Sent a F-book message and e-mail to Cobbie. Don't know who else is in CO.

If LaurieCO on your friend list, ping her

Laurieco doesn't live in Denver. Not sure who Cobbie is??

We will be there mid June...

If I am around those days I would love to meet you.

Let's see if we can get a few of us together!

If I'm in town, I'd be interested in getting together. Good idea, DebitNM.

I've been out of town the last week in Tucson--if I'm around those dates in May, I'd be interestd.

These can be fun lunches and I did a couple with from Frommers bloggres. Anyone coming to SD give a holler.

Tom @ Tschiffsd@aol.com

I agree, GTG's are fun having been to several with Fodorites.

{a suggestion Tom, if you are wanting to one, a sep. thread is a good idea - as it is doubtful that anyone heading to SD would open this thread and see your comment}

DebitNM - I should be around, lunch or happy hour would work for me. I would love to meet you & Peaceout. Seems that there are other Colorado fodorites.

Great Betsy! We will see if we can shake a few more out of hiding!

Debit - I work Monday, Tuesday day & Wednesday nights so keep that in mind.
Betsy

Please count me in! I'd love to meet a visiting dignitary, plus any local Fodorites that can make it!

topping

We arrive Sunday May 20th, and leave Thursday May 24th.

Would Sunday evening work since Betsy works nights?

Sunday May 20 would work for me and my husband.

great martym. Are you local? Do you have suggestions for a place to eat?

Yes, we live in the foothills southwest of Denver about 25 miles from downtown but go there often.

Let me know what type of restaurant you would like--food, price, drinks or lunch/brunch and I'll make some suggestions.

We're still in Hawaii but will be home on Monday.

Haaaaaaahhhhwaii~

Right, we just missed each other there; glad we can meet in Denver!

I live in Grand Junction and would be tempted to come. However, we will have guests then. Maybe next time. Have fun everyone.
Linda

Darn, Linda, that would have been nice!

For us it is hard to plan that far out. Need to check the Rockies schedule to see if they are home. We are in the process of cleaning out the house so we can get it on the market by April 1 or so. So who knows what we would be doing at that time. There are lots of options. Croc (Mexican) would be a good casual meeting place. A number of others come to mind depending on time of day.

Just checked the schedules. Rockies are home through the 23rd. Sunday is an afternoon game and rest are evening at 5:10. Sunday could tough to find a place except during the game. Everything in the downtown area will be pretty crowded before and after the game. Something in Cherry Creek, or in the south neighborhoods might work.

We will have a car so we can travel if need be.

We are hoping to see a Rockies game while in town!

Debit-I only work Wednesday nights & other days(at our local library). But please don't plan it around me, if I can make it, I will come.

That makes it a bit easier Betsy, we can try and get as many there as possible!

The Kona Grill in Cherry Creek has a nice large, covered and heated outdoor stone patio with a wonderful half-price appetizer menu at happy hour, and special drink prices. I have gone there with friends several times.

If we got there early enough to grab tables, it would be a good place where people could mingle a bit.. Food is good. Atmosphere is 'cool'. Parking is free and abundant, unless you valet.

Kona Grill
Cherry Creek Mall
3000 East 1st Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
(720) 974-1300
konagrill.com
Happy Hour Monday-Friday, 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
Late Night Happy Hour Monday-Thursday, 9 p.m.-11 p.m.
Just outside of Cherry Creek Mall along 1st, you’ll find the infamous happy hour spot for Downtown locals and DTC’ers alike, Kona Grill. With the Asian and Polynesian flare, and a fabulous fire-pit patio, you’ll enjoy tropical martinis, sake, sushi, noodle dishes, including flatbread pizza and more! Happy hour cocktails and appetizers start at $3, which include a little something for everyone. Be sure to try their avocado eggrolls, with sun-dried tomato, red onion and cilantro-honey dipping sauce—lightly fried deliciousness!

That sounds like a great spot, PO! Does this mean you will be around?? I hope so~

Drat, I won't be able to make it as I'll be sailing the British and Irish Isles with National Geographic.

Another option for a place to gather is North ( northern Italian Bistro type place) in Cherry Creek North. They do have an outside area on the west side that'll seat a small group, otherwise it's inside. Kona Grill is a good spot but does get very busy with the younger crowds.You'll need to get there early as PeaceOut mentioned. North is one of our favorite places in the area and we live here. Have a great time all!

