Anyone Up For a Chicago Meet Up?

[Sterling Cooper]

I thought we could arrange it either in Lincoln Square (near Merz) or one of the hotel bars on Michigan Avenue (near Truefitt and Hill).

Let me know, and I'll take the lead on organizing.

[baba]

Great idea...myself and two members of the Rolls Razor social group met up a few weeks ago and we had a great time trading shaving stories. I think Chicago is well represented here so hopefully we could get a good turnout.

I'm in. Lincoln square would be a good idea.

[Sterling Cooper]

Huettenbar is a great German tavern right across the street from Merz. Stepping inside, it really feels like you've walked into a ski lodge in Bavaria. They have about a dozen top notch German beers on tap. Unfortunately, they don't serve food.

http://www.chibarproject.com/Reviews/Huettenbar/Huettenbar.htm

[mike72]

that sounds cool, my wife and i are moving to chicago in a couple months.

[luvmysuper]

I would be in if this will take place in decent weather (late spring-ish?)
Maybe we can get some of those Michigan and Indiana guys interested.

And my vote would be the Lincoln Square area near Mertz.
Michigan can get pretty crowded during business hours.

[blackfoot]

It depends on a few things, but I may be able to make it.

[skklog]

I would be in if this will take place in decent weather (late spring-ish?)
Maybe we can get some of those Michigan and Indiana guys interested.

And my vote would be the Lincoln Square area near Mertz.
Michigan can get pretty crowded during business hours.


It depends on a few things, but I may be able to make it.

What are we talking about?

[luvmysuper]

What are we talking about?

A get together in the Chicago area. Maybe near Mertz Apothecary in Lincoln Square.

[skklog]

A get together in the Chicago area. Maybe near Mertz Apothecary in Lincoln Square.

is this just to meet, or is there a another point?

[blackfoot]

is this just to meet, or is there a another point?

Well, we will also beat you to a pulp. Maybe a little shopping too.

[skklog]

Well, we will also beat you to a pulp. Maybe a little shopping too.

shopping!! :w00t:

[luvmysuper]

A chance to meet some of the guys here, to do some shaving related shopping at some great stores (like Mertz) a couple of cold beers while telling lies to each other, maybe a meal, and possibly some sight seeing to make SWMBO happy.

Sounds like a hoot.

[blackfoot]

shopping!! :w00t:

:biggrin:

I got to go in December and look forward to another swing through Mertz!

[blackfoot]

a chance to meet some of the guys here, to do some shaving related shopping at some great stores (like mertz) a couple of cold beers while telling lies to each other, maybe a meal, and possibly some sight seeing to make swmbo happy.

Sounds like a hoot.

+1!

[skklog]

A chance to meet some of the guys here, to do some shaving related shopping at some great stores (like Mertz) a couple of cold beers while telling lies to each other, maybe a meal, and possibly some sight seeing to make SWMBO happy.

Sounds like a hoot.

I could tell you about the time I bought Poland, I returned it though. :001_unsur

[gollum83]

Sounds potentially interesting...

[blackfoot]

Sounds potentially interesting...

Which, the Poland story or the meet up? :lol:

[gollum83]

Which, the Poland story or the meet up? :lol:

The meet up, though I'm not sure can make it. But what is this about Poland? :laugh:

[Sterling Cooper]

Merz is closed on Sundays, so I think the best bet would be to meet at Huettenbar around 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon, have a couple of beers, then head across the street to Merz (they close at 6). Afterwards, anyone who wanted to get together afterwards for an early dinner could do so.

[luvmysuper]

Merz is closed on Sundays, so I think the best bet would be to meet at Huettenbar around 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon, have a couple of beers, then head across the street to Merz (they close at 6). Afterwards, anyone who wanted to get together afterwards for an early dinner could do so.

That's an excellent idea, dependant upon how many wind up showing up and how many Huettenbar can take without notice.

I guess we could give them notice in advance that X number were going to show.

[blackfoot]

Merz is closed on Sundays, so I think the best bet would be to meet at Huettenbar around 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon, have a couple of beers, then head across the street to Merz (they close at 6). Afterwards, anyone who wanted to get together afterwards for an early dinner could do so.


That's an excellent idea, dependant upon how many wind up showing up and how many Huettenbar can take without notice.

I guess we could give them notice in advance that X number were going to show.

Is that the bar that is at the corner of Western and Leland?

One point of note, for me. I am supposed to have a month's notice to take time off work and I work every other weekend. So, that will make a difference on whether I can make it.

[Sterling Cooper]

Is that the bar that is at the corner of Western and Leland?

