I am! You didn't put a date on your post for a gtg, but I will be in NY on 9/1 for one night before leaving for Egypt!

I am! I'll be there in August. (And if it doesn't work out, I have a new idea for a restaurant to try. Thanks!)

Hmm, tb, I think we should have *multiple* GTGs! Maybe one a month? Summer's the time for it!!

I'm around most of the summer. starrs, what week of Aug will you be here? That's the one month that's spotty for me...

I'd probably attend...depending on date and day of week....

The weekend of Aug 11th would work best for me. I'll be there longer, but I think most GTGs happen on weekends, right?
The restaurant is just a few blocks from my "home".

The weekend of Aug 11 works for me, the next doesn't...

Aug 11 weekend works for me as well. Be fun to have some new faces join us.

Friday evening for drinks and food look good? That's Aug 10th. I suggested Bella Luna the restaurant can accomodate a crowd. It's on 88th and Columbus. Just found this place recently and the food is WONDERFUL and by NY standards, almost cheap, lol.

Dory, you're on for Sept 1 too,,,,,,,hey lets PARTY.

If anyone is awake and willing to meet me in TS at 7am tomorrow Wed, we'll have a mini gtg.

SueNYC, I remember you mentioned you'd start doing TS in the early morning. And I've been seriously considering it! Do you go every Wed? Tomorrow is looking to be rather wet, and I don't think I'll motivate from Brooklyn if that's the case.

Well at the moment I'm scoping this out with the intention of doing it Tues and/or Wed mornings. I pretty much stopped thinking about it when I broke my wrist so I have to start practicing waking up and will do so tomorrow. I told someone from another board who offered me coffee if I would do it 1st week in July that even if I were charging then, he'd come for the coffee price so I've put another one on my calendar for Tues July 3rd.

I'll get a lot more done when I can type with 2 hands.

Aww Sue, I'd hoped you were healed by now! I'll put July 3rd on my calendar and check back with you around then. Get well soon!

My favorite neighborhood in NYC is the UWS. I'd love to join the GTG, I'll keep checking this thread for the final date.

I try to get into the city as much as I can, recently went about 2 months ago to the Tenement museum, then 2 weeks later to try one of the free walking tours of Little Italy and Chinatown. Had a great time.

Has anyone ever eaten in The Cottage, a Chinese restaurant on 77th and Amsterdam? Best scallion pancakes with peanut sauce, and I love the cheap Franzia wine they give you instead of tea!

SuzieQQ, maybe we'll meet at this GTG!

Karen

I might be game for a GTG depending on my schedule.

Post when and where and I'll try to be there, but to be perfectly honest if it is a Friday evening I probably won't attend. Driving in from Jersey on a Friday evening can be a real "pain".

Sometime Saturday would work better for me than a Friday evening too.

Ok, how about a vote - Friday, Aug 10th or Sat Aug 11th.

Either is fine by me!

I vote for Saturday. I'll probably be going to a Broadway show so lunch/afternoon/early evening would be best for me.

Oh g, you're always up for a party, lol.

Ah, tb, you really do know me!

Either is OK with me also.


Karen

So the GTG is Saturday Aug 11th at say 1pm (for a nice brunch) at Bella Luna, so I'll make a reservation for 10 (so far) and can expand it if more people can make it. You guys will love this place.

Mine is a tentative yes....I get a lot of family company during the summer and as of yet no one has given me dates. So, if possible I'll be there.

Sounds great! Looking forward to it!

On my calendar! For anyone looking for details, this is the restaurant's website:
www.bellalunanyc.com

Sounds good. Do you want to post this in the Lounge?



Karen

Put me down as a tenative attendee. I'd be coming up from Northern VA./DC area by bus. I have a 2 night NYC hotel stay at Columbus Circle to use but need to see if I can use it that weekend, and gotta make sure that is not the timing of daughter going back to college...

That restaurant looks great, like the lunch menu too. Half price wines on Tues night? Rare for NYC.

Ok, based on this I made a reservation for 20, I figure we will get more as the summer progresses, and I can bring it down if we get a few "sorrys".

I look forward to meeting everyone. Hey a thought, I'm gonna get a t-shirt made up with "travelbuff", but need a catchy "slogan" for the front, any ideas? And if anyone else wants a shirt I can get them made for $10.

