Looks like I will be in Miami that weekend - seems it's about time I re-insert myself in the FT community http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Essxjay, I just played with the good version of United Connection a bit and found the $221 fare at some reasonable times. Using 1/17 and 1/24 (both Wednesdays as an example), the following flights might work for you:

Outbound
-------------
#730 PDX->ORD 10:18A->4:02P A320
#794 ORD->FLL 6:25P->10:20P 757

A red eye is also available.

Return
---------
#269 FLL->ORD 12:14P->2:31P 757
#463 ORD->PDX 3:40P->6:08P A320

A later flight is also available.

These fares seem to be good Tue, Wed, Thu so if time is limited, you could probably head out Thu and return Tue. I'll send you an email with the same info.

Don't forget PBI as an alternate.. If your driving anyway its just one big highway here!

TW

I am providing links to reviews on some restaurants.

Please vote on them or suggest others.

Norman's http://www.zagat.com/search/detail.a...ner=0&ID=20860

The Forge http://www.zagat.com/search/detail.a...ner=0&ID=23147

Joe's Stone Crab http://www.zagat.com/search/detail.a...ner=0&ID=20829

Pacific Time http://www.zagat.com/search/detail.a...ner=0&ID=21539


Just a start.. Unless people agree on one of these right away.

TW

At the moment, the super low fares for UA only seem to be available via FLL, not MIA or PBI. They WERE available about two weeks ago for MIA but seem to have vanished.

Have any of you tried Gibby's in Fort Lauderdale? Not as fancy as some of the other options but the prime ribs/steak/seafood seem to be of a decent and reliable quality and I believe we might be able to obtain a private room, depending on how many people decide to attend. The blue haired crowd should be gone by early evening.

Whatever the choice, may I suggest that we seek out an establishment with a relatively low noise level. A few options, such as Pacific Time, may require a bit of shouting. Joe's Stone Crab may necessitate a considerable wait, except perhaps at lunch.

I am personally not a big fan of Gibby's. The food is, as you say, reliable. The service is fine, and to truly avoid the early bird crowd, dinner would have to be after 8.

With all the fine restaurants in Miami and the Gables, I wouldn't drive up to Lauderdale for Gibby's... I dont often go the 10 miles from my house there!

So, based on the first comments. I would rule out Pacific and, unless people want the Joe's, thats out too.

I have eaten at Norman's, and while certainly not cheap, it is really excellent!

Just my 2 cents.

TW

[This message has been edited by Tolarian Wind (edited 12-20-2000).]

Might be an interesting early mileag run. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Brent and everyone, I know you all been asking if I could go. Unfortunately I cannot because I will be on the road thru much of that weekend.

Have fun and have a Key Lime Pie for me.

...thinking about going. and bringing my golf clubs in my new aa.com travel golf bag.

Does anyone know Van Dyke's? My admin mgr, who lived in MIA for years, says it's cool, good food, and has a jazz bar upstairs...

Punki - please DO come - I'd love to meet you!!

I too have heard good things about Van Dyke's..Come one, come all to MIA! I am looking forward to meeting all of you.

------------------
MRKEY

Here is the Zagat link for Van Dyke
http://www.zagat.com/search/detail.a...ner=0&ID=21521

TW

So far I have as a yes

Burkey
Svpii
MRKEY
LarryU
Jim_B

And as maybe

Beckles
Essxjay

And as a really remote maybe

Comicwoman
Punki

I don't think MRKEY is a 'YES' anymore, unless you want to move the party to India:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/003887.html


By the way, is there anyone else driving down from somewhere north of MIA with whom I can hitch a ride from the Boca vicinity?