One point of note, for me. I am supposed to have a month's notice to take time off work and I work every other weekend. So, that will make a difference on whether I can make it.

Huettenbar, is 25 feet across the street from Merz. We wouldn't want to give ourselves too much time for the beer to wear off before letting our ADs run rampant.:thumbup:

Also, a 2:30 meet would give anyone time to hit Truefitt and Hill in the morning. From there, it's a real easy 40 minute Brown Line trip up to Lincoln Square. The station is spitting distance from Merz/Huettenbar. Here's a couple of good reviews of the place:

http://www.lincolnsquare.org/chicago-Huettenbar.php

http://www.chibarproject.com/Reviews/Huettenbar/Huettenbar.htm

[blackfoot]

Huettenbar, is 25 feet across the street from Merz. We wouldn't want to give ourselves too much time for the beer to wear off before letting our ADs run rampant.:thumbup:

Also, a 2:30 meet would give anyone time to hit Truefitt and Hill in the morning. From there, it's a real easy 40 minute Brown Line trip up to Lincoln Square. The station is spitting distance from Merz/Huettenbar. Here's a couple of good reviews of the place:

http://www.lincolnsquare.org/chicago-Huettenbar.php

http://www.chibarproject.com/Reviews/Huettenbar/Huettenbar.htm

I guess I vaguely do remember a bar across the street. Excellent point, as far as not letting it wear off. :thumbup:

Is that really a forty minute trip? Didn't seem like it at the time. Oh well. Skklog will come together. We already spoke and if one of us can't make it, the other probably won't go. I might have to visit the hat shop, too. :sneaky2:

[luvmysuper]

I guess I vaguely do remember a bar across the street. Excellent point, as far as not letting it wear off. :thumbup:

Is that really a forty minute trip? Didn't seem like it at the time. Oh well. Skklog will come together. We already spoke and if one of us can't make it, the other probably won't go. I might have to visit the hat shop, too. :sneaky2:

I need advance notice to attend as well, so someone else can sub travel for me.
I'm hoping that we can all agree that this ought to be a late spring kind of thing so the weather is a little better.

I was also planning another trip down to Hats Plus!
Brilliant minds think alike.

[blackfoot]

I need advance notice to attend as well, so someone else can sub travel for me.
I'm hoping that we can all agree that this ought to be a late spring kind of thing so the weather is a little better.

I was also planning another trip down to Hats Plus!
Brilliant minds think alike.

Late Spring sounds good to me.

Hats Plus is where I bought my Stetson in December. :thumbup1:

[skklog]

My wife is not 21 :001_unsur

[jonwings]

This sounds like fun, I think I could bend my "no downtown on the weekends" rule. I take the train downtown everyday for work, so I tend to hang closer to home on the weekends. Hopefully this will be on a weekend where I can get away. I am getting married in July so most of my weekends are spent making arrangements and such. I'll be keeping an eye on this thread for sure.

[luvmysuper]

My wife is not 21 :001_unsur

Lucky you! An automatic designated driver :lol:

She can have the Virgin Mary or a Shirley Temple, no worries.

[blackfoot]

Lucky you! An automatic designated driver :lol:

She can have the Virgin Mary or a Shirley Temple, no worries.

:thumbup:

[skklog]

Lucky you! An automatic designated driver :lol:

She can have the Virgin Mary or a Shirley Temple, no worries.

someone said something about a bar, so I wasn't sure.

[luvmysuper]

someone said something about a bar, so I wasn't sure.

I could be mistaken, but I believe that though the Minimum Legal Drinking Age is 21, if the establishment serves food, your wife should be able to enter as long as she does not attempt to consume alcohol.

In any case, if you show up, and your wife is not able to enter, I (and anyone else who cares to come along) will refuse to enter and we can go somewhere else that will let us in.

[blackfoot]

I could be mistaken, but I believe that though the Minimum Legal Drinking Age is 21, if the establishment serves food, your wife should be able to enter as long as she does not attempt to consume alcohol.

In any case, if you show up, and your wife is not able to enter, I (and anyone else who cares to come along) will refuse to enter and we can go somewhere else that will let us in.

I know there was a restaurant on the opposite side of the road from Mertz. I don't know if that is the bar you were thinking of, but she would be allowed in there. We considered eating there but didn't.

[luvmysuper]

I know there was a restaurant on the opposite side of the road from Mertz. I don't know if that is the bar you were thinking of, but she would be allowed in there. We considered eating there but didn't.

Ok, they don't serve any food because they don't have a kitchen there, so we may have to rethink this whole location thing.
Plenty to choose from there though, so not too big an issue.

