Hi,

Amongst the goodies to be raffled, I am offering sauerkraut-2009. I am more confident in my efforts than I was a few years ago. I hope not to repeat the shocking comments I made last time. I tested it on my immediate and extended family with no reports of ill health by anyone.

Regards,

I'm sorry I can't attend. I wish you all the very best of the holiday season. You guys are great and this forum ROCKS.
Best, Liz Barrett (lazygal09)

Just a hint :

Cathy2 wrote:In case you missed it, we are collecting food and paper goods for charity:

Contribute chow to Food Pantry. Vital Information and Condiment Queen will be collecting food pantry donations. VI may post downstream with details, but from past experience I know that it's always appreciated when people donate paper products (paper towels, diapers), cooking oil and canned goods.

Regards,

Thanks for posting this Cathy2.

Please be generous, as in past years, for those who have a harder time enjoying food than us.

A few years ago, when my family and I would do our once a month shift at the Oak Park Food Pantry, we would take care of about 80 families. Now, in our week and the other weeks of the month, the Food Pantry serves about 250 families. It does not take extensive reading of blogs to know things are a bit rough. Our donations are highly needed.

As in past years, my wife and I suggest you bring what ever you want (no fresh foods), but we think it is especially useful if you provide "luxuries" like the thing already mentioned. Coffee, sugar, and mayonaise are all especially welcomed.

Thanks.

I've got the kids this coming weekend and due to some last minute bills we won't be able to afford it this year. We'll try to make next years' .

Hi,

Coming down to the wire. If you have paid via BrownPaperTickets, then your name will be on this list.

When you have paid, send me a PM or e-mail David Hammond and/or I with your screen name. It will help keep track of the guest list and for nametags.

If you are a lurker who wants to attend, simply sign up and send an e-mail.

We are just over 70 people presently.

Regards,

This update from David Hammond today, highlighted for your consideration:

David Hammond wrote:We have some money in the (admittedly rather tiny) LTH kitty, so we’re going to buy a few cases of Pigmon-approved Spanish sparkling wine, Cristalino Rose Cava, which has been discussed on the forum for years and which was our beverage at the LTH holiday party at Ed’s Potsticker House . We can BYOB whatever we want, with the exception of beer and soda, which can be purchased from Sun Wah.

It is most excellent that many self-identified lurkers are coming to this event.

Whew! Just before the deadline! I am proud to say that Llama and Mincy Bits will see all you fine forum folks there.

Oh, VI, if instead of or in addition to bringing food for the shelter, if we wanted to bring a check, to whom should it be made out?

And "Cash" would not be in keeping with the spirit of the season .

Giovanna

I have just purchased tickets for myself and Saint Pizza, sorry for being so last-minute about it.

So, no BYOB beer huh? *cries*

Finally felt confident enough that nothing would happen to keep me from coming to this so I just bought my tickets. Last time I signed up for the dinner at Sun Wah I wound up in the hospital with a concussion instead! I'll be at Gaetano's for a cooking class during the day and this at 6:00! BIG food day for me! Looking forward to seeing everyone.

JimTheBeerGuy wrote:I have just purchased tickets for myself and Saint Pizza, sorry for being so last-minute about it.

So, no BYOB beer huh? *cries*

Glad you can make it. Yes, Sun Wah has very generously allowed us to bring in several cases of bubbly, but we understand they need to charge for some beverages (and it's just beer and wine). You might try wine, Jim, it probably won't steal your heart from beer, but it ain't bad.

11:55 am 12/03
Just purchased my ticket - nothing like waiting till the very last minute!
Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Jyoti

Chloe54 and Mr. Chloe54 are in! Tickets purchased in the nick of time.
Can't wait for my first LTH event!

Confirmed. The biggest LTH holiday party ever.

David Hammond wrote:

JimTheBeerGuy wrote:I have just purchased tickets for myself and Saint Pizza, sorry for being so last-minute about it.

