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Posted

It is time to start planning our annual spring picnic. Our spring picnic last year was a complete success and it is time for a repeat. The first and most difficult step is finding a date that is the most convienent for as many members as possible. Here are the options:

Saturday, May 20th

Sunday, May 21st

Sunday, June 4th

These dates avoid Mother's day, Memorial day and Father's day.

Other details to be discussed will be brought up later but let's tackle this first hurdle <_< All you need to do is post your choices in order.

ps There is room for everyone so there is no need to PM me to let me know you want to come ;)

Vote away....

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Posted

Wouldn't it be easier to setup one of the online polls? Or do they not allow multiple choices?

Anyway, as of right now all look good for me. This going to be at the same great location as the last two?

Posted

I vote for Saturday the 20th.

Sundays through June are for Hebrew school in the mornings and Little League in the afternoons...

What about using a survey site like Zoomerang, if we can't use the board polls?

Posted

I vote we bring back the online poll. <_<

My preference:

1) May 21

2) May 20

3) June 4

However, won't it be easier for our industry friends to do this on one of the Sundays rather than on the Saturday?

Posted

Not that it makes much of an impact I'm sure, but just note that Taste of the South is May 20th, and the 21st is both the Taste of Arlington & the Toast of Alexandria.

I vote for the 20th.

Posted

We won't know 'til the end of the week, but we are having a contest at work that, IF we win, we will be going to Iceland on the weekend of May 20-21. What with graduations and such, it's disappointing that I've had conflicts with all the previous picnic dates as well!! So, my vote, for now, is for June 4th or 11th. (Father's day is not until the 18th)

But if I do have to miss it, I guess Iceland is as good a reason as any <_<

Posted

Please count Escoffier and me in.

We like May 20th (1) May 21st (2) and June 4th (3).

I can bring Korean style rolled sushi (stuffing: avocado, marinated ground beef, daikon and so on) and inari.

Posted

You'll note, JG, that the thread title says Spring picnic.

As for location, I know everyone loves that site but we are looking into a new one. Nothing has been decided but given the potential size and "beverage" consumption it is worth looking into a new spot. The main concern is having permit for a group that large but also a spot that allows for all forms of beverage consumption. Does anyone have any ideas? Please PM me with other suggestions and if need be or possible we will put it to a vote.

Posted
You'll note, JG, that the thread title says Spring picnic.

As for location, I know everyone loves that site but we are looking into a new one.  Nothing has been decided but given the potential size and "beverage" consumption it is worth looking into a new spot.  The main concern is having permit for a group that large but also a spot that allows for all forms of beverage consumption.  Does anyone have any ideas?  Please PM me with other suggestions and if need be or possible we will put it to a vote.

I understand the desire to find a place to handle beverage needs to the rule and letter. But not to be a troublemaker and simply to be honest, I think it'll be mighty tough to find a location that's as picturesque and pleasant as Belle Haven, with parking, bathroom facilities, so close to a major access route and short hop from public transport AND has an open bottle policy. I'm open to hearing out any of the suggestions, but I would need convincing that it's worth ditching the "brown bag" routine.

Posted
I think it'll be mighty tough to find a location that's as picturesque and pleasant as Belle Haven, with parking, bathroom facilities, so close to a major access route and short hop from public transport AND has an open bottle policy.

What CF said <_< - Belle Haven is the best of all worlds.

There may be other possible locations, and they may offer some of the items above - though definitely NOT the view. My guess, and experience, is that they will all require a permit ($$) 1) for a group of our size and 2) to allow for adult beverage consumption.

If we go to Belle Haven, I'll even volunteer for 2 tablesitting slots to keep the space the morning of the picnic! ;)

Posted

6/4 is the only date I could commit to right now. I might be camping with my Brownie troop 5/20 & 21 ( <_< ) but won't know until 3/31 whether that's gonna happen. If that trip doesn't happen then any of the dates are fine.

Posted

My better half and I will come on any date as we have not had the pleasure of last's years', we will arrange our schedule to suit the consensus of the majority!

Posted
We won't know 'til the end of the week, but we are having a contest at work that, IF we win, we will be going to Iceland on the weekend of May 20-21. What with graduations and such, it's disappointing that I've had conflicts with all the previous picnic dates as well!!  So, my vote, for now, is for June 4th or 11th. (Father's day is not until the 18th)

But if I do have to miss it, I guess Iceland is as good a reason as any  <_<

Yee hah! I'm going to Iceland!!! ;) I am officially requesting June 4th.

