GenCon Slap & Tickle
Thursday, August 2nd, 2007 - 2:38pm
This is a continuation of a [link=http://www.gamerswithjobs.com/node/32484]previous thread[/link] but with a better title for skimming and searching purposes.
I wrote an Indy friend and he's given a few more suggestions for places with good food and drink. Here's an updated list:
- Buca Di Beppo
- Champps
- The Claddagh
- The Old Spaghetti Factory
- P.F. Chang's
- The Rathskeller
- Rock Bottom
I'm fine with any of those. My vote is for Friday night. I most likely will be at a concert Saturday night. I'd know for sure if Indiana disallowed price hiking on tickets. Bastards.
JUST PUZZLED YOUR ASS UP, SON! -Mr Crinkle
Steam Community: McChuck XBL: GWJ McChuck
Did your friend indicate if these were all downtown locations? Living about 45 minutes North, I know a few of these that are in the surrounding Indy area, but I can't think of where they would be downtown.
Definitely Downtown:
Claddagh
Old Spaghetti Factory (haven't been there, but I hear very good things)
The Ram (added to the list for the good microbrews)
Locations I Know of Aren't Downtown; they might be downtown too, though:
Buca: Expensive Italian, but you get *loads* of it.
Champps
Rock Bottom (some great microbrews!)
No idea:
Rathskeller
PF Chang's
---Todd
The Nut and the Feisty Weasel: A place where a deranged Ohio State Buckeye and a rabid Michigan Wolverine fan come together... and air grievances.
Champps, P.F. Chang's, and Buca are definitely downtown. The first two are across from each other in Circle Centre. I've never seen Rock Bottom or Rathskeller around. I'll ask my friend. I left The Ram off the list because rabbit said in the previous thread that it was a de facto place people go to, therefore, crowded.
JUST PUZZLED YOUR ASS UP, SON! -Mr Crinkle
Steam Community: McChuck XBL: GWJ McChuck
I think during GenCon all those places will be pretty well packed, but I'm open (assuming I can pawn my kids off on the Mrs. for an evening) to wherever everyone wants to go.
---Todd
The Nut and the Feisty Weasel: A place where a deranged Ohio State Buckeye and a rabid Michigan Wolverine fan come together... and air grievances.
Let's all just go gamble with depressing old ladies in Gary.
rabbit wrote:
1Dgaf wrote:
XBL: E Munnie
I'm 99% sure there's not a P.F. Chang's downtown. I think he was thinking of Castleton.
What makes you think there aren't depressing old ladies in Indy too? Indiana is full of 'em.
"Even though that place should only be fifteen or twenty minutes away geographically, in actual practice - between the hours of four and seven - Redmond might as well orbit the Earth." - Tycho, Penny Arcade
Except they have to leave room for truckers, mobile homes, and all that corn.
rabbit wrote:
1Dgaf wrote:
XBL: E Munnie
Oh, really?
EDIT: Update from friend
JUST PUZZLED YOUR ASS UP, SON! -Mr Crinkle
Steam Community: McChuck XBL: GWJ McChuck
Timing is the key here. If we did like breakfast at 8AM on Friday we could go anywhere. 630 at the RAM and we won't even find each other. My vote is to do it right as the hall closes at someplace like PF Changs.
Gamertag: GWJ Rabbit | Last.fm
"Think of it as 'grinding SO rep in the Kitchen instance.' " - Montalban
That's the one I was thinking of as well, but based on McChuck's map, there's one that's actually in Circle Center Mall... which explains why I didn't know about it.
Rabbit's definitely going to be right about the crowds at these places, but at the same time, if we go to Rock Bottom I can use my Mug Club card. I think I'm only a couple pints a way from a free Rock Bottom-branded glass! Woo!
---Todd
The Nut and the Feisty Weasel: A place where a deranged Ohio State Buckeye and a rabid Michigan Wolverine fan come together... and air grievances.
Well there you go. In your face, McChuck!
I'm not even sure I'm going yet, but we should just meet at ubrakto's place for drinking. Crash the party!
"Even though that place should only be fifteen or twenty minutes away geographically, in actual practice - between the hours of four and seven - Redmond might as well orbit the Earth." - Tycho, Penny Arcade
The P.F. Chang's is actually across the hallway (or down the street if you're outside) from Champps [sic].
Couldn't we make a reservation for some of these places on the list? I guess that would limit how many we could fit at the table if more showed up though.
EBGames wrote:
If there's interest, that's also certainly an option. I can stock up on beer.
I just figured it would be easier for those that are coming to stick to the downtown area since Noblesville (where I live) is a little bit of a hike to the North (not a long distance -20 to 25 miles or so-, but there's no express route up there).
---Todd
The Nut and the Feisty Weasel: A place where a deranged Ohio State Buckeye and a rabid Michigan Wolverine fan come together... and air grievances.
I vote for Champs. They have awesome chips and good food. But, anywhere you guys want is fine with me.
Are significant others allowed to attend? I'm trying to convince someone to come with me to Gencon. But, she is afraid of the geek breath she'll receive on the show floor.
For instance, there are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance. ~Ron Shelton, Bull Durham, 1988
If I drive down for the S&T, parking is going to be pretty rough, right? Any suggestions?
rabbit wrote:
1Dgaf wrote:
XBL: E Munnie
Parking in Indie hasn't been that bad when I've come to Gencon. Depends on where you park....you'll pay about $10 but you can find it.
