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Off Topic Forums => Forums Gatherings => Topic started by: AMG Coordinator on October 28, 2008, 09:54:39 pm

Title: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: AMG Coordinator on October 28, 2008, 09:54:39 pm
Hi all,

Below is a proposal for next years Meet and Greet in Boston.  Nothing has been confirmed and I welcome your feedback.

The location I propose is unique to Boston and very reasonable, in my opinion, for it's location. 

CHEERS at Faneuil Market Place
http://www.cheersboston.com/fh_directions.htm (http://www.cheersboston.com/fh_directions.htm)

Less than two miles from the hotel and easily accessible from the hotel by subway (Orange Line).

Price Per Person: $41 (based on 50 persons)

Price includes menu below (served buffet style), private room in lower pub, 5% Massachusetts sales tax, 15% service charge, 5% taxable administrative fee, and entertainment. Full cash bar will be available.

“CARLA’S PASTA BUFFET”

Mini Pizzas

Crisp Mozzarella Sticks
Served with our delicious tomato basil sauce

Buffalo Tenders
Boneless chicken tenderloins fried crispy and dipped in our hot sauce

Pasta Primavera
Our pasta of the day, sautéed in a Chardonnay cream sauce with char-grilled chicken,
tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, summer squash, peppers and Parmesan cheese

Penne with Tomato Basil Sauce
Topped with grated Parmesan cheese

Caesar Salad
The traditional preparation of romaine, Parmesan cheese
and herbed croutons in the classic dressing

Garlic Bread
Oven-baked with Parmesan and garlic. Served with our tomato basil sauce for dipping

Boston Cream Pie

Cheers,
Dennis
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: bocker3 on October 28, 2008, 10:27:35 pm
I think this is a very interesting choice.  Faneuil Hall Market Place (aka; Quincy Market) is a top tourist destination in Boston.  As you might imagine, they "imported" a Cheers themed restaurant to that location for the draw (the "actual" Cheers is by the State House, across from the Boston Common).  I've never been to this Cheers location so I can't comment on the food, but I do like the location.
At one end of the Market Place is Boston's (ugly) City Hall, but the other end has been transformed after the "Big Dig".  Where there used to be a mass of steel girders holding up Boston's Central Artery we should now find the Rose Kennedy Garden.  I haven't seen this yet and had every intention of doing so on this trip -- so I like the location.
The food isn't really unique, but the whole meet and greet is the part I'm most looking forward to, so I have no problems with this menu.

Mike
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: AMG Coordinator on October 28, 2008, 10:55:27 pm
I did enquire about the original Cheers.  However, they don't have space for private events.  The only way to secure the original was to rent out the entire establishment. 

You are right.  The food is not unique to Boston.  However, the location and theme is. 

I can't comment on the quality of the food.  I suspect it is going to be descent.  Food and staff  is actually being supplied from Hampshire House, which from what I understand, is a fine dining events facility on Beacon Hill.

Dennis

Quote from: bocker3 on October 28, 2008, 10:27:35 pm
I think this is a very interesting choice.  Faneuil Hall Market Place (aka; Quincy Market) is a top tourist destination in Boston.  As you might imagine, they "imported" a Cheers themed restaurant to that location for the draw (the "actual" Cheers is by the State House, across from the Boston Common).  I've never been to this Cheers location so I can't comment on the food, but I do like the location.
At one end of the Market Place is Boston's (ugly) City Hall, but the other end has been transformed after the "Big Dig".  Where there used to be a mass of steel girders holding up Boston's Central Artery we should now find the Rose Kennedy Garden.  I haven't seen this yet and had every intention of doing so on this trip -- so I like the location.
The food isn't really unique, but the whole meet and greet is the part I'm most looking forward to, so I have no problems with this menu.

Mike

Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: Basquo on October 29, 2008, 08:06:02 am
It sounds splendid to me! Good food, good price, and if anyone gets bored they can wander out and trap a tourist. And we all can say that this year, we had a private party at Cheers!
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: Ric Wilke on November 04, 2008, 07:04:49 pm
Thom and I are ready to jump on this bandwagon.  "Cheers" sounds perfect to us.  Any chance of them including a cup of clam chouder?

Regards, Ric & Thom
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: RAB on November 06, 2008, 09:16:48 pm
Hey Mr. AMG

Sounds good to me too!   ;D

RAB

Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: AMG Coordinator on March 08, 2009, 01:56:13 am
Hi Everyone!

I've been quietly sitting back, watching the attendees list. And while it has grown the last couple of months, I don't quite think we are going to hit the 50 persons mark this year.

So my dilemma is what to do for this years Meet & Greet. With school and my student teaching, I have very little time. I need your help more than ever to make this years event successful!

I can follow through with the proposal above. Although the price may increase closer to $50 per person with a decrease in attendance. I do have a couple of other ideas. However, I'd like to hear what is on everyone's mind.

For those who have attended the last events I have planned please let me know what you liked. More importantly, tell me what you didn't like! What worked and what didn't? What would you like to see done this year?