Travelbuff, some catchy slogan working in the word "fodor" maybe? And if we get fodors in on the Tshirts maybe we can get key chains or some other tokens for the GTG from our friendly Fodors editors??? Maybe Doug, he lives in NYC...

BTW, I am in Mexico now and for the next month, on the Caribbean now and then traveling through the Yucatan and Chiapas visiting Mayan sites, so I can't check w/that NYC hotel about using my comp two nights for the GTG weekend til I get back. I might try to email them sooner from down here...

I may invite Mara from the Asia board. She lives in Brooklyn and I have met up w/her in NYC. We have both been to Japan, her many more times than me.

I hope mclaurie will come, she is in the area also. I met up w/her in NYC for a drink a few yrs ago and would love to see her again also.

I think that should read "she many times more than me." Right? Grammar haunts me.

Please add me to the list of attendees. Thanks

Add me to the list - NOTE - it is a day when Park Ave will be closed to traffic from Brooklyn Bridge to 72nd - Closer to the day, I'm willing to propose a meet up place and time for those who want to get a bit of exercise before lunch!

Wow this is getting exciting, yes please invite anyone you would like just let me know so far, it seems we have more than 10, so this should be a fun gtg.

Keep the names coming.

I'm emailing a few possibilities. They probably have already seen this but just in case they haven't...

I am confused. Is this a travel board, or the MeetUp board?

I attended a few meetups, always a big mess. Not once were the planned events or agendas carried thru. It turned into a dating scene, or a jobs hunt. Is that what the plan is?

Look, Fodors is for travel advice, and I prefer to keep it that way.

I just saw this post - even before I got down to emd's invitation I was thinking to go - have never been to a Fodor's gtg although I have met a few of the posters....looking forward to it.

Pomah, your answer is easy. Just don't go to a fodors get-together. And god forbid, don't ever meet up one on one with someone you meet on this board, lol! Don't take the chance that you might meet new friends who also love travel and share other interests you might have. And don't take the chance that they might actually become friends you keep up with for years.

Mara, I am so glad you are coming! And SueNYC also. SueNYC, I have read your NYC blog often and it inspired me to read up on the Triangle Shirtwaist fire and many other historical NYC events. Really looking forward to meeting you and everyone else.

Very exciting indeed! SueNYC, exercise beforehand - weather permitting - sounds great.

travelbuff, what about posting about the GTG on other boards to loop in those that might not frequent the US one? I'd be happy to create a post for you with a link back to this one, unless that starts to get too big?

Also, POMAH - don't read posts with GTG in the title. I frequent another board and I don't "do" hotels or get crazy about what is the best seat in a theatre so I ignore those threads. I also ignore threads with ambiguous titles. You'll still find plenty of travel information here.

BTW - I am still friendly with a group of folks (some of whom are here) who began getting together on a board that has been closed for about 5 yrs. We still get together and communicate with each other between gigs.

I have posted this in the lounge, hope no one minds.


Karen

Hey guys that's the idea, spred the word, be fun to have lots of people there, good food and new friends, can't beat that!!!!!!!!

POMAH, I have been to 3 "events". One was in my Garden, and 4 Fodorites turned up and we had a GREAT time, even though we got rained on. A more recent event only 3 of us came, ggreen was one and we had a GREAT time, a nice girls nite out.

The first event we had probably 20 people at an outdoor plaza, a couple of years ago, and we had a GREAT time.....ummm I'm seeing a pattern here, we had a GREAT time every time.

So come or don't up to you, but I know we're going to have a GREAT time.

Okay tb, I posted on the Asia forum:

http://www.fodors.com/community/asia/hello-from-the-us-forum-nyc-gtg-august-11-2012.cfm

Perrrrrfect. Thanks. So come one, come all - great food and even better company.........

we are in too, have our hotel reservations and look forward to it..

a number of folks from the asia board live in nyc and might be interested..

put us down for 2 seats

bob and karen

Hi
Got an e-mail from Carol of the Asia board. Of course I am in, am always up for a Fodors GTG.

WOW, that's 16 by my count,,,,,,,so far......FABULOOOOOOOSE. This gonna be one great party, and I just had an idea to surprise you all,,,,,you'll have to wait till you get there........

I just heard back from my Long Island friend, and she says I can visit her 13th.... so looks like I'm up for a GTG on 11th!
Carol (from Asia board)

That's great Carol, welcome to the PARTY or as we would say in Boston the PAH TEE. lol.