[blackfoot]

Ok, they don't serve any food because they don't have a kitchen there, so we may have to rethink this whole location thing.
Plenty to choose from there though, so not too big an issue.

You gentlemen certainly know the area better than us Hoosiers, so what ever you recommend.

[luvmysuper]

You gentlemen certainly know the area better than us Hoosiers, so what ever you recommend.

Might be better to wait a bit to nail down a place until we determine a quantity who will show anyway.
And a date will be necessary before people will commit to show.

[blackfoot]

Might be better to wait a bit to nail down a place until we determine a quantity who will show anyway.
And a date will be necessary before people will commit to show.

Very true.

[Minxy]

I'm sorry. :001_unsur

[blackfoot]

I'm sorry. :001_unsur

Not sorry enough. :biggrin:

[skklog]

I'm sorry. :001_unsur

This is my wife.

[Minxy]

Not sorry enough. :biggrin:

http://www.ihasaflavor.com/lolcats/i-sorry.jpg

[blackfoot]

http://www.ihasaflavor.com/lolcats/i-sorry.jpg

:lol::lol::lol:

I haven't seen you around much, Sis.

[Minxy]

:lol::lol::lol:

I haven't seen you around much, Sis.

Isn't that a good thing.:devil:

[blackfoot]

Isn't that a good thing.:devil:

Any day that goes unblessed by my presence can not be a good day. :smartass:

[skklog]

:lol::lol::lol:

I haven't seen you around much, Sis.

Don't worry, she's seen you (you just don't know it)

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u88/huy_rocker/darkness.jpg

[blackfoot]

Don't worry, she's seen you (you just don't know it)

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u88/huy_rocker/darkness.jpg

:lol: :thumbup1:

[skklog]

:lol: :thumbup1:

I though about using this pic

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/2508625132_78a4673265_m.jpg

[HopHead]

I'm in. It would be great to meet some of you guys.

[blantyre]

A Sat in late spring sounds doable.

[luvmysuper]

I'm sorry. :001_unsur


Not sorry enough. :biggrin:


This is my wife.

:blink: Ok, I give, what would Mrs. Skklog be saying sorry for? :blink:

I'm starting to take down names of potential attendees, and we can look to a Saturday in late spring, (specific date to be narrowed down a bit later)

[blackfoot]

:blink: Ok, I give, what would Mrs. Skklog be saying sorry for? :blink:

I think because of having to change plans to accommodate her.

[luvmysuper]

I think because of having to change plans to accommodate her.

Well, please let her know that I personally don't want to meet at a place where we can't get a bite to eat in addition to a drink if we want it.
So, it wasn't her that had me changing my vote.
I just think that if a bunch of us are going to meet and chat, and have a few drinks, good sense would dictate that we be in a place where some food might also be ingested instead of only alcohol.

[baba]

Well gents, I'm in. I live about 10 minutes away so whatever date you pick is fine with me, I should be able to make it.

Are we bringing wives as well?

[blantyre]

:I'm starting to take down names of potential attendees, and we can look to a Saturday in late spring, (specific date to be narrowed down a bit later)

I'd come subject to the constraint of last minute travel. Late April or late May are good for me. Early May is travel. Of course the idea of "spring" is rather meaningless in Chicago - it will probably either be frosty cold or 90 degrees in May. At least the days will be predictably longer daylight though.

[blackfoot]

Well, please let her know that I personally don't want to meet at a place where we can't get a bite to eat in addition to a drink if we want it.
So, it wasn't her that had me changing my vote.
I just think that if a bunch of us are going to meet and chat, and have a few drinks, good sense would dictate that we be in a place where some food might also be ingested instead of only alcohol.

I agree.


Well gents, I'm in. I live about 10 minutes away so whatever date you pick is fine with me, I should be able to make it.

Are we bringing wives as well?

Skklog obviously is. That means Mrs. Blackfoot is more likely to come too.

[luvmysuper]

Potential attendees so far for a Saturday in Late April or Late May;

baba
blackfoot
blantyre
gollum83
jonwings
luvmysuper
mike72
Minxy
skklog
Sterling Cooper


Spread the word to other area members you run across

[blackfoot]

Potential attendees so far for a Saturday in Late April or Late May;

baba
blackfoot
blantyre
gollum83
jonwings
luvmysuper
mike72
Minxy
skklog
Sterling Cooper


Spread the word to other area members you run across

:thumbup:

[Trendkill]

I'll throw my hat in the ring as a possible attendee.

[blackfoot]

I will mention it in the Indiana social group too.

[luvmysuper]

I'll throw my hat in the ring as a possible attendee.


I will mention it in the Indiana social group too.

...

[blackfoot]

...

