Pacific Northwest Meetup

May 29, 2004 9:22 PM

MeFiPNW - June 18th!
posted by christian to MetaFilter Gatherings at 9:22 PM (31 comments total)

I'm putting the call out there for anyone in the Pacific Northwest, or anyone who wants to visit the Pacfic Northwest but has been needing an excuse.

It's about three weeks away, so that should give everyone time to plan appropriately. Some people from the Vancouver area have expressed interest, and a few Californians may mosey on up.

So who's in?

I'm taking suggestions for a place. I'd like it to be downtownish. I have a few ideas but if we all decide on someplace else I'm game.

Er. I guess I'm the organizer or something?
posted by christian at 9:24 PM on May 29, 2004

Well, Seattle's pretty much the urban centre of the PNW. I'd be happy to ride on up if it's sunny, otherwise I'll dodge... hate being in the cage for more than an hour. ;)

And yes, coming up with the idea does make you the organizer. Apologies!
posted by SpecialK at 11:11 PM on May 29, 2004

I'll be up in Seattle several weekends this summer . . . for what that's worth . . .
posted by _sirmissalot_ at 11:30 PM on May 29, 2004

Yakima?
posted by mr_crash_davis at 12:05 AM on May 30, 2004

Well, that's a pretty piece of scheduling; I live in downtown Seattle, but I'm flying to California on the 18th for my sister's wedding. I guess that makes up for accidentally being in New York in time for the meetup at dba yesterday; it wouldn't be fair if I got *all* the travel-timing-karma...
posted by Mars Saxman at 7:12 AM on May 30, 2004

Oh, right. I forgot to mention that it was going to be Seattle-based.

Mars, that's a shame, but there will be more gatherings in the future, I'm sure.

It'd be great to see SpecialK and some of the Portland folks. Maybe you guys could steal a bus and carpool.
posted by christian at 10:12 AM on May 30, 2004

Yakima would be cool, but the truck stop at Benton City would be even better....
posted by normy at 10:16 AM on May 30, 2004

Hopefully this event will run late...I have an obligation until about 10 but definitely want to be part of the festivities. Oh wait, I guess 10 isn't that late for most people?

A few places to consider are the Pyramid Brewery (if there's no game that evening), the Garage in Capitol Hill, the Elysian Brewery in Capitol Hill, the Pacific Inn in Fremont. One previous meetup we met at the Deluxe on Broadway and once we met at Gaswork's Park.
posted by vito90 at 1:08 PM on May 30, 2004

I just realized that the date was right there in the first post. I can't believe I missed that . . . anyway, I won't be there then.
posted by _sirmissalot_ at 5:53 PM on May 30, 2004

I feel rather the moron for never making any SF gatherings, since I live right here, but this actually comes at a really good time for me. Geographically, the further south the better for me... I'll make a roadtrip of it.

What are the odds on #1 attending; he's right up there in Portland...? I'd be happy to pick you up and drop you off, door-to-door and on your schedule, Matt, just for the chance to meet and shoot the shit a little. I promise I'm less demanding and bitchy in person (aren't we all?).
posted by scarabic at 6:36 PM on May 30, 2004

vito, Gaswork's Park is a great suggestion. Pyramid is pretty good at accomodating large parties, from what I hear (and it's a block from my house). The Garage is nice because it has Pool/Bowling, but I haven't had the food there.

I'm building a small list at this point. Maybe I'll should stop by the Garage and check out the food. Seems like that could be a very good option with lots of ways to entertain.
posted by christian at 8:53 PM on May 30, 2004

Seriously, all the cool kids go to Tacoma.
posted by cmonkey at 10:12 PM on May 30, 2004

What are the odds on #1 attending

The odds are likely good. If nothing work-wise comes up that weekend, I'll make the drive up. I love Seattle and pretty much any excuse to be there justifies the three hour drive.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 10:46 PM on May 30, 2004

I seem to recall the MeFiSea at Gasworks park didn't work out to well the last time. I wish I could make the trip south, but I won't be able to this time around.

