Originally Posted by GW McLintock (Post 37478503)

1800 hours ;) is fine with me as well. I am planning to arrive midday and have tentatively booked the Residence Inn. Now to find my SmarTrip card!

-J.

Originally Posted by ZenFlyer (Post 37478549)

You should find it and use it up soon - - they have been making a big push towards smartphones lately so I would not be surprised to hear there are phaseout plans …

Originally Posted by ZenFlyer (Post 37477257)

Hey David: do you know if there is ample indoor seating at Aslin? I thought it was just a couple of tables inside but I could be wrong.

Originally Posted by mhnadel (Post 37477531)

You can't measure walking times in DC based just on distance. The U Street area tends to be packed with people.

The Navy Yard area is probably better, but best to make sure there are no events going on there that night.

The stuff around Mount Vernon Square is at least walkable from Metro Center, which makes it much easier for those of us who live in civilization (i.e. to the west.)

Originally Posted by ZenFlyer (Post 37477721)

Regarding potential crowds in the Navy Yard/Ballpark area, there are no ballpark events on the 16th. (The stadium is currently set up for « Winter Wonderland » activities that take place primarily on the weekends, and for better or worse, not the 16th. https://www.mlb.com/nationals/tickets/events)

I see about 8 people who have expressed quasi-firm interest in attending on the 16th. Putting aside differing views on the center of “civilization” in the DC area (ahem), and with much appreciation for DELee’s research, I’m going to put a motion on the table in favor of Bluejacket. It is a few stops away on the green line from where our out-of-town members will (likely) be based. As a local brew pub it falls within the spirit of some of DELee’s original recommendations, and has been endorsed by a couple of members who have visited. And it appears it could accommodate a group of 8+ more easily than some of the other venues that have been mentioned.

That said, I remain completely open to other venues; I’m just trying to wrap up this discussion so we can all get on with our weekend plans :). May I suggest that interested parties chime in, either agreeing to Bluejacket or putting forward a different preferred venue?

(I note that Chicken & Whiskey has a second location in Navy Yard, just a few minutes walk from Bluejacket, but I can’t get a good handle on the seating arrangements there, and they don’t take online reservations. It has more of a corporate fast-food vibe than the 14th street location. Depending on what time this group likes to convene, one possibility would be to meet for drinks (and apps) at Bluejacket, after which those who wish can repair to C+W for Peruvian food).

Originally Posted by Zorak (Post 37478860)

Metro also takes credit card contactless payments, for what it's worth.

Originally Posted by DELee (Post 37479066)

I called earlier and talked with the Aslin crew - they've indoor space for 45, their tent is heated and 4 of their 8 "igloos" are also heated

Originally Posted by ZenFlyer (Post 37479113)

Thanks so much David.



Ah, this explains things. When I was last there this summer I saw no more than 12 indoor seats. Online it said 21 indoor and 200+ outdoor, with no photos of a winter setup. Oh well, we'll (I'll) know better for next time.

Thanks so much for all your research and prompting the gathering. I think the last time I attended one of these was over 10 years ago. I look forward to meeting you and others on Tuesday.

For all: please continue to chime in below regarding attendance if you haven't already.

Originally Posted by Zorak (Post 37482053)

IIRC, Bluejacket is to the south and east of the station so I don't think that affects us, but good to know!

Originally Posted by GW McLintock (Post 37483989)

There is a 20-30% chance I bring a +1, but I don't think it's strong enough that it's worth adding a seat to the table. It can be a problem for when we get there, should it happen.

-J.

Originally Posted by pointnfly (Post 37484032)

16th doesn't work for me, maybe next time? I hope to meet you all another time.

Originally Posted by ZenFlyer (Post 37483995)

Thanks for the heads up, that should not be a problem. Great that you would travel in for this, look forward to seeing you tomorrow!