So, no BYOB beer huh? *cries*

Glad you can make it. Yes, Sun Wah has very generously allowed us to bring in several cases of bubbly, but we understand they need to charge for some beverages (and it's just beer and wine). You might try wine, Jim, it probably won't steal your heart from beer, but it ain't bad.

Wine? Is that anything like bourbon? I like bourbon.

Seriously though I had planned to bring a couple of bottles of homebrewed apfelwein to share (as well as a bottle for the gift exchange)--do you think that would be frowned upon?

Never fear, Jim. I plan on bringing bourbon and rum in holiday-appropriate quantities.

=R=

JimTheBeerGuy wrote:

David Hammond wrote:

JimTheBeerGuy wrote:I have just purchased tickets for myself and Saint Pizza, sorry for being so last-minute about it.

So, no BYOB beer huh? *cries*

Glad you can make it. Yes, Sun Wah has very generously allowed us to bring in several cases of bubbly, but we understand they need to charge for some beverages (and it's just beer and wine). You might try wine, Jim, it probably won't steal your heart from beer, but it ain't bad.

Wine? Is that anything like bourbon? I like bourbon.

Seriously though I had planned to bring a couple of bottles of homebrewed apfelwein to share (as well as a bottle for the gift exchange)--do you think that would be frowned upon?

Homemade cider drinks are fine. It's basically just beer and soft drinks that we're committed to buying from Sun Wah.

HI,

Drinks purchased from Sun Wah will be cash to save them effort:

- Beer: $3.00
- Pop, bottle: $1.50
- Pop, canned: $1.00

Regards,

I guess I'll have to bring some of my hard cider, too.

This just in: Rodrick Markus (The Rare Tea Cellars) will be providing a cuisine-appropriate 2003 barrel-aged (oak) puerh (Yunanese) for this event. Each table will have a few pots, providing a cool opportunity to experience how an excellent tea pairs with excellent chow.

David Hammond wrote:This just in: Rodrick Markus (The Rare Tea Cellars) will be providing a cuisine-appropriate 2003 barrel-aged (oak) puerh (Yunanese) for this event. Each table will have a few pots, providing a cool opportunity to experience how an excellent tea pairs with excellent chow.

Great news. Aside from being a super nice guy, Rod is arguably Chicago's most important tea maven. It'll be a pleasure to have these teas included in our festivities.

Way to go, David and Rod.

=R=

David Hammond wrote:This just in: Rodrick Markus (The Rare Tea Cellars) will be providing a cuisine-appropriate 2003 barrel-aged (oak) puerh (Yunanese) for this event. Each table will have a few pots, providing a cool opportunity to experience how an excellent tea pairs with excellent chow.

Bravo!!!!

I am so excited for this event

I'm so sad we can't make it. I'll have to live vicariously through the descriptions and photos. Have a great time!

GP - We'll miss you! Next year!

Marie G who purchased three seats - send me a PM with your screen name or if no screen name, then how you want the nametags made.

Can't wait for tomorrow!

Regards,

ronnie_suburban wrote:

David Hammond wrote:This just in: Rodrick Markus (The Rare Tea Cellars) will be providing a cuisine-appropriate 2003 barrel-aged (oak) puerh (Yunanese) for this event. Each table will have a few pots, providing a cool opportunity to experience how an excellent tea pairs with excellent chow.

Great news. Aside from being a super nice guy, Rod is arguably Chicago's most important tea maven. It'll be a pleasure to have these teas included in our festivities.

Way to go, David and Rod.

=R=

A big thanks from me too. I can't wait to try some of each!

Just to be sure, is the lot Kelly was talking about the one for Combine Insurance at 5050 N. Broadway or Dung Truong/Allstate Agency at 5151? They're both at the corner of Broadway & Winona. (I'm getting these names and addresses from GoogleMaps.)

HI

I happen to have an unopened bag of Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free flour that our houseguest bought but that isn't going to be used (she has gone home). Would the food pantry want this? If not I'll bring it anyway, I seem to recall there are quite a few folks with gluten-related health issues on the board.