Hope to join the party!

On another thread regarding NYC on the US forum, I asked Doug Stallings, one of the fodors editors who lives in NYC, if he was aware the GTG and if he could come, and I hinted at getting some fodors items for us. He said he might be busy that day, but he would ask Amy (the other editor) what they have on hand for us in the way of fodors items for the GTG.

Amy emailed me last night and asked if the editors could also come and I said OF COURSE, that we would LOVE to have them come, so we are up to 20 by my count, the more the merrier, the restaurant can accomodate more than 20 so just let me know anyone else coming.

Hi everyone - we're really excited about this GTG! I'm working on a list of who can attend from our HQ and we'll be bringing along some goodies for this as well. We just got a new shipment buttons that I think you might like. Here's a sneak peak http://instagr.am/p/KNe_SGnE85/

Hi travelbuff, don't know if you remember me, I came to the big outdoor CTG a few years ago. I will try to make this one too. Sounds like a great crowd!

Yes, VERY exciting!! travelbuff, thanks so much for the initiative. And Amy_D, I must have one of those pins!

Amy, love the buttons! Will be great to meet you and whoever else from fodors HQ also, along w/all of the posters who you do your jobs for, lol.

This is getting to be the late summer event to look forward to!

I'm really considering this, despite my seriously introverted nature. I've been to 2 before, one in Paris and one in San Francisco...considerer me tentitive!

~Liz

elberko, I hope you decide to join us. I can only speak for the few I've met, but I promise we don't bite. And you'll have a ready topic to discuss: travel!

travelbuff, I heard on the post on the Asia board that laurieco and possibly Mr. laurieco will join us. I think emd3 is right, the late summer event to look forward to!

Elberko, I hope you do decide to come. The last time we did a gtg in the City only 3 of us where there and we talked for about 3 hours and enjoyed each other's company so much, so I know this will be a nice bash. You can choose to sit with a large group of have a smaller table whatever you feel most comfortable with.

gg, thanks for taking the initiative with this as well, might be my idea, but it's for all of us to enjoy, so let more people know and we can fit at least 30 into the restaurant without a problem, so right now by my count we have 25ish, so a few more is no problem.

travelbuff, thank you for organizing this, I am waiting on tenterhooks for the day! I'm sure you are keeping a running tally of yeses and maybes, do you think it a good idea to post the list?

Was in the city yesterday, one of the hottest days. Saw the absolutely fabulous War Horse. Wouldn't see the movie as I can't stand war movies, seeing so many young men dying, and esp hate seeing animals hurt or killed. Thought it wouldn't be so bad seeing what they call "puppets" but after awhile they weren't puppets but real horses, or so it seemed. I started crying before the "horse" went to war and practically cried the whole way through. Anyone who is able to see it, I highly recommend it. Purchased the tickets around 12:30 that day at TKTS in Times Square for 40% discount.

See you in Aug!

Karen

Thanks, ggreen and travelbuff, I truly appreciate the encouragement. I'll see if I can come up with a plan to come up and attend.

I just upped the reservation at Bella Luna to 30 and we can add to it if needed.

THIS IS GETTING EXCITING NOW!!!!!

Wow!!! Should be a good time!

mrs gpanda (beth) will now be joining the group too

maureen lydon, a friend of mrs gpanda, and a boston GTG attendee will be joining us too

rhkkmk was nice enough to create a post on the Europe board:
http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/nyc-gtg-168996-2.cfm

I'm so sorry I will be in PHL the 10th leaving for CVG. This would have been a fun addition to my quick trip.

I talked to the owner of the restaurant yesterday, and they are going to do something special for us, and just maybe I can get some media coverage,,,,that would be fun.

I'm thinking we top this at least weekely until the BIG DAY.

Well, CRAP! I can walk to Bella Luna from my apartment but I'm out of town that weekend! Have fun people!

For those in need of a hotel rm for the GTG, if you subscribe to Travelzoo they have a Top 20 deal out today for rooms at the New Yorker Hotel. Fri. - Sun. from July 9 - Sept 3 are $169, and that includes breakfast for two each day at the 39th floor Sky Lounge, and upgrade to a room w/either Empire St. Bldg. or Hudson River view. Mon. - Thurs. that same period are $189. I have stayed in those view rooms and the ones I have stayed in w/two queen beds are enormous YC standards

The hotel has a very nice, art deco feel w/updated rooms, across from PEnn Station, a good location. 24 hr Tick Tock Diner attached to hotel is good to have, and I also like the bar/restaurant attached called Coopers TAvern. Have eaten many meals there and the bar is friendly there also. Room Service is from Tick Tock diner.

