Grey Goose

Here is the link for the restaurant I was talking about last night as a candidate for our club Christmas dinner. Those of you that have experienced what this unique restaurant has to offer can verify that the ambiance is light, fun, and family style. The portions are massive and the food is amazing. Please take the time to explore their website and familiarize yourself with what this restaurant has to offer. There are a couple of local locations we can choose from. Please give me your input and those that feel this to be an appropriate venue for our celebration, please respond in kind. The sooner I have a headcount, the sooner I can make the reservation. Thanks guys…

www.bucadibeppo.com

There is also the option of driving out to the Santa Ysabel Casino for the $4.95 Prime Rib special. By the by… if we all met and left from Don’s shop, we would travel 100.20 miles to our destination. Now if we average everyone’s fuel economy at an incredibly optimistic oh let’s say… 18mpg, at $3.09 a gallon. You would consume 5.56 gallons of fuel at a cost of $17.18. Now we figure in the cost of the actual meal! I just got off of the phone with Barbara the Food and Beverage Manager of the facility specifically the Orchard Restaurant, Home of the $4.95 prime rib special. Oh, a quick caveat to the ‘special’. The $4.95 is only available after 4PM and that $4.95 price is only available to player’s club members. So, if you aren’t ok with surrendering your personal contact information in exchange for a player’s club card, the $4.95 prime rib special jumps to $7.77. Let’s keep it positive and assume that everyone either has a player’s club card, or if not is ok with being solicited by a casino that they will visit once every couple of years. So, we have $4.95 for dinner soda and/or iced tea is $1.25 and coffee is .95. Average ticket $4.95 + $1.95 + 20% gratuity $1.24 = $8.14. We will leave gambling out of this as there is absolutely no way to gauge how much money each individual attendee will if at all be contributing to the casino while we are there. The drive home should be pretty close to the drive there so let’s see where we are.

Fuel - $34.36
The $4.95 Prime Rib Special - $8.14
Actual Cost of the “$4.95 Prime Rib Special!” - $42.50

This doesn’t include the Short-Term Travel / Personal Vehicle Mileage Cost @ .34 a mile or $68.

Hell, I don’t know of anyone that would pay $110.50 for a $4.95 Prime Rib Dinner! Wait… or do I?

injdinjn

Queston.
I assume the prices are NOT per person. for example the spagetti & meatballs for six is ~$27 which would work out to ~$4.50/per person.

There is one right here.

injdinjn

There is always MASTER CARD.

Grey Goose

Here is a sample menu that I’ve just thrown together based on a party of thirty people:

Appetizers

Mozzarella Garlic Bread – x3 Large Orders / $32.97
Fried Mozzarella - x3 Large Orders / 41.97

Salads

Apple Gorgonzola - x2 Large Orders / $37.98
Mixed Green Salad – x2 Large Orders / $33.98
Caesar Salad – x2 Large Orders / $33.98

Main Courses

Lasagna – x1 Larger Order / $26.99
Spaghetti w/Meatballs – x1 Large Order / $26.99
Fettuccini Alfredo – x1 Large Order / $21.99
Penne Arraibbata - x1 Large Order / $25.99

Dessert

Dolce Platter – x3 / $89.97

Drinks

Soda, iced tea, and coffee @ $2 x30 = $60.00

Sub Total - $432.81

Gratuity @ 18% - $77.90

Grand Total - $510.71 Divided by 30 people is $17.02 per person.

This is without contacting the banquet manager at the three local locations of which I have already left voicemails for. This comes in under the estimated $20 per person budget those that were interested in last night. Again, this is not set in stone. We can add or subtract dishes as needed based on food preferences and actual attendance.

Once I have been given a couple of date options, I will let everyone know so we can move forward in securing a date and location.

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

If we do this I'm open to the Huntington Beach location.

TA

iTrader: (1)

I have to work Saturdays, so if it is in the Torrance Location 6 pm or later, I'm there. Huntington Beach would require about another 45 minutes. A day-long cruise is just not gonna work.

Troy

injdinjn

I dont remember the previous years head counts, but Im thinking 20-25 people is a more realistic number, but even 20 makes it only ~$25/per so thats within reason.
To help Troy out Torrance is OK for me.

Torrance is a bit from the fwy, HB is right there at the SB off ramp.

JulieGTA

I've eaten at a few different Buca Di beppo's and they are all good.
They serve things family style so they serve a big plate and then everyone takes a share.
The only problem I see is that not everyone eats the same amount, but the bill would be the same. Usually when we go to Mimi's, we seem to like seperate checks.

I also am not interested in taking a cruise, at least not this year.
I don't see how it comes out to be over $100 though, not even the cruise to Santa Barbara cost that much?

edit: On the other hand Buca is better than a catered meal where I wouldn't know what I would get for my $20 or $25.
And still cheaper than a tank of gas.