You'll be missed, historytraveler, but it sound's like you will be having a grand adventure! Thanks for the info.

I'm in! (luckily my two-week trip doesn't start until June 1.) Anywhere in the metro area works for me. All of the above suggestions sound great, any day/night works. We might want a spot where we can make a rez once we nail down numbers.

I've always been so jealous of cities where they have GTGs, so I'm thrilled we're finally getting one in Denver. Thanks, Debit, for get this rolling!

I think I will be in town then. We are flying to a June 2 wedding, but I don't think we leave till June 1.

I just noticed the suggestion for Sunday evening, and that Kona Grill does not offer the half-price menu on Sundays. It should still be open, though, and maybe a lot less crowded. It is a nice casual open air setting.

Have been to North for dinner, but it is pretty expensive and more formal. Maybe we need a more casual place, where we wouldn't feel we are disturbing the peace?

The Uptown Tavern has a nice outdoor garden area, which is informal. We had a college reunion gathering there a few years ago. http://www.tavernhg.com/uptown
They also have a Tavern at Lowry, which has a nice outdoor area and is more on the casual side. http://www.tavernhg.com/lowry

The Avenue Grill has their separate room, which we could ask about, too.

Should we think about the type of food people want and how much it costs? I am ok with anything, but those traveling to town might be more specific about what they want.

historytraveler, my husband and I also love North--and though I don't consider it expensive for lunch nor have I felt it is formal--but 'formal' and 'expensive' are relative terms-as those of us on this forum know. (BTW-North does have a private room, I'm pretty sure.)

That being said, Kona Grill would be ok with us also.

I do think the idea that we should have reservations where ever we do go is a good one.

Here are their websites of those two restaurants

http://www.konagrill.com/

http://foxrc.com/north.html


And here are a couple other possibilities.

Charcaol http://www.charcoaldining.com/ terrific food--not expensive (IMHO) for lunch/brunch

Washington Park Grill http://www.washparkgrille.com/

We eat at North about twice a month, and I don't think their menu is expensive. The chicken and prosciutto for $17 is v. good and excellent value as is the pork tenderloin at $21. Those are actually in the mid-price range. The atmosphere is nice but informal (no table cloths, no flowers) similar to Kona Grill. Kona does have the best appetizers, but main courses and desserts at North are definitely better.

You could even do appetizers at Kona and then walk the couple of blocks to North for dinner. They are very close to each other.

I'm not familar with the Uptown Tavern but do know Washington Park Grill. It's nice too but pretty much in the same price range as North.

I would recommend reservations regardless of where you end up.

Have a great time!

Just my 2 cents worth, I would prefer Cherry Creek or further south as we live pretty far south. Thanks.

My recommendation is to avoid any type of a sit down meal, nice restaurants, etc. That raises too many problems especially if reservations are needed. Also increases the time and cost commitment. Another poster and myself host the Rick Steves monthly meeting in Denver. We do it a Panera in a shopping center at 10 AM on a Saturday morning. No concerns or worries about space, reservations, etc. Just keeping pulling tables together as needed. One can stay for 30 minutes or two hours depending on their schedule. The focus is a get a group of people together who want a conversation, ask questions,etc. Keep it simple and easy.

I think fmpden makes a very good point about avoiding dinner requiring reservations and sitting down. Panera is an idea, but we probably want a place that offers wine and/or cocktails?

The Uptown Tavern I mentioned was great for our reunion gathering, since people could just go to the bar themselves, and the wait staff was good about serving people at the tables as they arrived. This was outside in their patio/garden area.

But we can find a place in Cherry Creek, for Betsy and others, because CC is pretty central Denver. And CC is a nice area to visit for out-of-towners.

I think we should leave Kona Grill on the list, and I live close to CC so could check out other suggestions, too, if you want.

Is Sunday, May 20, the agreed upon date?

I think that is great, Peace. Sunday the 20th, around 4 pm? Cherry Creek area. Thanks so much!

Given that date and time - who's in??