This is a good deal if anyone is interested.

That deal above is also posted on Travelzoo's website, you do not have to get the Top 20s delivered to your inbox to get the deal. But it will likely sell out wuickly since it is highlighted as a top 20 deal.

I am so envious, can't make it but sending best wishes from northern California!

Btw, we've stayed at the New Yorker Hotel, not fancy but very neat.

ggreen -- remember me from the 2008 NYC GTG at the Shanghai Tea Garden? Let me know when you are in SF or Shanghai!

Hi Shanghainese!! Yes I do remember you, of course! (I didn't remember the name of the restaurant, though LOL.)

Wow, it would have been so great if you could hop into town for our GTG! However, I haven't even been to CA in over ten years(!), so I understand it can be a little difficult.

There might actually be more of a chance for me to be in Shanghai this year than SF. I'm really hoping to be able to make it to a friend's wedding in HK in December! (As always, my biggest issue is the cost of airfare.) ...Not to hijack this thread: I'll certainly be posting about it on the Asia forum in the near future!

ttt so I can find this again - I'm going to try to come and will post again when I know for sure!

It's going to be a great GTG!

oh. my. god. I SO want to come to this. I'm going to look at my calendar and check a few airfares. It's highly unlikely but...maybe.

Oh my goddess! You MUST come!


And then we will walk the Brooklyn Bridge.

Is this the restaurant?

http://www.bellalunanyc.com/menus.html

Now that I'm looking at the menus, checking Amtrak schedules, and leaving messages for family in NYC this is starting to get so exciting! I've never been to a gtg before! It's looking better and better for me to come (hoping I can juggle some things on this end though) and I can't wait to meet the people associated with the names I've been reading for so long!

Yes, kwren, that's the place. (I posted the link waaay upthread - thanks for reposting it.) I hope you can make it: this is getting to be so exciting!!

Oops - sorry, I missed it ggreen - when I was first reading this thread I didn't think I'd be able to make it so didn't pay such close attention to the details, but now it's it's looking good and on my calendar!

My husband is going to drive with me and spend the day at a museum, maybe we'll have dinner with my dad and then we can drive home that evening. We're from central PA so don't get to NYC that ofter - it's great to have an excuse (other than my dad who we just saw "on our way to Italy", as I told him)...and spend the afternoon talking travel to boot!!!

Can't think of a better day! See you all soon!

Oh, I meant that it was good you reposted the link! With 81 replies and counting, the important details get lost... So here it is again, for all newcomers!

Saturday, August 11, 2012
1pm
Bella Luna
www.bellalunanyc.com


kwren, I look forward to meeting you IRL - and exchanging Italy notes!

It will be my pleasure to talk Italy - I just spent a week in Abruzzo at an amazing cooking school!

And we get back from a cruise the week before the gtg!

You won't be able to shut me up!

Am I too late to join in on the GTG?

mcnyc, sure we have a seat just for you, so yes please come. I have upped the number to 35. I will be posting a list of those "yessers" this week, so please let me know if I have missed anyone.

Now just one month from today. I am so looking forward to meeting all of you. By Friday I will put together the list of those attending, so I make sure not to miss anyone and make sure we have the right number for reservations.

pls also give us the cost, menu and time (1PM?)..

we were in nyc lst weekend and stopped by bella.. it looks great.. plenty of parking in neighborhood on cross streets and local garages.. no valet.

I would like to add my traveling companion, my husband Mike, to the guest list even though he is not a Fodorite. Hope that is OK!


Karen

KRNS, yes please bring Mike along, the more the funner.

rhkkmk, the cost is as per the menu whatever you would like, no additional cost. Please feel free to check the menu and I think you will see why it's one of my favs now. The food is GREAT, well priced, good portions and really good service. They also have a very good wine cellar.

The websiste is bellalunanyc.com for more info.

If anyone needs directions, please let me know.

Maybe. Maybe. Maybe. Fingers crossed!

goddess, I just sent an email to an old email address. If you don't receive it, please email me at the email address on my profile.

starrs, you've got mail!