:lol::lol:

[Sterling Cooper]

We'll have to shoot for mid May. I'm out of the country the last ten days of April. Why don't we tentatively throw third Saturday in May out there.

As for Huettenbar, while it is an ideal location, if they don't serve food (and I've never tried to order any there) we'll just move it down to the German place a couple of doors down which I know is a bar/restaurant.

[luvmysuper]

We'll have to shoot for mid May. I'm out of the country the last ten days of April. Why don't we tentatively throw third Saturday in May out there.

As for Huettenbar, while it is an ideal location, if they don't serve food (and I've never tried to order any there) we'll just move it down to the German place a couple of doors down which I know is a bar/restaurant.

3rd Saturday in May works for me! That would be 15 May.
Anybody have an immediate issue with that date?

[blackfoot]

We'll have to shoot for mid May. I'm out of the country the last ten days of April. Why don't we tentatively throw third Saturday in May out there.

As for Huettenbar, while it is an ideal location, if they don't serve food (and I've never tried to order any there) we'll just move it down to the German place a couple of doors down which I know is a bar/restaurant.

I think that was the one I remember seeing.


3rd Saturday in May works for me! That would be 15 May.
Anybody have an immediate issue with that date?

I work but can ask it off. That will give me a four day weekend. :thumbup:

[luvmysuper]

I think that was the one I remember seeing.



I work but can ask it off. That will give me a four day weekend. :thumbup:

The best kind of weekend to have.

[blackfoot]

The best kind of weekend to have.

Definitely. On my weekend to work, I have Friday and Monday night off. No since taking on night off then. :thumbup1:

[luvmysuper]

A bump to keep this in the public eye and the private mind.

Any other takers?

I know there are a lot more area people than have already chimed in........

[skklog]

A bump to keep this in the public eye and the private mind.

Any other takers?

I know there are a lot more area people than have already chimed in........

:closedeye

[gollum83]

Like I said, it depends on how things are going then. I'll know better in the coming weeks, but I'll keep that date in mind.

[blackfoot]

A bump to keep this in the public eye and the private mind.

Any other takers?

I know there are a lot more area people than have already chimed in........

Hey, this sounds fun. Maybe I will go. :biggrin:

[pault28]

As of now, the 15th of May is good with me. Neat!

[luvmysuper]

As of now, the 15th of May is good with me. Neat!

You have been added to the list.

Bwhaahahaha!

[Noebie]

we'll be about due for a trip up at that point

[uofi1963]

Just back in town!

Would need to be later in May for me.

Joel

[luvmysuper]

Great, the interest expands!!

[Yooper]

How big is the Merz store there? I guess there's 2 of them, right - is one anywhere near Wrigley Field? I've been to Chicago a few times for work over the past year, but have never taken time to hit the shaving shops.

I coach my son's little league baseball team in the spring/summer, but if the date works out I may try to go.

[Sterling Cooper]

How big is the Merz store there? I guess there's 2 of them, right - is one anywhere near Wrigley Field? I've been to Chicago a few times for work over the past year, but have never taken time to hit the shaving shops.

I coach my son's little league baseball team in the spring/summer, but if the date works out I may try to go.

It's not terribly big. The location in Macy's is a little roomier, but the selection is not what there is in the original store in LS.

Each are about equally convenient to Wrigley. Although in both cases, you'll need to take a cab or the L.

[uofi1963]

One advantage of the Macy's location is that The Art of Shaving also sports a large concession. Sometimes there's a barber present who will give shaves.

For non Chicagoans, the Lincoln Square store is directly near the Western Ave. Brown Line stop, far more scenic and cheaper than a cab ride.

Does anyone know if the Ratskeller is still in operation? They used to offer great bear and some pretty decent German food.

[blackfoot]

It's not terribly big. The location in Macy's is a little roomier, but the selection is not what there is in the original store in LS. .

My wife's first thought was, how are you all going to fit in there? :lol:

[luvmysuper]

For me, I'd prefer the LS location as opposed to Macys just for the selection available.
The Art of Shaving concession in Macys is not a big deal for me, as I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in a Two Hundred Dollar Fusion.

[blackfoot]

For me, I'd prefer the LS location as opposed to Macys just for the selection available.
The Art of Shaving concession in Macys is not a big deal for me, as I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in a Two Hundred Dollar Fusion.

I wasn't too impressed when I was there. The Truefitt & Hill was a much better waste of time. :biggrin:

[skklog]

http://www.msnemoticons.org/members/emoticons/dancing-emoticons/crazy-dancing-emoticons.gif

[blackfoot]

http://www.msnemoticons.org/members/emoticons/dancing-emoticons/crazy-dancing-emoticons.gif

Fail

[skklog]

Fail

you can't see it?