Ciao,

Dennis
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: RAB on March 08, 2009, 11:36:23 am
Hi Dennis:   :)

I think you're right that we aren't going to hit the 50 attendees # this year.  My guess is that we'll be closer to something like 25 or so.

As far as the Meet and Greet goes, I'd try to keep it as simple as possible.  The two you've organized for us (from the pink dungeon in SF to the glass penthouse in Mexico City) were wonderful.

I don't think we need entertainment--you know how we are. . . .we're our own entertainment.   ;)

I do however, think it's important that we have a space of our own.

Anything we can do to help keep the cost down is probably a good idea (though I'm not sure what the price point should be--maybe $50.00 is a bit high   ???).  Hopefully others will chime in and express their thoughts on the cost issue.

Either way, I'll go with whatever the group decides.  (As long as it doesn't inclube LOBSTER  :P)

RAB



Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: AMG Coordinator on March 08, 2009, 11:51:07 am
Thanks Rab.

I'm in agreement regarding keeping the price point down. I understand everyone is on a budget. Personally, I think $40 - $50 is reasonable to have our own space with some sort of food service.

Ironically, one way to keep the cost of the event down is to have more in attendance. Sooooo, if anyone is playing with the idea of attending, now is the time to decide!

And after you've made up your mind to attend, post your ideas here. Please include the maximum you would contribute towards the cost of the Meet & Greet.

Dennis
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: pozniceguy on March 08, 2009, 05:41:05 pm
Dennis , I know you have a lot of experience in working this area..is it really possible in a high cost area  like Boston to set up something in a private location for $50 a person???   I have many relatives and friends in  Boston area.....when they have "get togethers"  whether private or "family" oriented  by the time costs are rolled up they seem to spend $65 to $70 per person....most of it on food/ entertainment....  If the weather is nice there are many "parks" and  public places where you can have a gathering.....but as soon as you look for a private place I fear the prices will exceed $50..
I think the current suggestion was a big concession on the part of the club owner to fill a space he normally would not be using...  all the rest comes down to food...anyone for  pigs in blanket??
just a joke guys.....I am just concerned that if we try for something "cheaper"  it will be a real disappointment... RAB said  "no Lobster"  for $50 /person  don't worry about that....
One of the lesser known "bargain" areas of Boston are  all the restaurants in  "China town"  there are dozens of them that serve great meals at reasonable prices.....having a private function at one of them may be possible  to have a huge spread of various foods within or under Budget... just a possibility.... they frequently have large family groups and I don't think 25 or 30 would be a problem for the larger ones...  may not have the huge Buffet like Mexico or the lavish spread at the top of the Hotel....but could be fun

Nick
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: AMG Coordinator on March 08, 2009, 07:24:23 pm
I do think it's possible, Nick. We did it in SFO, one of the most overpriced cities in the world. Each city has had it's own unique problems when it has come to planning this event, and I suspect Boston will be no different.

This has been a struggle the last couple of years. However, something always seems to come through. I imagine something will  come through this year as well.  I'm hoping the recession will work to our advantage.


Quote from: pozniceguy on March 08, 2009, 05:41:05 pm
Dennis , I know you have a lot of experience in working this area..is it really possible in a high cost area  like Boston to set up something in a private location for $50 a person???   I have many relatives and friends in  Boston area.....when they have "get togethers"  whether private or "family" oriented  by the time costs are rolled up they seem to spend $65 to $70 per person....most of it on food/ entertainment....  If the weather is nice there are many "parks" and  public places where you can have a gathering.....but as soon as you look for a private place I fear the prices will exceed $50..
I think the current suggestion was a big concession on the part of the club owner to fill a space he normally would not be using...  all the rest comes down to food...anyone for  pigs in blanket??
just a joke guys.....I am just concerned that if we try for something "cheaper"  it will be a real disappointment... RAB said  "no Lobster"  for $50 /person  don't worry about that....
One of the lesser known "bargain" areas of Boston are  all the restaurants in  "China town"  there are dozens of them that serve great meals at reasonable prices.....having a private function at one of them may be possible  to have a huge spread of various foods within or under Budget... just a possibility.... they frequently have large family groups and I don't think 25 or 30 would be a problem for the larger ones...  may not have the huge Buffet like Mexico or the lavish spread at the top of the Hotel....but could be fun

Nick
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: AMG Coordinator on March 09, 2009, 12:22:43 pm
I have spoken with the director at CHEERS at Faneuil Market Place and she has agreed to reduce their event minimum for our group.

The proposal above still stands. The price could be reduced to around $35 if we only went with appetizers. They would include buffalo tenders, chips/salsa, mozzarella sticks, pub skins, and quesadillas. Personally, I think the pasta buffet is much better deal.

Please advise if this works for you.  If not, please continue to post ideas and suggestions.

Dennis
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: pozniceguy on March 09, 2009, 01:18:44 pm
Dennis as usual you have good insight to this issue..I think the Cheers idea  is a good one....