For instance, there are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance. ~Ron Shelton, Bull Durham, 1988
When does the hall close? If there's a schedule on the GenCon site, then it's not very visible.
Ulairi says Champps. That's fine with me. Honestly, when it's all places I can go to locally, it doesn't matter. "Indianapolis - We Have No Local Flair!" Sorry, Ubrakto.
I'm sure a reservation could be made once a final headcount is known closer to the day.
This is bigger convention/conference than I've been to, but I've had no problems parking near the convention center previously.
JUST PUZZLED YOUR ASS UP, SON! -Mr Crinkle
Steam Community: McChuck XBL: GWJ McChuck
No offense taken. I'm from Michigan originally anyway, so bash away.
---Todd
The Nut and the Feisty Weasel: A place where a deranged Ohio State Buckeye and a rabid Michigan Wolverine fan come together... and air grievances.
f*ck Indiana.
*Born in Fort Wayne*
"Even though that place should only be fifteen or twenty minutes away geographically, in actual practice - between the hours of four and seven - Redmond might as well orbit the Earth." - Tycho, Penny Arcade
Took the family to the Old Spaghetti Factory after visiting the Indy Zoo about a month ago. Color me unimpressed. While the old decor and 'ambiance' of the place is somewhat charming I thought the menu was lackluster and the food so-so.
Here's a list so far, as far as I can tell. Not sure how many groupies rabbit would want to drag along. Let's get something nailed down and reserved if possible for this week. Any locals want to take the lead on getting that done? Friday night on or before the convention closing for the evening would be great. *cracks whip*
McChuck
ubrakto
wordsmythe
Demiurge
rabbit
Gaald
Certis
Montalban
Ulairi +1
Yeah, it's scary. I'm staring into the abyss right now, and it's staring into me, which I think is kind of a dick move on the abyss's part. - Nyles
Downtown there is absolutely no flair.
If you can do the transport, I'd recommend heading up to Broad Ripple and checking out some of the restaurants/bars there like the Broad Ripple Brew Pub or Bazbeaux' Pizza (also downtown). It's about 10-15 minutes north of the city (60 blocks north) and will offer you a much better selection of food. Downtown Indy, anymore, is a convention trap and not where the locals go, except for sporting events.
Downtown-wise:
Acapulco-Joes (mexican)
Jillian's (pub)
St. Elmo's Steakhouse.
Yatz (cajun)
Kona Jack's
Ike & Jonesey's (pub)
I'd also recommend -
Sakura's (japanese/sushi) - 65th & Keystone (east of Broad ripple)
King Chef (chinese) - way out of the way at 96th & I-69 but very good food. (www.kingchefindy.com)
Brewpub is a cool little place. I go there for lunch all the time, but I'd really hate for people to get stuck trying to arrange transportation when there's so much within walking distance. Yatz has great eats, but would probably be a bit small for our group. (I haven't been to the one downtown, but the one in Broad Ripple is tiny.) That said, if everyone else is cool with Broad Ripple it makes no difference to me.
Anyway, if somebody wants to pick a "final" spot (right now it sound like the verdict is Champps), and we can get a final tally on takers (10 right now?) I'll call and see about reservations. FYI - I'm still just about 85% to make it. I had a buddy of mine coming into town that weekend and now he doesn't think he can make it. If he can't, I'll definitely be there. If he can, it may depend on what his family wants to do that evening.
Also, about what time are we thinking about?
---Todd
The Nut and the Feisty Weasel: A place where a deranged Ohio State Buckeye and a rabid Michigan Wolverine fan come together... and air grievances.
Sounds like Champs is the winner, see if you can lock something down for us on Friday at 6:00PM. Any later and rabbit probably wouldn't be able to make it.
Yeah, it's scary. I'm staring into the abyss right now, and it's staring into me, which I think is kind of a dick move on the abyss's part. - Nyles
If it's Friday I won't be there until 9pm, so pace yourselves.
rabbit wrote:
1Dgaf wrote:
XBL: E Munnie
I can be there from like 6-7, but then I have entanglements.
Gamertag: GWJ Rabbit | Last.fm
"Think of it as 'grinding SO rep in the Kitchen instance.' " - Montalban
Starting at 6, I can't guarantee I'd make it that long. Hmmmm.
Yeah, it's scary. I'm staring into the abyss right now, and it's staring into me, which I think is kind of a dick move on the abyss's part. - Nyles
Well, try and pass out on the floor so I can heckle you in person, then.
rabbit wrote:
1Dgaf wrote:
XBL: E Munnie
Lightweight.
"Even though that place should only be fifteen or twenty minutes away geographically, in actual practice - between the hours of four and seven - Redmond might as well orbit the Earth." - Tycho, Penny Arcade
Given the funk this convention is known for, I really hope the temperature drops by next week. Otherwise, drastic measure may have to be taken. I can't get thousands of nerds to shower and deodorize, but I can snort Vitamin C pills. Cut the problem off at the source.
JUST PUZZLED YOUR ASS UP, SON! -Mr Crinkle
Steam Community: McChuck XBL: GWJ McChuck
I don't even want to think about it. I'd rather just drive past the pig farm stink a couple times in one night and hang with goodjers in between.
rabbit wrote:
1Dgaf wrote:
XBL: E Munnie