[blackfoot]

you can't see it?

Nope

[gollum83]

Nope

Me neither.

[skklog]

Me neither.

Of course YOU don't :sneaky2:

[gollum83]

Of course YOU don't :sneaky2:

If it means anything, I am sorry that I enjoy making your life difficult. :biggrin:

[luvmysuper]

FTFY - But not quite sure why.


.
.
.

[blackfoot]

FTFY - But not quite sure why.


.
.
.

Me neither. :rolleyes:

[gollum83]

Me neither. :rolleyes:

Me three. :001_tt2:

[skklog]

FTFY - But not quite sure why.


.
.
.

Thanks!

just a bump

[luvmysuper]

Chicago.

Mertz Apothecary.

Lincoln Square.

Google it.

[blackfoot]

Chicago.

Mertz Apothecary.

Lincoln Square.

Google it.

Done

[Noebie]

we're going to be down at the parade tomorrow

if anybody's planning to be there, look for me - i'll be the one with the green scarf

:^)

[baba]

3rd Saturday in May works for me! That would be 15 May.
Anybody have an immediate issue with that date?

Just checking in, are we all still on for May 15th?

[luvmysuper]

Just checking in, are we all still on for May 15th?

May 15 is a go for me unless I am in Poland or Malaysia.
I won't know for sure till later in the month.

[Sterling Cooper]

May 15th in Lincoln Square is still the plan as far as I know.

[blackfoot]

May 15 is a go for me unless I am in Poland or Malaysia.
I won't know for sure till later in the month.

I forgot to ask for it off, but it should be fine. As long as I'm not in Ecuador at the time. Lord knows why I would but...:lol:

[luvmysuper]

I forgot to ask for it off, but it should be fine. As long as I'm not in Ecuador at the time. Lord knows why I would but...:lol:

There's a sales opportunity in Poland, in Turov near Zittau Germany and an Equipment Roll Out in Port Dickson Malaysia, near Kuala Lumpur. I might have to go to one or both of these events, though I am trying to avoid them both.

[blackfoot]

There's a sales opportunity in Poland, in Turov near Zittau Germany and an Equipment Roll Out in Port Dickson Malaysia, near Kuala Lumpur. I might have to go to one or both of these events, though I am trying to avoid them both.

You must get/have to travel a lot.

[luvmysuper]

You must get/have to travel a lot.

It used to be a tremendous amount of fun, but it's a bit old now, and I am becoming more of a "home" body. 35 years of running all over the world has me full to the gills with travel.

[Yooper]

It used to be a tremendous amount of fun, but it's a bit old now, and I am becoming more of a "home" body. 35 years of running all over the world has me full to the gills with travel.

That's my problem, too. I'm in Korea the week after next and then off to Europe in mid-May to Hungary, Ukraine, and Russia (have to stop at all 3 locations over a 10 day period). Whatever "intrigue or fun" there once was with travel has long worn off after years of Army PCS moves and TDY, then 20 years of a civilian international career. Now I just want to be home for 2-3 months uninterrupted with no trips to take.

Was looking forward to joining you guys, but it looks like I will be gone May 15 and will have to take a rain check until next time.

[blackfoot]

It used to be a tremendous amount of fun, but it's a bit old now, and I am becoming more of a "home" body. 35 years of running all over the world has me full to the gills with travel.

I bet it does get real old. It sure sounds glamorous when you don't have to live it.

[luvmysuper]

Well guys, I wanted to bump this back up to the top even though I won't be able to attend, as I'll be on a trip through Beijing, Manila and Kuala Lumpur then.
Have a great time and I'll try to make the next one!!

[blackfoot]

Well guys, I wanted to bump this back up to the top even though I won't be able to attend, as I'll be on a trip through Beijing, Manila and Kuala Lumpur then.
Have a great time and I'll try to make the next one!!

That is extremely disapointing. :thumbdown:

[skklog]

That is extremely disapointing. :thumbdown:

when is this again?

[luvmysuper]

when is this again?

15 May


Well guys, I wanted to bump this back up to the top even though I won't be able to attend, as I'll be on a trip through Beijing, Manila and Kuala Lumpur then.
Have a great time and I'll try to make the next one!!

I'm leaving in 4 hours for Beijing, but I mean what I said seriously.
I will plan another one of these because I want to hook up with you guys!

[blackfoot]

15 May



I'm leaving in 4 hours for Beijing, but I mean what I said seriously.
I will plan another one of these because I want to hook up with you guys!

Look forward to it. Have a good trip.