Saturday, September 02, 2006

Upcoming Birthday Festivities - Nancyland Meet, Anyone?

My birthday is coming up at the end of October, and I have traditionally (well, it's a new tradition, only a few years old) held a big dessert buffet extravaganza at my place, potluck style, complete with secret ballot voting for the grandmaster champion of desserts. There's fanfare, prizes, and adulation for that champion, and there's a dizzying array of sweets for everyone involved to indulge in. You can get one hell of a massive sugar high, and the ensuing sugar hangover, but I think it's worth it! I'm still thinking of throwing another one of those, but as much as I'd like to, I just can't invite the whole world safely into my home (though I imagine some of you Nancylanders could bring some pretty fabulous treats with you). So, I'd like to see if there's any interest in an October Nancyland meet at a public place. Please use the comments section to express interest, and to throw out ideas for a venue. Keep in mind, it should be hassle free - each person can show up and pay for themselves directly to the lounge/bar/restaurant. I would likely have it on a weekend, so perhaps the evenings of Friday October 13th or Saturday October 14th. Or perhaps on a weekday.



Last Year's Nancy's Dessert Buffet Winner - Bak'n Girl's Amazing Apple Frangipane Tart (a.k.a. That Apple Pie Thing)

10 comments:

Dumpling-girl said...

I'll start the ball rolling by throwing out a couple of ideas. Senhor Rooster's for a meat fest, on a weekday, maybe, to make it easier for the restaurant. Guu with Otokomae in Gastown, again on a weekday, as they have a maximum number of people for weekend reservations.

LotusRapper said...

Cool, that's a great idea Nancy. Well now I can think of something along the line of pumpkin at that time of the year, but that would be just soooooo prosaic wouldn't it ?!?

I think dessert potluck concept is better (IMHO) than any old dinner at some restaurant, since it requires participating Nancylanders to bring something unique that only they can offer. However like you say if you prefer a more public venue, that would take some more thought and coordinating. Maybe like a community center, like the Roundhouse ? Not sure about their costs, if any, for booking a small meeting room but something like that could potentially work with your criteria ? At any rate I look forward to whatever transpires.

Dumpling-girl said...

Just to clarify, Ken, I will likely still have my dessert buffet at my apartment, for invited (known) guests, closer to my birthday. If you are interested in getting in on that, we can probably arrange something. Just email me (there's an address on the profile). I would not go to the expense of renting out a hall, or anything like the Roundhouse. And yes, the dessert buffet is super cool. It just wouldn't be appropriate for a Nancyland meet. The Nancyland meet would be a totally separate event, that I would communicate through this site, and it would be at a restaurant/lounge/bar where people could pay for themselves, and yet we could all hang out together, and I would invite friends I already know too, but also hopefully meet some people for the first time. And what are you talking about "any old dinner at some restaurant"??? That's why this blog exists - because that's exactly what I love, going out to eat at restaurants, LOL. And hopefully that's why people are reading too. Doesn't matter. The idea is that I want to do both, and in fact (to drag out the birthday into a multi-event festival), I'd actually like to celebrate with a very small (one to a few close friends) dinner at a fine dining restaurant on top of all that. Hee hee!

too_much_thinking said...

Gasp! Dessert potluck! I was just thinking of doing exactly that for my upcoming birthday! My thinking was that I could accomodate more people by doing that instead of a regular potluck - plus I have friends who can bake. It's a cliche - but great minds think alike! Okay - not a totally original idea, because I was actually at a bring-some-desserts-get-together years ago (I think I just brought booze - I don't cook; I only burn).

As for a sanctioned Nancyland meetup, I'd be in - barring yet-to-be-finalized school-related commitments.

Dumpling-girl said...

Thanks, Too Much Thinking! Just to make sure the non-bakers are not intimidated at my annual event, I always put a suggestion in there about being able to bring something simple to share, like a handful of gummy worms, or a piece of cheese even. Store-bought items (even fancy cakes) are just as eligible for the prize(s) as homemade items, but everyone tends to own up to whether it is or not in their labels before everyone votes.

LotusRapper said...

Got it, it's obvious I was confused about how many events you meant .....

Being part of a broader Nancylander event sounds great. Look forward to the announcement !

Tai said...

Aw...I missed it last year and I'll miss it this year, too...I'm moving to Victoria on the 20th of October.

Ah well, many happy birthdays to you.
And thanks for ALL of your wonderful restaurant suggestions. One of my personal favorites has become Yuji's on 4th.

Cheers!

Dumpling-girl said...

Thanks, Tai! Would love to meet you even for a drink if you get the chance to squeeze it in during your preparations for the move. Hope the Victoria restaurants treat you well! :)

Bloody Caesar said...

Suanne and I think that it'll be fun to meet up with another Vancouver Food Blogger. I might be travelling on those dates but please keep me posted with your plans.

LotusRapper said...

Huh ? For a moment there I thought I was on Chowtimes. Hey Ben & Suanne, nice to see you here too.

SaabKen (aka LotusRapper)