Is there Interest: An Event in Newark?
 

Disclaimer: Whatever the responce is, the actual event would be 6+ months away, should people express interest.

Would people be at all interested in coming together for an event in the City of Newark?

I have 3 food options in mind, which would include Brazilian Rodizio, a Jersey Diner, and a great American Fusion restaurant. (all in the City of Newark)

Activities could include some airport activities (just random thoughts, but maybe something unique like a tour of the FedEx facility, airline catering, or other things previously unseen), also to include perhaps a baseball game (in Newark), a historical tour (walking or lecture) of the City of Newark, perhaps even the event could be alligned with the dates when Branch Brook Park's Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom -- The largest bloom in the United States -- as well as other truly Newark activities.

I went to college in Newark, and have come to appreciate it for more than an Airport, and I know for many, it is a place to transit on your way to and from home, and you do not give it much thought.

One interesting tidbit: For the most part, the City of Newark stayed loyal to the SOUTH during the Civil War. Why? -- One of Newark's chief industries was leathergoods, which were used for protection during the war, and Confederate Army was one of the main customers!


Looking forward to people's thoughts!

interested! and add +1 as a good friend from nearby Newark would likely join

We have had a number of Flyertalk get togethers in Ironbound...great food there. Don Pepes is a favorite

There's also the Newark Museum and Prudential Center for Devils games

Keep us posted.

I'm likely game, assuming I'm around. I'd also suggest reaching out to xyzzy as he has planned a few events in the area over the years. :-:

Interested. :)

Count me in.

I would be interested (assuming I'm available).

For Brasilian churrasco, I would recommend Brasilia Grill!

Precisely what I was thinking. If we are lucky, maybe thr dancers will be there. They basically wear silver dollars and some dental floss. You can guess where each goes.

Am glad that you were thinking of the same place -- I really haven't found any other rodizio place where the food is as good! It's been a hit with some serious meat-eaters!:D

As for the dancers -- prob only around carnaval (which would be now)!;)

Interested! :)

Wow... So heres some thoughts!
 

Okay, I must say I'm floored of the responce I have seen in just the first 24 hours...So now I am motivated, to make this happen!

Should this event happen, which I am sure it will, you will all find me to be a VERY anal person. :-) I took some time to put together an itinerary, which I think will work quite nicely.

I do have one thought for those coming in from out of town... There is a new Courtyard by Marriott opening in the heart of downtown Newark. Its slated to open in September. I am sure they would LOVE to showcase themselves to a group of frequent travelers.. Ill keep you posted!

So lfor now, et me throw some stuff out there, and see what you guys think....

Timing:

I would consider doing this in April/May, but for out-of-towners, that could be too close to the Soup/BRT Events in June in NYC.... So I'd be looking at either September/Early October 2012 (Should Rutgers Football Have a Bye Week :-) ) otherwise April/May 2013.

I'm Thinking:

Friday

Informal Dinner - 7pm
(Order off Menu, Self-Pay)
27 Mix
27 Halsey St, Newark
Website: http://27mix.com/
Menu: http://27mix.com/Menu.aspx

Location has outdoor patio dining, weather permitting, a wonderful experience.. This is truly an oasis in the middle of the city... Easily accessible via public transportation.. Also, reasonably ample FREE on-street parking available.

Saturday

City Tour - 10:00am
(Small cost for Guide, I'd say $20.00)
Newark History Links: http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~natalieb/newark.htm
Possible Tour Guide: http://ncas.rutgers.edu/clement-alexander-price

I will find some source for a tour of Newark... One possibility would be the aformentioned Dr. Clement Alexander Price, whos "History of Newark" course, which I took, included a walking tour of the city.. He is the formost authority on Newark, so I feel you will be in good hands.

I will reach out to him.. If that doesn't work, I'll find a suitable alternative.. -- I would like to keep this as a walking tour, a) to save money.. Should there be inclement weather, I'll work on an alternative activity. Either the tour in lecture form, or some other activity.