A couple of caveats from someone who lives in Cherry Creek. The Panera that use to be located in Cherry Creek North is now an Italian restaurant. It tends to get very crowded and noisy, but the food is good and cheap, but I'd be hesitant about planning any group gathering there. Now there is another Panera on Colorado Blvd which would fine for a morning/afternoon gathering.

No wine, she whines?

Maybe we can also find a place more scenic than Colorado Blvd, my most avoided thoroughfare. For the sake of the out-of-towners, I think it would be nice to meet in an attractive area. With easy parking.

I didn't know the CC Panera closed. I used to stop in there with DS when he's in town. Boo-hoo.

So, should we start a list of places to consider and then whittle it down?

Let the list begin!

My husband and I are in. And Kona Grill for drinks and pupus sounds good to me.

I come up with another possibility when I was out and around today and that's Brio's. Its just down from Kona Grill ( 1/2 block) has a great outdoor place and you can easily do drinks, apts and/or dinner. Don't know if it's any better than K.G, although I think it's a tad nicer. Prices about the same. I'll try to get the website for you. But really Kona is a fine spot for your needs and much better than anything on Colorado Blvd.

Hope you all don't mind my suggestions even thought I won't be able to make it.

Here's the website for Brio's. www.brioitalian.com

You'll need to select Cherry Creek North for location. Sorry I couldn't come up with a picture of the patio or terrace as they call it, but it's nice. They do cater to groups.

Brio or Kona could work. Both have free parking or valet.

I called both to get a feel for them. Told them May 20, anywhere from 8- 14 people. They each say that 3:00 or 4:00 Sunday afternoon is downtime, so good chances of finding seating on patio. Neither take resies for the patio.

Brio manager told me Kona's patio is better, but Brio's food is better. A biased opinion, for sure. No fire pit at Brio patio, though, so weather could make the final selection, since the restaurants are so close together.

I happen to have 13 'free appetizer' cards for Brio, but the manager is reluctant to honor that many at once, understandably. I asked him, if our choice isi between Kona Grill and Brio, would he honor some of the free app cards for us? He said he'd ask and call me back Wed. I told him people will also be ordering cocktails/wine/beer and lunch.

Thank you so much, PeaceOut for doing this and historytraveler, too. I am in your "deb[i]t" for your help.

So how do we score some Fodor's freebies?

I will take care of that part!

Have fun everyone!

Deb, thanks, but I already contacted editor Amy_D, and she responded right away.
We just need to get a head count and she will send some goodies.
It will be easier for me to receive them, so you don't have to travel with them.

So we need a headcount. Who's in?

Deb
PeaceOut
tekwriter
BetsyG
martym
fmpden

???

DH and I--in!!!

It's DH and myself, so we are 2

Thanks for arranging for goodies!

YAY!! This should be so much fun!

---
Cobbie??

So that's 5 so far:

Me
martym + 1
Debit +1


MomDD, I wish you could make it, too!

I'll be there in spirit.

Historytraveler, since you live here, and recommended Brio, maybe we can save a party favor for you!

I am supposed to work that day. I will work on trading my SUnday & let you all know.

tekwriter + DH will be there. All this and swag too! Sweet!

Now we have 7:

Me
Martym + DH
Debit + DH
Tekwriter + DH

BetsyG?
Cobbie?
fmpden?

Who else can we count on?

geez, I'm not from the area but I *might* be there at the same time. Coming for the YSL exhibit at the Museum with mom. Realistically though, the GTG would need to be on the early side, otherwise I bump into grabbing a flight back to Philly. Guess I'm a tentative yes, then.

{I am driving up from Albuquerque, so we aren't likely to be there much before 3.}

3:00 or 4:00 would be best for me, also. And we can hit the restaurant down-time between lunch and dinner, which gives us more elbow room on the patio.

I haven't heard back from the Brio manager regarding the free appetizer cards I have, so that's not a good sign, but I will follow-up with him next week. Not a big deal, really, but maybe they will spring for something for us.

I would like to have a headcount by the end of March, to give Amy plenty of time to get Fodor's freebies to me.

It is on the calender but we are in the processes of moving/selling our house so it is hard to forecast exactly where we will be in at the end of May. I still vote for some where that is easy to drop in and out and doesn't require a numbers commitment.

WOW! I'm really late to this party, b/c I'm rarely on the US board - but I live in Denver! I'll come! and maybe the DH too!