Nick
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on March 09, 2009, 02:56:40 pm
Dennis,

I think the pasta buffet is still a great deal and I am pleased that the proprietor is willing to lower the minimum.  In this economy, it pays to be flexible.  I am still hoping to get a better air ticket price so I haven't posted yet, but I wlll be attending the entire gathering.

Gary
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: anniebc on March 09, 2009, 05:29:24 pm
Hi

CHEERS at Faneuil Market Place sounds wonderful...so count me in.

Hugs
Jan
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: David_CA on March 09, 2009, 08:26:45 pm
Dennis,

The Davids and Bonnie all think the pasta buffet sounds good.  Thanks for all the work you're putting in; I know it's going to be a great time!

David
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: Basquo on March 09, 2009, 10:19:46 pm
Santi is all low-carb talk until you wave some pasta under his nose...so count us in!  ;D
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: AMG Coordinator on March 13, 2009, 07:58:06 pm
Ask and you shall receive  ;D

A soup bar will be included with clam chowder.

Dennis

Quote from: Ric Wilke on November 04, 2008, 07:04:49 pm
Thom and I are ready to jump on this bandwagon.  "Cheers" sounds perfect to us.  Any chance of them including a cup of clam chouder?

Regards, Ric & Thom
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: PRMike on March 14, 2009, 02:42:57 pm
Hi I know that this is not with the topic but a girl friend of mine just moved to Boston and she would like me to move there also so What I would like to know is---  how are the services for people with Hiv/Aids and if someone could tell me what is the SSI benifit  amount in Boston ???
thank you for any and all info as always your friend PRMike
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: Basquo on March 14, 2009, 07:36:48 pm
Hi Mike, none of the people who've posted in this thread actually live in Boston, we're just planning to meet there. I'm not sure if anyone who lives in Boston is following this thread or not, but you might want to start a new thread in the Living with HIV forum asking about what's available in that area.  You might get more people from that area checking in that forum.

Best,
Creighton
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: PRMike on March 14, 2009, 09:43:25 pm
Quote from: Basquo on March 14, 2009, 07:36:48 pm
Hi Mike, none of the people who've posted in this thread actually live in Boston, we're just planning to meet there. I'm not sure if anyone who lives in Boston is following this thread or not, but you might want to start a new thread in the Living with HIV forum asking about what's available in that area.  You might get more people from that area checking in that forum.

Best,
Creighton
  Thank you I will give it a shot...
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: AMG Coordinator on May 24, 2009, 11:42:01 am
Space and menu has been confirmed. The original price point noted above was $50 for approximately 50 persons in attendance. With the lower expected attendance, I was still able to bring that down somewhat with clam chowder thrown in upon request.

CHEERS at Faneuil Market Place
http://www.cheersboston.com/fh_directions.htm

Price Per Person: $42

Price includes menu below (served buffet style), private room in lower pub, 5% Massachusetts sales tax, 15% service charge, 5% taxable administrative fee, and entertainment. Full cash bar will be available.


“CARLA’S PASTA BUFFET”

Clam Chowder

Mini Pizzas

Crisp Mozzarella Sticks
Served with our delicious tomato basil sauce

Buffalo Tenders
Boneless chicken tenderloins fried crispy and dipped in our hot sauce

Pasta Primavera
Our pasta of the day, sautéed in a Chardonnay cream sauce with char-grilled chicken,
tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, summer squash, peppers and Parmesan cheese

Penne with Tomato Basil Sauce
Topped with grated Parmesan cheese

Caesar Salad
The traditional preparation of romaine, Parmesan cheese
and herbed croutons in the classic dressing

Garlic Bread
Oven-baked with Parmesan and garlic. Served with our tomato basil sauce for dipping

Boston Cream Pie
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: Snowangel on May 24, 2009, 05:09:12 pm
What day is the meet and greet?

I was going to try to either drive in from Springfield or drive to Westboro and take the train in?

I was trying to look at the other thread but it looks like people are coming in on the 5th, 6th and 7th.

Thanks,
Snow

PMRMike- I think the SSI is around $500 to $600.  I am not sure of the exact amount.  There is an ASO called the Boston Living Center that might be able to answer a lot of questions for you.  I believe the website is www.BostonLivingCenter.com.
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: AMG Coordinator on May 24, 2009, 08:30:22 pm
The meet and greet is on Friday evening, August 7th. While most people are arriving earlier, it's not necessary. You are welcome to join us at anytime.

Quote from: Snowangel on May 24, 2009, 05:09:12 pm
What day is the meet and greet?

I was going to try to either drive in from Springfield or drive to Westboro and take the train in?

I was trying to look at the other thread but it looks like people are coming in on the 5th, 6th and 7th.

Thanks,
Snow

Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: Razorbill on June 27, 2009, 10:53:46 am
Sounds good  count me in.
Title: Re: Boston Meet and Greet Proposal
Post by: PRMike on July 03, 2009, 06:52:47 am
Hi everyone thank you for your answers to my question but I will not need any info since I'm no longer seeing my friend...
thank you all again as always your friend Mike