(and can I put in a vote for June for acrover as well? Since I know for a fact he'll be in Iceland, too!)

Posted
Yee hah! I'm going to Iceland!!!  <_< I am officially requesting June 4th.

(and can I put in a vote for June for acrover as well? Since I know for a fact he'll be in Iceland, too!)

Well then I guess you will be in charge of bringing the ice in case we do the picnic on the 4th.

Posted

June 4th it is!

May 21st probably comes in first when you put in the either date works for me votes, but since there are two other food related events that day it seems to make sense to have it on the 4th. Plus, if our lawyers agree that we can have it at Belle Haven traffic in Alexandria will be a nightmare.

Posted

I haven't read through this whole thread about the locations that are being considered but Ft Hunt Park, just off the GW Parkway south of Old Town allows for adult beverages, has restrooms, pavilions, right of the bus line that connects to Huntington Metro, is pretty and has tons of parking. I've had several events there ranging from 20 - 600 people. The link is:

http://www.nps.gov/gwmp/fohu/fohu-picnic.htm

Posted

One thing folks might want to consider is the availability of a rain date. If we schuedled the picnic on the 21st and the weather turned out to be bad, we could have the 4th in our pocket as a rain date. Or is the plan to have the Sunday following the 4th be the rain date?

Posted
One thing folks might want to consider is the availability of a rain date.  If we schuedled the picnic on the 21st and the weather turned out to be bad, we could have the 4th in our pocket as a rain date.  Or is the plan to have the Sunday following the 4th be the rain date?

IF, and that might be a IF since the place may be reserved by now. But if we could get Ft. Hunt park reserved the availability of a shelter would help if we encountered some rain.

Posted

Ironically enough, The Old Farmer's Almanac is calling for rain the weekend of the 21st. I am looking into reserving one of the spots Ft. Hunt Park. Rain has never been a big issue in the past and I am not sure why we are turning it into one now. I am also hesitant to schedule a picnic when there are already at least two food related events scheduled that day that may involve some of our members. It seems sort of, I don't know, wrong <_<

Posted
Ironically enough, The Old Farmer's Almanac is calling for rain the weekend of the 21st.  I am looking into reserving one of the spots Ft. Hunt Park.  Rain has never been a big issue in the past and I am not sure why we are turning it into one now.  I am also hesitant to schedule a picnic when there are already at least two food related events scheduled that day that may involve some of our members.  It seems sort of, I don't know, wrong <_<

Rain was never an issue in the past because it never rained on the days that were picked for the picnic. But each picnic is an independant event and I think all would agree that it would not be a good idea to conclude that it will not rain on the day picked for this year simply because it did not rain on the all of the prior days picked for the picnic.

Posted

The 4th also puts a few weeks inbetween the Indian dinner and the picnic which is another factor not to be ignored. Unless anyone has any life altering, dire need for the date to change we will stay with the 4th.

Posted
Rain was never an issue in the past because it never rained on the days that were picked for the picnic.  But each picnic is an independant event and I think all would agree that it would not be a good idea to conclude that it will not rain on the day picked for this year simply because it did not rain on the all of the prior days picked for the picnic.

Ah JG, your post is like a beautiful song that thrills this statistician's heart.

Posted
Unless anyone has any life altering, dire need for the date to change we will stay with the 4th.

Aside from not being able to go on the 4th <_< - but I wouldn't call that life altering since i missed the first two and have come through battered but unbroken.

Besides I'm sure many others can't make it in May.

Posted
Rain was never an issue in the past because it never rained on the days that were picked for the picnic.  But each picnic is an independant event and I think all would agree that it would not be a good idea to conclude that it will not rain on the day picked for this year simply because it did not rain on the all of the prior days picked for the picnic.

I heard the independent theory at the roulette table when I went to Vegas earlier this year. Didn't help much there. Hopefully we will have better luck for the weather.
Posted

We'll be visiting my family in Louisiana on the 4th of June, but I can attest to the soundness of Ft. Hunt park for a party like this. The Baltimore/Washington alumni club for the University of Louisiana-Lafayette has used it for several years for our annual crawfish boil and we enjoy the covered pavilion and easy to find location.

We used to be University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL) and enjoyed our reputation as University for Slow Learners. Give 'em hell, USL!!! Hot boudin, cold cush cush. Come on Cajuns. Push Push Push!

wish we could be there

Posted

I want to clear up any confusion on how June 4th was chosen. You all voted for it ;) If you count only first choices (including mine which was for the 4th) the 4th won by 1 vote. Two if you count acrovers in abstentia vote <_< The talk of picking a rain date has come up and I am throwing out the 11th, which is a week later. (Father's day is the 18th.) I don't think we need to vote on it unless it becomes an issue in June.

