OK, so Hunan it is, and I like the idea of 2 tables: spicy and non-spicy. Table #1 "fiery dragon" Table #2 "ulcer and such" LOL

Guys, we have not discussed who e-mails Katie for goodies. Unfortunately, I have a problem with getting UPS. Any volunteers?

I am good at "general managing" :))

Surfergirl, should I add you to "yes" or "maybe"? One or 2 persons?

OK, maybe we shouldn't get carried away with this spicy/non spicy table idea. Frankly I think some will like a variety and if there are some of each kind at each table I think we're better off than deciding all spicy or all non spicy and having to pick a table accordingly. And of course, I don't think they'll come smack our hands with a ruler if we pass a dish from one table to another either.

Henrys sounds good to me. I like somewhat spicey food.

Now, does anyone have any Hotel recommendations. Thanks.

Tom

Get the presidential suite at the Ritz and we will all come to your place for drinks after. OK? :D

That will be Ronda & Dan. And I don't think you should separate the tables according to food preferences - all will work out.

Yes:
Cat and Mr Cat
Faina
Linda
Patrick and Lee
Paula
Ronda and Dan
Stu Dudley
Surfergirl
Tom TRSW
Trvl Maven

Maybe:
DMlove
JanisJ
Lucie
Shanghainese
ThereYet

13 - yes, 5 - maybe, hooray, 2 tables! So it's Henry's Hunan.

When we get up to 200 replies, I'll start a new thread. Still 2 questions:

1) what time - is 7 pm OK? earlier? later? the earlier the better, more time for conversations

2) who can write to Katie for goodies? even if several people, better then none

Remind me to bring sticky paper so everybody can write down his/her name.

I'll write Katie...since we seem to "know" each other already. :D

thereyet

I think 7:00 is a good time. I usually work till 7:00 and it takes about 30 minutes to get there.

I'll have to knock off a wee bit early don't ya think?

Oh, and get me off that fence sitter list. :D

thereyet

thereyet, you HAVE to come. Who would we throw food at if we don't like it?

Neo - I would but it's not available. Guess I'll just have to buy a round at dinner.

Tom

Mr. Trvlmaven will be there too (you'll know it's us--he's a Santa look-alike). He never passes up a chance to eat anywhere in Chinatown.
Cheers!

No, no, you have to put me on the "maybe" list! It's the one evening I'll be able to get my husband & son together for our traditional trip to Calzone's in North Beach, so I'll either be stopping in wherever this place is for a quick one, or my family will flake, in which case, I can do more than that.

However, after reading NP's and thereyet's comments on the SP board, we are very sympatico!

Where is this place???

Faina, like I told you dear one, put me down as a "maybe". I probably won't be able to eat any of the food except like Shangeneise (did I get that spelling right?) can eat but if it works out I will be there. I will report in closer to the date.

LoveItaly,

You have to come. You are one of the Fodorites I want to meet the most.

Tom

Oh Tom, I want to meet you too, you know that.

I may have a way to get into SF..I will keep in touch dear one.

BTW, do you have a hotel yet? And when will you be flying into SFO? Friday or Thursday?

No hotel yet, any suggestions? I am flying in on Thursday. I hope you can get a ride.

Tom

Henry's sounds perfect! It seems like a place where raucous laughter won't draw stares!

I'm still trying to decide where to stay as well. SInce I don't know much about the area, the address doesn't tell me much. Is it near Fisherman's Wharf? Are there any nice hotels within walking distance?

Ncounty, I looked at the hotel you mentioned but that was a little steep for me.

We haven't decided if we are flying or driving yet, since we may now have an extra day.

Hi Tom, according to our editor Katie, Fodor's is suppose to go down any moment. I will email you tomorrow. Hugs!

Here's the Mapquest image for the restaurant location:

http://tinyurl.com/5yfnef

You can click for hotels in the "category" space above it for "what's near". I did that and didn't recognize any of the hotels in that area.