We're in! Got room for two more?

I am hoping to convince my travel partner (and husband) to come in to town for my first ever GTG, if there is still room!

Change me fron tentative to yes, and add Mr. elberko, too. Thanks for the hotel tip, emd3! I've reserved a room at the New Yorker.

~Liz

Taconictraveler, if you end up coming in by yourself, let me know, I'm going to leave my husband at home

(mine is staying home as well...) How many are we now?? Just curious. Will you have name tags or something, so we can make connections with names and faces at the GTG? That'd be great.

Oh yes -- name tags please!!! Maybe fodors will supply them (along, I'm hoping, with other swag).

Sorry guys I have been crazed with work but tonight I will put up the list so make sure your name is on it and I will update the reservation at Bella Luna.

I'm planning on a few things so shhhhhh I want you guys to be surprised.

travelbuff, I seem to have misplaced your email address from our last GTG. Do you still have mine?

I don't think I have it. Do you still have my cel number or phone, give me a call.

Do you have room for one more? I'm just hearing about this now and I would love to attend. Thanks!

Have fun!! I won't be there till Sept sounds like a great crowd though!

Can't wait to meet everyone. Travelbuff, please let me know if there is anything I can do or bring.

Before the GTG If anyone wants some exercise join me for summer streets and Central Park, let's meet at the clock in Grand Central at 9:45. We will walk south just far enough to enter the road that goes around GC that is always off limits to pedestrians. We'll walk Park to 60th then head over to Central Park. I promise a nice off road route including some of the Ramble and we'll leave the Park on the West Side near the restaurant.

Note: this is a good fun 3 mile walk. More info here:
http://thestarryeye.typepad.com/explorenyc/2012/07/summer-2012-5-exercise-watching-doing.html

I'll start a separate thread closer to the time unless someone else does it first. This GTG thread is way too long for me.

I'm bringing a plus one. A former co-worker (and travel planner extraordinaire) will be joining me.

Hello,

I usually roam in the Europe board and just became aware of this GTG. I live in NJ, so I'll try to attend. Is there still space? Do I need to RSVP to somebody, or is this the place to do so?

Travelbuff, I hope you are OK, you haven't been on this thread for a while. Looking forward to Saturday!

~Liz

travelbuff has not posted anywhere on the boards in the last 3 wks. This is not looking good, something must be up.

I have emailed travelbuff but haven't gotten a reply; our last communication was a little over a week ago. I know she'd been very busy with work, but I'm starting to get a little concerned - I hope everything's okay! I'll email Amy_D and figure out a way to pick up the slack.

Is it too late to add my name to the GTG? I would love to attend and meet some fellow FODORITES.

Just got a reply from travelbuff: she's been super busy but otherwise all is good and on track.

cruiseluv and tdk320n - I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem to add you to the GTG. Of course, I'll leave the definitive response to travelbuff, since she's the one who made the restaurant reservation.

I wonder how many we have now? Sounds like a crowd!
I'm looking forward to meeting everyone!

Thanks ggreen.
i will keep checking to see if it is ok.

Enjoy everyone,
Wish i could join you.Hope to make the next one.

I AM SO SORRY FOR NOT BEING ON THE BOARD RECENTLY BUT I HAVE BEEN MORE THAN SWAMPED WITH WORK.

SO HERE IS THE LATEST FOR SATURDAY. I UPPED THE RESERVATION TO 35 SO WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO ACCOMODATE EVERYONE AND I WILL POST THE ATTENDEES TONIGHT SO CHECK TOMORROW.

NY1, ......INTERESTING........I JUST GOT OFF THE PHONE WITH NY1 (OUR LOCAL CABLE STATION) AND THEY ARE GOING TO SEND A CREW TO TALK WITH ALL OF YOU LOVELY PEOPLE ABOUT TRAVELING. I TOLD THE DESK MANAGER, THERE ISN'T A BETTER GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO KNOW EVERYTHING THERE IS TO KNOW ABOUT TRAVEL.....THEN ALL OF YOU.....AND I MEAN WORLDWIDE TRAVEL.......SO NY1 WANTS TO COME AND DO THE STORY, AND IT SURE DOESN'T HURT THAT THE FOOD IS SO GREAT AT BELLA LUNA AS WELL.