As many of you know it takes a lot of work to pull this thing off. If you would like to help out please let me know. We will need help with everything from oganizing behind the scenes to setting up the site.

The first task that needs accomplishing is to see if we can get a permit for Ft. Hunt on the 4th. If we can it is an option worth looking into. I am not able to do this from work so if you can please email me and let me know. Thanks!

Posted
I want to clear up any confusion on how June 4th was chosen.  You all voted for it :)   If you count only first choices (including mine which was for the 4th) the 4th won by 1 vote. Two if you count acrovers in abstentia vote <_<   The talk of picking a rain date has come up and I am throwing out the 11th, which is a week later.  (Father's day is the 18th.)  I don't think we need to vote on it unless it becomes an issue in June.

As many of you know it takes a lot of work to pull this thing off.  If you would like to help out please let me know.  We will need help with everything from oganizing behind the scenes to setting up the site.

The first task that needs accomplishing is to see if we can get a permit for Ft. Hunt on the 4th.  If we can it is an option worth looking into.  I am not able to do this from work so if you can please email me and let me know.  Thanks!

You do realize that a reservation at Ft. Hunt park requires cash, right? See here for the rates. If we are lucky enough to get the reservation then the big job of holding the site is gone, but I will miss watching JG "shooting" ducks over the Potomac. ;)

Posted

The C area is made up of 3 areas, C1, C2, and C3. They are all available and C2 has a shelter available and 17 picnic tables. Grills need to be provided by us.

My vote is still for Belle Haven, but Ft. Hunt does allow alcohol with no issues.

Posted
The C area is made up of 3 areas, C1, C2, and C3.  They are all available and C2 has a shelter available and 17 picnic tables.  Grills need to be provided by us.

My vote is still for Belle Haven, but Ft. Hunt does allow alcohol with no issues.

I can foot the bill for $135 - people can just throw a dollar into a coffee can or something.

Posted

As much as I like Belle Haven, I think that we ought to do Fort Hunt for the beverage situation.

Shall I go ahead and book it for the 4th?

Posted
As much as I like Belle Haven, I think that we ought to do Fort Hunt for the beverage situation.

Ditto. And seventeen tables are more than we had last time.

Posted

In the interest of clarity, here is what the Park regulations say about consumption of alcoholic beverages at the park:

3. Beer or wine (no hard liquors) is allowed with a valid park permit only; however, state laws prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors must be observed. If you contract with a local distributor to deliver beer to the park, the distributor will require you to purchase a 1-day permit through the ABC Board.
Posted

Since it seems that the location is planned and the coordination of 'holding' the spot are removed we can now focus on food!

Besides JG and his butt, what is everyone planning on bringing? Right now I plan on bringing some sort of sausage. (CrescentFresh you are being volunteered to help me make it <_< )

BTW, are we going to have another tasting?

Posted

Once more into the breach: I've brought nothing but my tried-and-true specialties to these events and for whatever reason they have all turned out to be less than sub-par. <_<

This time, I'm bringing a dessert.

Posted

Hey everybody - the picnic is not for two months! Plenty of time to mull things over before making any decisions about what to bring. Here is a link to last fall's recipes to get you started. Just about everything fell into a few broad categories: appetizers, salads, meats, breads and desserts. Others contributed beverages, paper goods and supplies, grills, and games for the kids.

For a tasting like last picnic's olive oil tasting, why don't we try a butter and salt tasting? Fancy pants butters (flavored, herbed, hand churned by Vermont spinsters, etc.) spread on crackers or bread slices, and an array of exotic salts to sprinkle on top. It's easy, not messy, holds up well in all kinds of weather, and the kind of thing even kids enjoy. Oh yea, goes well with beer and wine. No need to do a blind tasting, just schmeer, sprinkle and eat.

Posted
Others contributed beverages, paper goods and supplies, grills, and games for the kids. 

I have a large black plastic trash bag in my basement which contains the remains of the paper and plastic goods from the last two picnics. I was hoping to reduce the volume of its contents at the last picnic but the opposite occured. I will provide an inventory of what I have and see where we are deficient. I can safely say that we have plenty of plastic cutlery and paper plates and napkins.

Posted

Piggy-backing on Mr. K, I noticed the site has a shut-down time of 6PM. That's about when we got done last year, but perhaps we should start earlier this year?