I can do Bellingham. Who's in for Bellingham!?

*sighs*
posted by Salmonberry at 11:27 PM on May 30, 2004

I'm tentatively in...it depends on whether or not I can convince Antifreez to share gas money ;)

And if I can get off work early on that Friday...and if the border folks don't hassle me
posted by filmgoerjuan at 12:27 AM on May 31, 2004

I like the Elysian idea. Drawbacks to a Capitol Hill location would include parking, for those of you who live in another 'hood.

I will suggest the Comet, just for the sake of a chuckle, because then my two worlds could collide.
posted by mwhybark at 10:04 AM on May 31, 2004

Here's another vote for the Elysian. Good beer; central location. And parking isn't really all that bad, is it? (Of course, I'd probably go the bus/taxi route, given the good beer.)
posted by mr_roboto at 11:38 PM on May 31, 2004

Whichever venue is ultimately decided upon, can you folks promise us that it will be well away from your spontaneously combusting monorail?

You guys really shouldn't have trusted that Lyle Lanley character
posted by filmgoerjuan at 8:13 AM on June 1, 2004

I live nearby, and while I won't come to the meetup, I will park across the street and do the "I'm crushing your head" thing to whoever goes in and out of Elysium. And you will know my name is the LORD.
posted by Hildago at 10:16 AM on June 1, 2004

The food at The Garage is just as delicious as you would expect from an establishment named "The Garage."
posted by Skot at 10:57 AM on June 1, 2004

p-town mefi reprezent! i'd be happy to attempt to attend.
posted by pikachulolita at 12:40 PM on June 1, 2004

I too vote for the Elysian. They have a second location now in Wallingford/Green Lake, if we decide Capitol Hill parking is too beastly. Food is reportedly good, which is important to me as I don't drink.
posted by kindall at 4:30 PM on June 1, 2004

I think we should now possibly consider having the thing on the monorail. Livin' large!
posted by mwhybark at 5:46 PM on June 1, 2004

But seriously, let the finalization begin. Mr. Christian?
posted by mwhybark at 5:48 PM on June 1, 2004

The Elysian seems like it's got the most popular vote, so I'm good with there. I haven't been personally, but having good food is a plus for me as well since I also don't drink. :)

Okay. So we have a place and a date. For a time, how's 7:00 sound? Should give people time to get home from work and make it down. Not too late, not too early.

I'll keep up the role as contact person. I'll be happy to give my cell # to anyone who asks for it in email (except those pesky 409 scam folks).

My email address is in my profile. Can I get people to ping me via email to express interest? I'll setup an RSVP type thing later on so we can get a better handle on who's going to show up to reserve some space.
posted by christian at 8:48 PM on June 1, 2004

Does the Elysian have Pabst Blue Ribbon?

Maybe this time the Olympia folks can make it up. Maybe.
posted by Captain_Tenille at 3:20 PM on June 2, 2004

Cap'n:

Ask 'em.

The long-time bar manager is/was the singer of St. Bushmill's Choir; I'm sure he knows the importance of a good cheap can.
posted by mwhybark at 6:50 PM on June 2, 2004

I'm there! It would be good to see vito90 again and meetsoma y'all!
posted by black8 at 12:44 AM on June 3, 2004

I offer a write up with pictures of the meetup.
posted by tomharpel at 10:45 PM on June 18, 2004

I was there, black8 where were ya! Had a good time listening to some deep political banter and drinking Hoegaarden. Mmmmmmmm! There was brief discussion about getting in another one (perhaps outside) during the summer before mr_roboto moves away...
posted by vito90 at 10:13 AM on June 19, 2004

In my beer-induced haze, I lost track of who was who. Anyone willing to map pictures to names of attendees, please do. Here, I'll start. This is me, tomharpel.
posted by tomharpel at 12:00 PM on June 19, 2004