Grey Goose

As soon as I get word from the managers on dates that are available at the local locations, will make it available to everyone so we can collectively make a decision.

No worries Troy, I’ll the contact the Torrance facility this morning and throw their hat in the ring as well.
Like I said, nothing is set in stone. We can make any and all adjustments necessary so it makes sense to everyone that is planning on attending.

Julie, if you have ever eaten at any variation of buffet (casino, Hometown ,El Torito, Shakey’s) or a traditional Asian themed proper (sit down)restaurant with a couple of friends. You have paid the same price as everyone regardless of the amount of food you have consumed.

JulieGTA

I'm not wild about buffets, (and I know you're trying to go upscale,) but they usually cost about $10 not $25, and have a wide selection.

Grey Goose

Nor am I but I've been forced to frequent them when out of town. Kevin made it abundantly clear during a conversation he and I had yesterday afternoon that you, me, and every other third gen owner in this club is a cheap ***. “Almost everyone is a cheap *** Mike. If not we would have fourth gens or other cars. Consider your audience”. Well, I know for a fact that I am not a “cheap ***” and dressed Kevin down accordingly for attempting to insult me and insult the other members of this club. So those of you that have spent thousands of dollars on engine swaps, brake upgrades, transmission conversions, tuning, etc remember you are a cheap *** in Kevin’s mind. You guys might want to drop him a line and give him an opportunity to offer a little insight into his adolescent methodology.

Like I said at the meeting… if you or anyone else doesn’t feel like this is something they would not like to take part in, please know that I/we am/are compassionate to the issue whatever it might be and understand you and/or any other members will genuinely be missed.

Thanks for your time.

Dyno Don

iTrader: (7)

I don't know Mike, but I for one think it is totally inappropriate for someone, such as yourself, to slam another member and take his or her words out of context and twist them to what you think he meant.

I thought we settled this years ago, some of us would rather save and spend on parts for our cars than lavish dinners.

That's my opinion, do with it as you may.

Any and all comments are welcome.

As for me....I'm out.

Grey Goose

Don, I not a single letter was taken out of context as verified by your son not 15 minutes ago on the telephone. I have encouraged Kevin to explain his methodology behind the comment. I understand your need to voice your concern as Kevin is your son and this is what fathers do. I didn’t slam a member, I quoted a member. The content of the quote is the issue and Kevin can negotiate his way through the issue as he sees fit.

I do remember discussing this some years back and specifically keeping the cost down. I can honestly say that I have never had the pleasure of experiencing a lavish dinner for $20. I had breakfast at my local greasy spoon this morning consisting of orange juice, water, three eggs, hash browns, ham steak, and sour dough toast and it cost me $10.30. So, a quality four course meal for $20 is not to bad in my book.

I understand that Italian food isn’t quite your thing anyway, but please know that the Silver Fox will be missed.

injdinjn

To me a lavish dinner is the Chart House or Cask and Cleaver. Low lighting, actual table cloths and cloth napkins.
Mikes idea is a compromise and a few steps above Home Town buffet.

I, for one, will attend.

Guest

I feel like royalty after reading this. My dinner tonight might alone pay for the whole bunch.

I guess I treat my body well.

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

My wife informed me she is not interested in any long distant travel. So for her to go it would have to be in the local metropolitan area. Otherwise I will be traveling alone.

Grey Goose

Here are the locations I have contacted:

Garden Grove
Huntington Beach
Irvine
Redondo Beach
Universal City Walk

As of now, the Irvine location is the only facility that has contacted me with banquet information. As the info comes in I will make it available.

JulieGTA

The ones I can remember going to were in Anaheim by Disneyland, and Tustin marketplace.

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

There is also a Bucca in Brea.

injdinjn

I hope not this location

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

X2

Jon92TA

Huntington Beach would also be my choice.

thegooseman

City walk would be awesome for me. Its like a 8 min drive. Dont forget their is one in Old Town Pasadena.

JERRYWHO

Count me in for 2 at any of the above locations.
Mike, if you need any help on this event give me a call.

Jerry

Grey Goose

I really appreciate everyone’s input. I’d like to select a location that is central located between LA and the Inland Empire so it makes sense to those traveling from either area. Huntington Beach and Brea seem to make the most sense given their proximity to freeways. If we narrow it down to these two locations, which would you prefer?

92purplehaze

iTrader: (8)

hb

injdinjn

HB

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

HB

Jon92TA

Surf City

JERRYWHO

HB works for me.

JulieGTA

HB !
Even if I went on a hunger strike, I'd still end up cruising in that direction.

Russ-So Cal

Either one works for me. The advantage of both locations is that the restaurants are located at the edge of a mall parking lot, so parking is a lot easier than a place like City Walk.