Great to have so many! Should be a grand time.

Fmpden, we will have that ease for dropping in at either Kona or Brio, especially in mid-afternoon. Easy parking, too. We will put you down as a possibility. With plus one, or not?

Oliverandharry, glad you saw this thread. Will put you down for 2.

That gives us possibly 11:

Me
Martym + DH
Debit + DH
Tekwriter + DH
Oliverandharry + DH
fmpden + 1-- possibly

BetsyG?
Cobbie?

Others?

I'm hoping to be in London at that time but if it doesn't work out I will be there. Nice to know there are some other Fodorites here in the Denver area.

I heard back from Brio today. The manager said they will put us down for 12 people on Sunday, May 20, on the patio, at 3:00 or 4:00, pending our reply.

And they will honor four of my Free Appetizer cards, so that will be nice to have for starters. So come hungry! I told them we will be having lunch and drinks. They are being very accomodating, I think. And the menu looks great.

So I assume we want 4:00, to give Debit some breathing room.

Give me you final answer by end of March, plz.

This will be fun!

I will let Amy know to count on 20 for freebies, in case others can join us. Maybe even my DH!

Anyone want to volunteer to do name tags? I hate 'em, too, but they do serve a purpose.

I will do name tags!

And thanks for doing all this, Peace. 4 would be great!

Awesome! Debit, thanks. Knowing you are quite the cook, I think you will like the lunch menu, too.

I have never eaten at Brio, so am glad to try it. DH had some kind of a function there, which is why I have so many Free App cards.

http://www.brioitalian.com/lunch.html

We'll be there.

If you are attending, please email me at the same name at gmail dot com with your Fodor's name and real first name. Thanks.

Done.

Got it, Peace. Thanks~

Deb, did you get my information--sent it a day or so ago?

martym - no, please resend. Thanks!

Just resent!

Got it~ Thanks!

Got it fmpden. Thanks! [Just one?]

Thanks, Debit for coordinating the name tags, which will give us a good headcount, too.

I'm game. We will still be in town as we leave for Europe on June 9th.

BTW, Brio is delish, very good Italian grill.
I just saw this tread today, didn't know about it, otherwise I would've answered earlier. I will go with Husband or oldest son.

Got your email, pookymimi, thanks!

Deb, did you get mine? Sent it 3/21.

Yes, thought I replied. sorry~

Count me in. DH can't be there, but that might change closer to the time. I'm looking forward to meeting you and putting some faces to names.

Great joto! Drop me a line with your name, for nametag.

I think that makes 14?

Got it joto, thanks!

OH! this sounds like so much fun...and I'm going to miss it. Was tentative but now must get back early on Sunday. What a shame to be so close....

boo.

Have a great, great time!

Sorry you won't make it, Huny! Safe travels.

I just saw this post - I'll be in town (the weekend before our next Europe trip), and while I have a scheduled kid activity, I should make, though maybe late. DebitNM, I'll email you.

Lexma, got it, thanks!

Sal9000 got you too!

How many RSVPs do you have, Deb?

Let me get a list together, PO

This is what I have based on emails I have gotten.

Yes:
joto [1, maybe 2]
pookymimi [1]
tekwriter [2]
martym [2]
PeaceOut [1]
Debit [2]

Maybe:
Sal9000 [1]
Lexma90 [1]
fmpden [1]
BetsyG [1] don't have name for nametag, assuming it's Betsy!

Thanks, Deb. Let's stay in touch, so I can give Brio the best headcount we can. Right now, they expect 14.

Today I e-mailed Fodor's editor Amy re: any goodies she can give us.

You got it!

I have to work that day. I am trying to trade but so far no one has volunteered to trade. I will keep trying but assume I am a no unless you hear otherwise. I will be sorry to miss it!

I hope you can make it, Betsy! Keep us posted, please.

I will definitely be in London on May 20. You will like Brio - had lunch there a few months ago. If there is ever another Denver GTG I'll try to be there. Or we could set up another one later in the year.

Karen

Sorry you won't be able to join us, cobbie, but hey -
London beats Denver! Have a wonderful trip.

Topping in case anyone else can join us.