SO WE'RE A ......GO.....FOR SATURDAY, AND I WILL BE THERE BY NOON TO DO A BIT OF A SET UP SO ANYONE INTERESTED CAN COME BY EARLY OR JUST SHOW UP AT AROUND 1PM.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT TIME NY1 WILL BE THERE, BUT SHOULD KNOW ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON SO WILL POST WHEN I KNOW.

ANYOTHER QUESTIONS........I WILL CHECK BACK TONIGHT.

SEE YOU ALL ON SATURDAY,,,,,AND BRING YOUR APPITITES......OH AND SOME TRAVEL PICTURES WOULD BE FUN TOO.........

I guess I haven't posted on this thread but I'm coming on Saturday. I've been in touch with Bob, didn't even know there was a thread on the US board! See you Saturday.

laurieco, I believe you posted on the thread I created on the Asia board - or at least I knew you were coming from way back! (Waaay back when, we had a discussion that Mr. laurieco wasn't going to make it...)

Thirty-five people for our NYC GTG. This is shaping up to be quite the shindig!

Glad you are okay, travelbuff!

Yay... nice to see that things are falling into place! This should be an interesting gathering!

You invited the press? Without telling your guests until the last minute? When some have already made their travel plans at a significant expense?

ggreen, you are correct, I remember now. I thought I had posted somewhere! I'm really looking forward to seeing old friends and making some new ones. See you all Saturday!!

ttt for rob't

looking_glass media is always last minute, and you don't have to talk if you don't wish, or even be on camera if you don't wish, not a problem at all.

I just spoke to Fodors and there will be a Fodors person to do the camera/interviews for the event.

good idea to have the press

WOW SO HERE WE GO WITH THE LIST AND PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I HAVE MISSED ANYONE.......

GGREEN - AND CO-HOST
TRAVELBUFF CO-HOST
BOB
STARRS
SUSIEQQ
SUENYC
KRNS (2)
EMD3
RHEA58
MARA
RHKKMK (2)
NYWOMAN
SIMPSOSC510
AUNTGRAPES
OWLWOMAN
MRSGPANDA
MCNYC
LTLHERMITS
CRUISELUV
TDK320N
LAURIECO
ROB'T
ELBERKO
KWREN
GODDESSTOGO (2)
TACONICTRAVELER

OK, THIS IS THE LIST FROM THIS THREAD SO I WILL HEAD TO THE ASIA BOARD AND SEE IF THERE ARE ANY NAMES THERE I DON'T HAVE.

RIGHT NOW IT SEEMS THE NUMBER IS 27 SO IF I AM MISSING ANYONE PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

Add (2) to Elberko, please. Mr. Elberko will attend.

Starrs = 2

OK I CHECKED THE ASIA BOARD AND ALL OTHER NYC GTG POSTINGS AND THIS IS THE MOST UPDATED LIST OF ATTENDEES, JUST ABOVE.

IF I SOMEHOW MISSED YOUR NAME, MY APPOLOGIES AND PLEASE ADD IT TO THE LIST.

I HAVE RESERVATIONS FOR 35 AND 30 (WITH A COUPLE FODORS FOLKS) SO WE HAVE ROOM FOR A FEW LAST MINUTE GUESTS, SO IF YOU HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT COMING, PLEASE LET US KNOW AND COME TO OUR EVENT.

I AM HOPING THIS IS THE FIRST ANNUAL NYC EVENT. GGREEN AND I HAVE BEEN INTOUCH WITH BELLA LUNA, SO THEY ARE ALL READY FOR US........THE WINE IS COLD (ALONG WITH THE BEERS) AND THE FOOD IS READY TO HIT THE GRILL........SO COME SPEND A FEW HOURS WITH US TALKING TRAVEL......OR ANYTHING ELSE....AND MAKE A FEW NEW FRIENDS...........

SEE YOU ON SATURDAY

BELLA LUNA ITALIAN RESTAURANT
88TH AND COLUMBUS AVE.

1PM

LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS.....
I WILL CHECK BACK LATER TODAY AND TOMORROW.

travelbuff, you missed cruiseluv and tdk320n from upthread (Aug 5 and 6, respectively). Also, can you turn off the all-caps please? It's difficult to read so much text like that!

Lookin_Glass, are you planning on joining? (Or was your comment more of a general statement - and IMO a good one at that, since having media has never been part of GTGs in the past.)

