Well, it was a hot time in Tempe, but the beverages were chilled - and so was the conversation. I am thinking that outside was not a good choice for July.....
Movies, music...food, drink...campaigns, candidates...Phoenix in the old days, Phoenix now-a-days...light rail, copyrights, guns, etc. We covered it all.
Lori has a breakdown of the attendees and a handful of pictures.
Mat was the only new blogger addition, glad to have him. OK, my sister was new to the gathering, also, but I already know her pretty well ;-) Lori also brought a friend, who, with John McJ's wife, helped to increase the female, non-blogger contingent.
We have met in Tempe the last couple of times in order to entice the Exurban gang. They have agreed to make the trek next time around, and I think it is time to move back to the west side.
So, here are my thoughts (Keeping travel in mind, both restaurants are just off the 101):
We all seem to enjoy the Yard House which boasts no only a great beer selection, but also some choice martinis and fabulous food. Unfortunately, they have no Happy Hour to take advantage of on Saturday or Sunday. We also run the risk of running into some event traffic at one or more of the venues if I don't do my homework.
I recently saw that, just north of the Yard House, we have BJ's Brewhouse. I have no idea if this place is any good. They seem to have quite a beer list, a full selection of mixed drinks, and a yummy sounding menu. I think it is far enough from the stadiums to limit any sort of event issues. They don't list the days/hours for their Happy Hour specials. I may have to visit for a test run ;-) Lori should enjoy these choices.
I was thinking that late September or early October would be fun - is that too soon for you all? Do you think, if we meet almost in his backyard, that El Gringo will come?
Posted by Vox at August 4, 2008 11:29 PM | AZ bloggersI have been to the Chandler location for BJ a few times and enjoyed it. They don't brew at every location, not that it matters to you and they do ship their beer in from the other locations. The one other place in that general area is Gordon Biersch. I doubt I'll be there until the holidays, but a Xmas blogorama count me in, as soon as I know flight schedule I'll get word out.
Posted by: Thomas at August 5, 2008 05:46 AMAs long as it's before my surgery this fall....
Posted by: Macker at August 5, 2008 05:58 AMWe should be doing this once a month, as far as I'm concerned - or at least every other month. We missed you at this most recent shindig, Thomas - and where in the world are you? I'm guessing you're not in Flag any more.
Posted by: John McJunkin at August 5, 2008 07:34 AMAny of the places there in the general Westgate area would be great, as long as it isn't on the same day as a Coyotes game.
Speaking of Thomas- yes you were sorely missed but we'll be having a special blogger fest in your honor around Christmas where you can regale us with stories about your new found fondness for vinegar-based BBQ and NASCAR
As for John's suggestion, every other month might be a good idea
Posted by: Anonymous Mike at August 5, 2008 11:52 AMI like the every-other-month suggestion as well. And since he hasn't yet checked in, I volunteer Exurban Kevin's house for an upcoming soiree.
The next time around, Wesside is cool with me.
Posted by: Exurban Jon at August 5, 2008 06:57 PMJohn I could say read the blog, but that is too easy a copout. I would have likely not been there even if I hadn't moved as I don't come to Phoenix in the Summer. That said, K had been trying to find work in Flag, no luck and she got an offer in the Raleigh, NC area. So we moved out here at the beginning of July. I still have lots of family and friends in AZ so I'll be back from time to time.
Posted by: Thomas at August 5, 2008 09:03 PMOh and to Anonymous Mike, [Southern Twang]it's a Southern thing you'all wouldn't understand. [/Southern Twang]
Posted by: Thomas at August 5, 2008 09:06 PMBeen to the Yard House and their food and beverages are really really good! They play great music too. Only downside is they do get really crowed because of that. Haven't been to the other place but it sounds good. Might be good to try it out.
Not sure I can swing the regular meets even if it is every other month - pesky things like unemployment can really get in the way of things like that. ;-) But I definitely want to go to the next one.
Posted by: Lori at August 5, 2008 09:43 PM