Posted
Piggy-backing on Mr. K, I noticed the site has a shut-down time of 6PM.  That's about when we got done last year, but perhaps we should start earlier this year?

[Let's nix the picnic chat for now (two months of this will be interminable), and focus on these events...

Chris and Binni's April 20th fundraiser at L'Academie de Cuisine

Monica's dinner at Passage to India

C'mon dudes, we need some more support for these if we're going to keep organizing events!]

Posted

bump :)

Chris and Binni's event was a complete success and the Passage to India dinner is full (although I am taking names for the waiting list if you are interested) so it is time to get back to the planning of the picnic.

Everyone on two legs is welcome; spouses, children, grandparents, etc. Please keep dogs and other four legged family members at home. You can bring them some left overs, if there are any. I call any of Jacques leftover butt.

Now it's time for the fun part: who is going to bring what?

I'm bringing salmon mousse.

Posted

I haven't yet decided what I am going to cook, but I am going to give away to anyone who would like some French culinary-quality dried lavender blossoms. I bought a pound of it at Surfa's when I was in L.A. A pound of dried lavender is a huge amount--it's much more than I can possibly use in the next year, and I will be back in L.A. and able to get more, in December. It can be difficult to find here, and very expensive when you do find it. I couldn't believe how inexpensive this huge bag was, so I bought it. Did my suitcase ever smell good!

Posted

Food TBD, but I'm also planning to bring my medium 2-burner camp stove and at least one or two butane cassette burners (everybody should have a few of these about the house; you won't pay more than $15-20 in any Asian grocery) in case a couple of folks need to finish a dish onsite.

Useful or not?

Posted
I haven't yet decided what I am going to cook, but I am going to give away to anyone who would like some French culinary-quality dried lavender blossoms. I bought a pound of it at Surfa's when I was in L.A. A pound of dried lavender is a huge amount--it's much more than I can possibly use in the next year, and I will be back in L.A. and able to get more, in December. It can be difficult to find here, and very expensive when you do find it. I couldn't believe how inexpensive this huge bag was, so I bought it. Did my suitcase ever smell good!

I`ll be happy to take some of that lavender  :)

Zora--Why don't you bring the bag, someone else can bring some baggies and we can hand it out there? That way you don't have to deal with bagging all of it or keep track of who wants some of your generous offering.

I also want to stress that you do not have to bring something home made to join us! :angry:

We always need drinks, cheese, etc. Jacques will let us know how the paper good stash is holding up and what we need.

Posted

I know it won't be the primo season yet for tomatoes, but I think I'll see what I can get my hands on and make gazpacho.

Remember, everyone-- write down your recipe for the 2nd dr.com cookbook!

Posted
Useful.  Last time, shogun cooked his miniburgers using my coleman propane camp stove.

This place does not have grills on site, correct?

This is great that we don't have to worry about the spot and we can just relax and focus on what bring and enjoying the day!

What to bring...stay tuned...

Posted

Two of the following three (Options subject to change without notice): pork rillettes, pissaladier, this chicken salad based on a combination that was revealed to me in a dream last weekend.

Posted

Smoked pork shoulder wtih Eastern North Carolina barbeque sauce (enough for everyone)

Roasted potato salad (enough for 10-12)

Martian pig slop from hell. (enough)

Cigars (3 or 4)

Folding chairs (1 or 2)

The big black plastic trash bag filled with all of the leftover paper and plastic goods from the last 2 picnics.

Posted
Zora--Why don't you bring the bag, someone else can bring some baggies and we can hand it out there?  That way you don't have to deal with bagging all of it or keep track of who wants some of your generous offering. 

I was planning to put it into small baggies (not a major expense) in advance--that way, it will be fairly apportioned, and anyone who wants it can grab a bag. No need to tell me in advance who will want some.

Posted
bump :)

Chris and Binni's event was a complete success and the Passage to India dinner is full (although I am taking names for the waiting list if you are interested) so it is time to get back to the planning of the picnic.

Everyone on two legs is welcome; spouses, children, grandparents, etc.  Please keep dogs and other four legged family members at home.  You can bring them some left overs, if there are any.  I call any of Jacques leftover butt.

Now it's time for the fun part: who is going to bring what? 

I'm bringing salmon mousse.

We also should work up a list of who is coming so we will know how many to expect. Count me in possibly + 3 kids.

Posted

What are the hours again...too lazy to look them up.

I have a footie match from 12:30 to 2:30...so probably earliest I can be there is 3pm.

I'll BYOB since I'm sure everyone will be stuffed by then :)

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