April 6: Changes signing in Houston, TX

[Aine]

Considering 2008 turn out, parking, traffic I would say be at MBTB by 5:30.  There are many good lunch places (depending what time we meet?) within a few minutes.  I'd be happy to send out some suggestions if people give preferences (I don't eat fast food and am vegetarian but open to anything)?  A lot of places have buffet's until like 2:00pm.  

  If anyone is looking to kill some time an needs suggestions I'd be happy to help.  Nice shopping, Half Price Books, dessert places, etc. in nearby Rice Village if looking to kill some time.  There's a nice movie theater about five minutes away.  We are members of really nice museums (Menil, MFA, Natural Science) and the Zoo which are within 10 minutes of MBTB.

This sounds great, Vijay.  I think a good start is the most variety of foods with adequate seating at a reasonable price.  Last time we met up at a Chipotle, the food was good but there wasn't really a lot of seating.  Maybe something that can handle a decent sized group (something like an Applebees) or even a buffet-style place? 

My parents used to stay at the Westin when they'd come to Houston to visit.  Its a very nice hotel.  The view from the side with the fountain is pretty.

I am getting excited to see it!  Can't give Themo a scooby snack *quite* yet for picking it out, I am kinda difficult and would hate to reward him too soon. 

[Vijay]

Off the top of my head nearby with decent food, seating and moderately priced include:
Star Pizza:  http://www.starpizza.net/home1.htm
100% