 3, 2010


I'm in! Another vote for someplace BART-able, plz.
posted by sarahnade at 10:20 AM on May 5, 2010


This is relevant to my interests. Anyone want to hammer out the specifics? I'm flexible and as such have little preference.
posted by baserunner73 at 12:29 PM on May 5, 2010


If Kid C and/or miss patrish want a local tour guide, I would be happy to show you some geeky fun stuff in SF. I am, alas, an unemployed biochemist so I have time to take people around the city. If others are interested we could make it a mini-meetup.
posted by Quietgal at 1:20 PM on May 5, 2010


For the main meetup venue, how about something at the Ferry Building? Right near the Embarcadero BART station, easily accessible to Fisherman's Wharf on the F Market streetcar line, and gorgeous views of the bay. I'm not too familiar with the eateries there, but there's a whole bunch of them to choose from. Here's a couple of places that seem good for large groups:

Marketbar looks good, if a bit posh.

Gott's Roadside Tray Gourmet is a burger joint in roughly the same price range, but maybe more of the atmosphere most MeFites expect at a meetup.

Any thoughts? Worse comes to worst, we could accumulate at the Ferry Plaza, then decide where to go on the fly.
posted by Quietgal at 1:40 PM on May 5, 2010


I'd also love to join you all, and stare into space while people discuss biochemistry. I would also be happy to drive (up to two) people around a little, to make public transit a little less of a necessity.
posted by wzcx at 2:15 PM on May 5, 2010 [1 favorite]


I'm newish to MeFi and I'd love to meet everyone! I'm echoing the many calls for public-transport accessible venues!
posted by chatongriffes at 2:46 PM on May 5, 2010


I may be able to make it to this meetup! The 12th-14th works for me and it's my last weekend in the bay area.
posted by iamkimiam at 5:15 PM on May 5, 2010


Ok, if somebody doesn't come up with a date, time, and place soon, then I'm going to say Frjtz on the 13th at 7:00pm...and even *I* am sick of the place now.
posted by iamkimiam at 10:55 AM on May 9, 2010


We (mefightclub meetup) had a great time at Patxi's (with stops at Smuggler's Cove and Frjtz), all just down the block. Patxi's can seat a bunch of us, and it may not be as loud as Frjtz once there's a crowd.
posted by wzcx at 11:41 AM on May 10, 2010


So for the more Google-challenged among us... is that Paxti's on Hayes, not Fillmore?
posted by tantivy at 4:13 PM on May 10, 2010


Yes, sorry. I would have specified had I known there was more than one! It's on the same block as Frjtz. There's no shortage of beer, booze, coffee, and food in Hayes Valley!
posted by wzcx at 5:27 PM on May 10, 2010


Isn't the Frjtz we go to on Valencia, not Hayes? Oh man I am so lost and confused, please help me stop feeling like a tourist in my own town? @_@
posted by tantivy at 12:26 AM on May 11, 2010


My ride to the airport is here, but I'll be really stunned if I'm unable to get back on MeFi when I'm on the ground. If you don't see another comment from me between now and Friday you'll know I've been stunned, so someone call and clue me in. I'll be at the Fisherman's Wharf Sheraton and my name is in my profile. Look for the conservative looking midwestern guy 6'4" ogre with a foot long ponytail and goatee wearing an XKCD t-shirt.
posted by Kid Charlemagne at 3:29 AM on May 11, 2010


Isn't the Frjtz we go to on Valencia, not Hayes?

Yes, OUR Frjtz is the Mission one. But if we're talking about the Paxti's in Hayes valley, then I guess we could conceivably visit the OTHER Frjtz. They have a garden, if I'm remembering right.

I'll show up whenever/wherever I'm supposed to.
posted by rtha at 5:49 AM on May 11, 2010


Oh my, you people are hilarious. Can we get this thing sidebarred already? Paxti's it is. Now, date, time, go!
posted by iamkimiam at 7:58 AM on May 11, 2010


I'd still vote for the Ferry Building area because Hayes Valley isn't as easily accessible to Fisherman's Wharf by Muni, and it's not terribly accessible to BART either, but maybe someone could offer Kid C and miss patrish a lift from their hotel?

Our guests can use this handy transit trip planner if they want to take the bus. It works pretty well, and when you pay a cash fare on Muni you'll get a transfer which is good for unlimited rides in any direction for 1.5 hours, so save your transfer. A single fare is $2, so multiple rides can add up!
posted by Quietgal at 9:48 AM on May 11, 2010


I'm in! Just dropping a comment here so I can find the finalized details later.
posted by potch at 11:22 AM on May 11, 2010


Sorry, I managed to completely forget that you'd suggested the Ferry Building, quietgal. Honestly, I'd far rather go there than the Mission... Is that ok? 7pm Thursday?
posted by wzcx at 4:21 PM on May 11, 2010


7 pm Thursday at the Ferry Building works for me. Say we meet up at the plaza in front of the clock tower/main entrance and decide where to head for beer and other sustenance after we get a quorum?

For our guests: to get from the Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf to the Ferry Building by historic streetcar (bonus transit fun, plus the fastest way to get there), walk about a block to Beach & Mason and catch the F Market streetcar heading towards Market and Church (south, more or less). If you feel like you're in a Humphrey Bogart movie, you're on the right bus line. It's about a 20 minute ride to the Ferry Building, which you can't miss because it has a huge clock tower. $2 cash fare, be sure you have exact change, and ask for a transfer even if you don't think you need it. Ya never know, ya know.
posted by Quietgal at 4:35 PM on May 11, 2010


Ferry building, awesome! Sorry I overlooked that suggestion too. I'll be there (and with my car full of goodies any of you mefites claimed in my online garage sale). Parking near the ferry bldg can get steep, anybody have suggestions for cost-effectiveness?
posted by iamkimiam at 4:52 PM on May 11, 2010


We've usually not had too much trouble finding street parking down there, kim. Unless it's a game day.

Lemme check the schedule.

There is a game, but it's a day game, so things should be only regular crazy instead of Now, with Extra Baseball Crazy!

The thing about the Ferry Building is that there isn't really a place in there to have a beer and some small snacks (or a full meal) for not-too-much money. Gott's is only open until 8, and I don't think any of us can/want to afford Slanted Door or...Market Bar? I think that's what it's called.

But not too far down the Embarcadero, towards the ballpark, is a Gordon Biersch brewpub/restaurant. Their menu is linked on the site. No idea if we'd *really* need reservations or not.

And despite (or because?) of going to lots of games at the ballpark, I have no idea what other bars/restaurants are nearby that might suit us, so I can't recommend anything else in particular.
posted by rtha at 7:24 PM on May 11, 2010


Hey all, on the ground and not stunned by the lack of internet connectivity. Yay the future! I will peek in here every now and again.
posted by Kid Charlemagne at 8:16 PM on May 11, 2010


You shouldn't need reservations at Gordon Biersch -- there's ample seating and it won't be extra-crowded on a Thursday. It has spacious seating and is very casual. It's sort of "local" in that it started in Palo Alto, so there's that.

Most of the alternatives are on Steuart, but if the Ferry building is too pricey, that presumably rules out the $18 sushi rolls at Ozumo, right?
posted by tantivy at 9:47 PM on May 11, 2010


Time is getting short, so I'm going to call this meetup for 7 pm at the Ferry Building main entrance/front plaza on Thursday, May 13th. After we get a bunch of people together we can decide where to go.

Red's Java House is a hilarious dive that's a pleasant stroll away down the Embarcadero, with outdoor seating and feral seagulls. I'd be up for that! bring a hat
posted by Quietgal at 10:01 AM on May 12, 2010


Red's closes at five, so I'm guessing it's on to something else.
posted by politikitty at 10:02 AM on May 12, 2010


Wait! Thursday's the 13th. But we do mean Thursday, right? Not Friday?
posted by rtha at 10:02 AM on May 12, 2010


Thanks Quietgal. We can argue about where to go later, over the inte...er, IRL.

I thought we were talking about Thursday the 13th too. If you can confirm this Quietgal, maybe we can get a mod to change the date...there is soooo much confusion in this thread already, it may be really helpful to do that this time.
posted by iamkimiam at 10:10 AM on May 12, 2010


Oh crap, Thursday is indeed the 13th. Yes, Thursday.

Too bad about Red's, but we can decide where to go after we get a quorum. Maybe we could start at Gott's then re-deploy elsewhere after they close.

Another option: there's outdoor seating all over the ferry plaza around back, and I don't know if they drag the benches inside at night, but maybe we could just grab a beer or soda and a snack and sit out there if the weather's nice. The forecast currently looks good but bring a jacket, because it's usually breezy and cool close to the water.

Anyway, the chronically indecisive San Francisco contingent can discuss options at the Ferry Building at 7 pm while Kid C and miss patrish laugh at us.
posted by Quietgal at 10:10 AM on May 12, 2010


I just emailed the mods asking them to fix the date in the sidebar - hopefully it will say May 13th pretty soon.

*hangs head in shame*
posted by Quietgal at 10:15 AM on May 12, 2010


Fixed!
posted by cortex (staff) at 10:16 AM on May 12, 2010


Thanks, cortex!

Y'all will recognize me at the meetup - I'll be the one with a paper bag over my head.
posted by Quietgal at 10:38 AM on May 12, 2010


Oh, please! When we all figure it out and have beers, I'll tell the story of the meetup where I showed up at the bowling alley TWO towns away (Albany ≠ Alameda). Or even the most recent snafu, where I tried to plan 3 meetups in one week, spanning 3 towns in two different countries, IN ONE THREAD. Do not recommend.
posted by iamkimiam at 10:44 AM on May 12, 2010


YAY! If I don't spill beer on myself it will be a glorious day.

unless a bird poops on my dreams
posted by sarahnade at 10:59 AM on May 12, 2010


Oh hell, you mean tomorrow? ONCE AGAIN I can't make it. Unless you're still going much later, and maybe not even then, but I'll try.
posted by tangerine at 11:32 AM on May 12, 2010


Oh crud, Thursday? For some reason I had Friday in my head. Well, my prior plans are yet to be confirmed anyway. Maybe see you all there!?!
posted by baserunner73 at 3:27 PM on May 12, 2010


Hey, so I'll be joining gbeer at the benefit thing, which means we'll need to find y'all since we probably won't make it to the Ferry Building at 7pm. Someone please update this thread or text one of us (memail for our numbers) to let us know where you've wandered off to.
posted by rtha at 9:49 AM on May 13, 2010


Will do, rtha...although I may be a bit late myself, as I have to find my way out of a presentation early and then scuttlebutt across town and do the parking dance.

I am iamkimiam on Twitter.
posted by iamkimiam at 10:26 AM on May 13, 2010


I'm working two blocks fom the Ferry Building, & I'm off a couple of hours before the meetup. I can check in on the thread if anything needs to be done, during breaks, because I have no mobile reception at my desk.

Having said that: Is tomorrow better?
posted by Pronoiac at 10:51 AM on May 13, 2010


*groan* I think it's too late to reschedule this meetup (again), so let's go ahead with tonight's get-together. You can certainly call an additional meetup for tomorrow evening if you want - it's not like we ever get tired of them around here!

I'll be at the Ferry Building tonight at 7, with a sign saying MeFi so first-timers can recognize me/us. I don't have the technology to update the thread after I leave the house (my cell phone is a fossil), so somebody else will have to take care of that.
posted by Quietgal at 11:30 AM on May 13, 2010


TWO-DAY MEETUP! Seriously, why not? I can't get enough of you people!
posted by iamkimiam at 12:24 PM on May 13, 2010


Anybody need a ride? I'm headed in from Marin.
posted by wzcx at 1:32 PM on May 13, 2010


Ugh - I've just come down with a killer cold. I'll be thinking of you all!
posted by jasper411 at 2:18 PM on May 13, 2010


I'm heading out now so I'll be offline for a while. I'll be at the front of the Ferry Building at 7 carrying a MeFi sign. If nobody shows up or calls me by 7:30 I'll bail out.

Just to show you guys how much I love you, I'll give you my cell phone # and I'll even turn the damn thing on: 415-830-2278. Voice only, don't bother texting or leaving a message.

Hope to see y'all soon!
posted by Quietgal at 6:28 PM on May 13, 2010


I skipped the lecture and came here early...there is the oddest curiosity here...pics t/k...and I swear I have nothing to do with it!
posted by iamkimiam at 6:49 PM on May 13, 2010


I will be there in a few minutes, I'm walking over.
posted by wzcx at 7:06 PM on May 13, 2010


We've moved into Gott's for now - it's at the left of the Ferry Building.
posted by Pronoiac at 7:28 PM on May 13, 2010


Sadly, rtha and gussio and I are stuck in the gravitational well of the Mission and are unlikely to make it to the Embarcadero.

Greetings to Kid Charlemagne.
posted by gingerbeer at 8:12 PM on May 13, 2010


We're heading to Gordon Beirsch's (sp!), & I've already passed along your regrets, gingerbeer!
posted by Pronoiac at 9:25 PM on May 13, 2010


Holy moly, that was fun! And I didn't have to wear the paper bag after all!

And definitely check out the pics that iamkimiam et al are going to post - there's something strange afoot here and we think we know who the perp is ...
posted by Quietgal at 10:00 PM on May 13, 2010


We decided one wasn't enough! Tomorrow's meetup is in Hayes Valley. 8pm. Patxi's. Could a mod please sidebar?
posted by wzcx at 10:51 PM on May 13, 2010


And it's done! If you weren't there, you missed Kid Charlemagne's presentation, and discussions of hackerspaces, versioning systems, CNC machines, & homeopathic terrorism.
posted by Pronoiac at 11:17 PM on May 13, 2010


Also, various sound effects and a slow, confused waiter. It was a pleasure to see you all.
posted by baserunner73 at 11:26 PM on May 13, 2010


Another great time tonight! I am going to miss you all. SO MUCH.

Pics up here.
posted by iamkimiam at 1:09 AM on May 14, 2010


When games came up, I was discussing Sleep is Death, the two-person single player game where one person is a sort of DM/storyteller. Today the author has put it on sale. Pay what you want, $1.75 minimum.
posted by wzcx at 10:06 AM on May 14, 2010 [1 favorite]


I'm sorry we missed you guys! The Mission kept tight hold of us.
posted by rtha at 1:55 PM on May 14, 2010


Anyone going to Patxi's tonight? I'll stop by, but I've got a friends show to go to at 9.
posted by baserunner73 at 7:01 PM on May 14, 2010


Hey all - I didn't check this until late. Is anyone got a feed going who could give us a lift? Or is there a simple incantation for mass transit that someone can teach me real quick? Would love to join you all again.
posted by Kid Charlemagne at 7:34 PM on May 14, 2010


Heck. I'm at patxis pizza on Hayes at Octavia. That's right, right? Because the one with the bar is on Fillmore. I put our name in either way...but man did I get great parking. I hope I'm at the right place!
posted by iamkimiam at 7:49 PM on May 14, 2010


Hey Kid Charlemagne!

If you can get to Market - which ends at the Ferry Building - take the 21 Hayes bus to get there. The street address is 511 Hayes St.
posted by Pronoiac at 7:49 PM on May 14, 2010


Team Mostlybeans is on our way.
posted by jaybeans at 7:50 PM on May 14, 2010


OK, putting the laptop in the room and will be heading out shortly.
posted by Kid Charlemagne at 7:55 PM on May 14, 2010


Once again, the gravitational well of the Mission (plus a previously planned dinner) has me trapped. Apologies for missing meeting up w/ you, Kid. Next time.
posted by rtha at 8:07 PM on May 14, 2010


We're standing inside, waiting for a table.
posted by Pronoiac at 8:16 PM on May 14, 2010




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