Newark Museum - 2:00pm
($10 Suggested Donation - 2 for 1 with AAA)
49 Washington St, Newark
Website: http://www.newarkmuseum.org/

An optional add-on to the tour would be a couple of hours at the Newark Museum.. The Museum will be easily accessible by public transportation... Parking is available for $6.00, though there is free street parking.

Dinner - 7:00pm
(Prepayment will presumably be required - Price TBA)
Brasilia Grill
99 Monroe St, Newark
Website: http://brasiliagrill.com/

From their website: "Brasilia Grill churrascaria, specializes in rodizio, which is a variety of different .roasted .meats .on skewers over an open pit. .Our fine is fueled using natural hardwood charcoal which offers a distinct taste."

There are dozens of meat options, as well as a buffet bar with dozens more options... This is not an event you will go hungry at.. -- Restaurant is 1/2 mile from Penn Station, easily walkable, though a bus would get you within two blocks, or cab, to the front door

Sunday

EWR Events - 8:30am
If people want, I'll try and get something together at EWR in the morning otherwise, we can skip that, and go right to brunch.

Informal Brunch - 11:30am (or 1:00pm if EWR Happens)
(Order off Menu, Self-Pay)
Top's Diner
500 Passaic Ave, East Newark
Website: http://www.thetopsdiner.com/
Menu: http://www.thetopsdiner.com/menu.asp

No trip to New Jersey would be complete without stopping at a diner, and Tops Diner, is, well, Tops... Located directly across the Passaic River from Newark in the tiny Borough of East Newark, the 8th most densely populated municipality in the United States( 1/10th of a Square Mile, Population 2500 ).. Another guaranteed full stomach (and doggie bag) kind of place....

Looks great! I agree that April is too soon & May will be busy with graduations, etc. The fall is probably better.

I'm game
 

I'm in Brooklyn and would be game to go along BTW i'm all for Rodizo dinner!!
Keep me posted!!

^ Great idea. :cool:

If we're in town, we're in. Give plenty of notice and we will try our best to make it.

+1 went to law school in Newark and there are always a lot of memories when we go there, although nowadays that seems to be only for the airport, hockey and Don Pepe's.

That would be great, I will certainly attend if available. Thanks in advance for all hard work that it will take. Lay down the plan that makes the most sense to you and those who can attend, will attend. The Brooklyn summer tour is a good example of rule by fiat, otherwise it can be too hard to pin down.

Add me to the more than interested list. :) Thanks for bringing up the idea

Add me as interested if scheduling works.

Nailed down my two favs in Newark... As a frequent traveler to Newark the Ironbound has quickly risen to high on the list of favorite places for food and Brasilia is just plain delicious.


Brasilia and Tops in the same weekend - what better way to enjoy my first FT event? Who can say no to this idea?

Just a little housekeeping.

I am still waiting the Big East Conference to release its Fall 2012 football schedule, so I can see if I will have a free weekend in September. -- Or better yet, find out when I will be traveling this Fall. :) I know i'll be looking into going to MSY, XNA, PIT, PHL and CVG, just not when!

The conference is already a month behind last year's release, and 1 1/2 months beyond the previous year.


Stay patient everyone!

Speaking of football schedules, we are in this DO for sure if the Giants are home that Sunday. :cool:

Okay, we are narrowed down to three options:

Labor Day Weekend
Fri-Sat-Sun August 31, September 1, 2 or Sat-Sun-Mon September 1, 2, 3

September 14,15,16

September 28,29,30


I'll let some discussion happen, look into availibility for the various components, and look for a formal announcement no later than June 1.

I believe that if you PM a request to a moderator, he/she can arrange that a poll be set up at the top of the thread for all who are interested to vote on the dates.

I would be interested in some of these activities. Doing something at the airport sounds fun!

Well, I was hoping to be in town the weekend of the 21-23, so I guess I'll be on my own.

Of course, the UA fares are outrageous now. :rolleyes:

[ETA: OK, maybe not outrageous, but too high for me.]