Hello,

Travelbuff and ggreen, thanks so much. It now appears I will not be able to attend, what a bummer. Wishing all of you a great time. Maybe I'll see you in the news!

I DID THE CAPS ON PURPOSE TO MAKE THESE THREADS STAND OUT.

YES ADD

CRUISELUV
TDK320N
LAURIECO
ROB'T
ELBERKO (2)
MAUREEN - READHEAD FROM BOSTON

AGAIN, IF I AM MISSING ANYONE SORRY AND KEEP THE NAMES COMING.

THAT'S STILL ABOUT 30 SO WE STILL HAVE A FEW MORE SEATS.

Ah, cruiseluv, that's too bad! Hopefully this will go off so well we can do it annually - like what they do in Boston.

Sorry, I was a maybe...and I won't be attending since I'm having guests for the weekend.

travelbuff and ggreen: You two are just great to do this.

Unfortunately, I am squeezed by an early morning MUST do, and then I have to get back in early evening. So, the two hour train ride each way will not be possible.

Since I've never been to a REAL GTG, I really hope you do this each year, so I can really plan ahead.

Best wishes to everyone, and I hope someone takes photos.

SusieQQ and taconictraveler, you will be missed! Looking forward to meeting you at next year's gathering. (How's that for positive thinking!)

I'm sure there will be many cameras around. Maybe it will be a race to see who gets them online the fastest!

Add me. Perhaps I should match style.

ELLENEM

looks like a fun group

i fail to see why looking glass tried to put such a damper on the GTG... i'm probably in trouble for saying this, but someone has to..

these gtg's are not just thrown together, they take a lot of work..

THANKS LADIES!!!

I know we are going to have a great time tomorrow. gggreen and I have a cute surprise for you and several people from Fodors will be there, as well as a guest surprise.

So I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow and then looking forward to your trip reports on the "event".

Thanks gang for being so supportive we are going to have a BALL.

Can't wait!!

I am sad for goddesstogo, who is stuck in the Toronto airport because of the weather between here and there. Hopefully they'll get out soon! And safe travels to everyone else!! SEE YOU TOMORROW!!!

I'm spending the day in the airport trying to get in too. Nasty weather in NYC evidently. Doing the standby thing. Fun

Ugh starrs, what a way to start your vacation!

It was a little rainy here a little while ago, but the forecast says it isn't supposed to get bad until the afternoon, when there's a high probability for thunderstorms. Right now it's clear over my slice of Brooklyn, but I see big billowy white clouds over NJ in the direction of Newark...

I'll be driving in for about 3 hours from central PA - rain can't stop that, although it might slow me down. It's a bit dreary here now so it will probably travel with me...sorry!

Can't wait to meet you all!

no rain in white plains at 5PM

Heavy rain in the EAST END of Long Island.
Affecting my TV and internet connections.Waiting for repair man. May have to cancel tomorrow.Not sure if this will reach you.
If I miss I will definitely come to the next gathering.

I am looking forward to meeting everyone. Travelbuff, just to let you know my screen name is ITLHERMITS. Although I think I like LTLHERMITS better! I will probably show up a little early so please let me help you in any way I can!

And the sun has come out in Ossining. Fingers crossed for the weather tomorrow!

please add me to your list, Aloma

Frustratingly, it's been beautiful all day here in Brooklyn. (Frustrating because it's such a contradiction to the airline situation!!) However, there have been reports of a tornado on eastern LI.

tdk320n, I guess you must have gotten the brunt of it! We hope you make it through the storm and to the UWS tomorrow... good luck!

itlhermits, travelbuff and I definitely thought it was with an L. Like "little hermits".

awygn, so nice to hear from you! travelbuff and I were reminiscing about our mini-GTG with you. See you tomorrow!

Unless some miracle happened, I believe goddesstogo had to cancel her trip here. And to think, she planned a long weekend in NYC based on our GTG! Sounds like the air situation at Toronto was terribly frustrating. My fingers are crossed for all our air travelers for safe travel!!

The forecast is for heavy rain again tomorrow morning. Hopefully those of us left can sally forth - at least the atmosphere will be sunny inside the restaurant!

Awygn is coming OH THAT IS SO GREAT. It will be great to see you tomorrow and catch up on all your travels.

Hopefully the weather will be co-operating with us, and if not there's lots of room inside the restaurant and wine to keep us comfy, lol.

See all you tomorrow.