Duck

HB all the way!

Grey Goose

Well it looks like it’s going to be the Huntington Beach location, lol. I think that it would be easier to stick with our normal club meeting date of December 5th as we already have it marked on our calendars. The reservation needs to be secured with a credit card of which I have no problem doing. I’m going to make the reservation for 7PM which will give everyone an extra hour to get there compared to our normal meeting time.

I have compiled a list of participants based on people that have expressed interest in attending. Please review the list and verify that you and any guests that might be coming with you plan on attending or will not be able to join us. The sooner I get a headcount, the sooner I can secure the date. Thanks for your help guys!

Grey Goose +1 Confirmed
Kevin91Z
madmax Confirmed
Injdinjn Confirmed
1989GTATransAm +1 Confirmed
TA ?
MY87LT +2 Confirmed
Jon92TA
Thegooseman ?
JERRYWHO +1 Confirmed
92purplehaze +1 1/2 Confirmed
Russ-So Cal +1 Confirmed
Duck
godreject Confirmed
bungo78 +1 Confirmed

Dyno Don

iTrader: (7)

Are you sure we will be welcome there again for obvious reasons?

Grey Goose

Are you serious? That was that worst service I have ever experienced at a restaurant in my 35 years on this plant! I sent out letters and emails to their cooperate offices, district manager, store manager and the better business bureau. Treat me bad once, shame on you. Treat me bad twice, shame on me. I don’t allow anyone to screw me twice. When I am paying good money for a meal I expect to be taken care of and when I’m not, I respond accordingly. You may be ok with terrible service but I have a problem with a restaurant that was understaffed for a group that has a standing reservation every other month, an incompetent manager that had absolutely no control of his staff, or a sloth of a waiter that I caught BSing with other waiters on three different occasions instead of tending to the group he was allocated to for the evening. When I am done with that restaurant not only will we be welcome there, we will be begged to come back. That is when we need to tell them to get ****ed!

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

I'll be at both. Me + 2 again. If that's cool. Trying to convert my friends kid into a muscle car fanatic and away from the import crypto racers I was shocked that my friend's son's girlfriend that was there last Saturday had NEVER been in an F body. Her first time.

Grey Goose

Let me make this clear because there appears to be some confusion. We will be having our Christmas dinner on Saturday December 5th, 2009 which is the same/normal date of our regular club meeting that was to be held at the Mimi’s Café in the City of Industry. We will NOT be meeting at the Mimi’s Café; we will be meeting at the Bucca Di Beppo in Huntington Beach for Christmas dinner and our meeting as the majority of our members will be present. I apologize for any confusion this might have caused.

Grey Goose

Thanks for the update, and you've definitely have our support on converting an import lover into a muscle car lover. Well done you!

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

Confirm myself plus one.

JERRYWHO

Confirm myself plus one.

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

Back to Mimi's for a moment. When I gave the waiter my payment for the meal he asked me if he could keep the change. I said no as there was no way I was going to give him a $5.00+ tip.

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

How wierd. This is the first time I heard of a waiter asking to keep the change. Pretty unprofessional if you ask me.

Jon92TA

I didn't make the last meeting but it sounds like there might have been some trouble.
Just a reminder I mentioned at the previous meeting that my daughter now works for Dave & Busters at the Irvine Spectrum. If we want to hold meetings there she can get us a free meeting room with video hook ups and free drinks of coffee, tea or soda. We pay for dinner that would be served in the room. Let me know.

JulieGTA

I said IF i went, HB would be a good location.

Grey Goose

Sounds great to me! I think we should put it to a vote. This would be a great opportunity to start the New Year off at a different venue.

injdinjn

I'd go to D&B, the only issue with the spectrum is parking about a mile away from D&B.

godreject

iTrader: (1)

D&B for sure, but yes parking does suck, but i've only been to D&B at night so im not sure if parking is the same at earlier times, somewhat makes me glad i wasn't present last meeting at mimi's what exactly happened.

anyways pencil me in for one for the xmas dinner, by the way it's been a while since i've been to Bupa, they do offer individual servings right i'm a very picky eater so i rather pick my own plate so at least i know i'l have an enjoyable meal

Grey Goose

Let’s just say that the service, food, and management weren’t quite up to snuff. As an officer of our club, I took it upon myself (because no one else took any initiative to bring resolve to the situation) to have a ‘come to Jesus meeting’ with the manager in an effort to give him an opportunity to not only see what was happening through the consumers eyes but to give him a chance to make it right. Long story short, the integrity of the customer experience was compromised. I hope this gives you a better understanding of the events.

Your best bet would be to order a small portion of whatever you find palatable on the menu and go from there. Thanks for joining us!

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

I would have no problem with D&B.