The restaurant Brio called me yesterday to confirm. They are being very helpful and accommodating. Right now, they are setting a table for 12 on their patio. I will need to confirm that number closer to the date. If you can tell me the names of folks attending, Deb, and your count, that will be helpful.

I told Brio that we will be eating a meal, plus getting the comp appetizers and whatever beverages. Brio will give us separate tabs, which they offered and I thankfully accepted. It should make our lives easier!

And Fodor's is sending me a box of goodies, but I haven't received it yet. Will bring all to our GTG, on Sunday, May 20, starting at 4:00, at Brio in Cherry Creek:
BRIO
CHERRY CREEK MALL
2500 East 1st Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 329-0222

You can move me from "maybe" to "yes." Looking forward to this!

Peaceout, I am put of town ,wilL give you count on Sat.

Thanks, Deb. No hurry. i figured you were traveling!

I still cannot get out of work, sorry to miss it.

Sorry to hear that, BetsyG.

To clarify Brio location-- they advertise it as Cherry Creek Mall, but it is NOT attached to the mall itself, so do not park in the mall lots.

Brio is across from Nordstrom's, on a corner, facing 1st Street. There is free parking surrounding it.

Deb's got us down too - oliverandharry and DH. See you there!

Yes:
joto [1]
pookymimi [1]
tekwriter [2]
martym [2]
PeaceOut [1]
Debit [2]
oliverandharry [2]
Sal9000 [1]
lexma90 [1]
fmpden [1]

I have sent emails to confirm; will post any changes/updates.

Sal9000 won't be there.

Thanks for keeping track, Deb. I will give the restaurant a firm headcount next Saturday, so please keep us posted.

pookymimi [2]

Heading up to Denver shortly!

4 pm
Brio
CHERRY CREEK MALL
2500 East 1st Avenue
Suite B115
Denver, CO 80206
(p) 303.329.0222

See you all there!

I will tell the restaurant to set our table for 14.

fmpden, are you still tentative?

Can you add one more? Is it still Sunday May 20th?

It IS tomorrow. I don't think it should be a problem for one more. PeaceOut??

Yes, I will add you, kathie. That makes a table for 14, which I will notify Brio today-- if you are sure?

Haven't heard from fmpden, so I assume he is not coming.

Yes, I'm sure. It'll be fun. Thanks,

Excellent, Kathie. Glad you saw this thread in time!

The order is in at Brio for 14.

And Brio is honoring its offer to comp 4 appetizers for us.

Weather is supposed to clear tomorrow. Yay.

See you all tomorrow at 4:00.

So nice meeting you there! Peaceout, DebitNM, Martyms and everybody else.

Plot was a great GTG! 9 Fodorites plus family for 15 total. 8 GTG virgins, now have a GTG to add to their resume! Thank you all for coimg out to welcome us to Denver. What a great city, will do a TR when I get home.

Plot= It

Really, really enjoyed the event tonight! Deb and PeaceOut did a superb job of organizing and I so loved "putting a face to a name!" What a nice group of people, fellow travelers! We must do this again!

Our first GTG was great fun for us! Nice people, interesting conversation, good food. Thanks Deb and PeaceOut for arranging everything.

I agree - it was a lot of fun, and now I'll have real faces in mind when I see Fodorites' names!

So glad we finally had a Denver GTG! It was fun.

Thanks, Deb, for inspiring us to get it together!

Am e-mailing three photos to Deb, if you could share with all.

Will also email them to Fodor's editor, Amy, who helped us with the goodie bags.

It was great meeting some new, fun, interesting people. When is the next one?

The next GTG is at your house for a Memorial Day barbeque, joto.

Don't you remember inviting all of us? LOL

I am very sorry I missed it! joto, where do you live? LOL Or when does Deb come back to Denver?

We had a terrific time meeting everyone, thanks to DebitMN and PeaceOut for putting it all together. Hope you all have great travels this year, and that you'll post about them. Safe journey, Lexma90, and happy birthday, DebitNM.

Hi everyone,

PeaceOut sent me some great pictures from your event and it looks like you had a blast! I'd love to share them on our new Facebook album dedicated to GTGs.

DebitNM and pookymimi, I heard that you might have some you can share. If you don't mind, could you email them to me at forums@fodors.com? I'm hoping to put the album up later this week.

Amy, I will send them today.

Me too!