AND a HUGE ----THANK YOU to ggreen for being my C0-Host.

The long awaited day is here, and I am so looking forward to this event and hope we can make the the 1st Annual NYC GTG.

See you at Bella Luna 584 Columbus Ave at 88th St.

Hi everybody,
I'm so sorry we're not going to make it to the GTG today and to have our wonderful weekend in NY! To make a bad situation even worse, the airline has lost our bags!!!!!

That's a whole other rant and I won't get into it or the other frustrations of poor service and bad weather right now. I just wanted to say that I hope you have a wonderful time and I look forward to reading the details and hopefully seeing some pictures.

And thanks again, ggreen, for all your help and patience. I'm sorry we didn't get to meet this time but next time for sure and maybe in Toronto too.

best
gtg

Well, at least we got our bags back today.
gtg

goddesstogo, sorry we missed you and so sorry for your air travel troubles. We had a wonderful time today and hope you can make it to the next GTG. Glad that you were reunited with your luggage!

My luggage just arrived! So glad I don't have to borrow clothes for the rest of the trip!

What a fun GTG! Thanks travelbuff and ggreen for planning it. The food was wonderful as was the company. Just a fabulous afternoon. Many thanks!

what a wonderful time we had today... such a nice group and a great restaurant too.

Just checking in to say that today was really wonderful. I enjoyed meeting everyone, including the Fodor's reps, and thank travelbuff and ggreen for all their work to set this up.

Loved the restaurant too - I recommend the mussels!

Loved the GTG! It was so nice to meet everyone and I thank travelbuff and ggreen for setting it up. See you all next time!

A great time was had by all. Thank you Travelbuff and ggreen for arranging this GTG. The foos was good but the company of fellow Fodorites better.

Just wanted to jump in and add my Thank You to travelbuff and ggreen for arranging what was a delightful GTG. It is always nice to see old friends, and to then make new ones as well. I love putting fodors names and faces together.

Thank you green and travel buff for arranging the GTG. It was great! I love the restaurant Bella Luna (just on the other side of the reservoir from me!). Great meeting everyone! More in a post. Am recovering from my next party and walking a 5k all over Yankee Stadium today!

Enjoyed the GTG! Thanks to Travelbuff and ggreen for organizing us. The restaurant was a great choice. It was nice meeting up with old and new travel friends. Look forward to the next NYC gathering.

for those of you who missed out put dec 8 on your calendars for the next one--same place..

I want to add my thanks to travelbuff and ggreen, too! Thanks also to Annabelle and (the other)Katie from Fodors for attending! Really enjoyed it. I've updated my profile picture to show the button we all recieved.

~Liz

Button? BUTTON!!! I missed a BUTTON????!!!! Geez Louise!!! This just gets worser and worser!

I'm trying to convince my SO that we need to rebook our weekend just before Christmas, my favourite week in NY, but I don't think he'll go for it. He doesn't like to walk around in the cold weather. I'm counting on global warming.

Is anyone going to post pics (with names, please)?

WOW you guys, thanks so much. And thanks for taking the time out of all your busy schedules to be a part of the EVENT.

Again my thanks to ggreen, for her help when work was crazed and for spending the evening at my place helping make those cute little placecards. Fodors colors even.

goddesstogo, I have an extra button for you, lol, so you have to come to the next GTG to pick it up,,,,,,,sorry.

My next post is for the December 8th GTG so put it on your calenders NOW.

Can't make a December GTG, but if you schedule one for a similar time as this one was in August it might be do-able. Much easier for me to plan for one visit a year, and if it is 'always about the same time' I can block it out on my calendar. Anyway, I'm sure December 8th will be a good time for all!

Just got the grand kids ready for bed and am taking a break, so finally able to add my thanks to travelbuff for initiating this GTG, picking a very nice restaurant to host it and coming to the rescue with our "puppy problem".

Also thank you ggreen for your invaluable assistance and thanks to the young ladies from Fodor's, Annabelle and Katie, for attending and for the goodies, GoAway button and luggage tags,(sorry to add to your pain goddesstogo!)Husband Mike enjoyed himself also (mr130mph). Hope to make the Dec 8th one and am going to check out the dates for the Philly and Boston GTG, maybe try to attend them. Nice meeting everyone and hope to meet again. By the way, the staff at Bella Luna was excellent, especially the hostess who also tried to help us re: the puppy.

Karen

sigh.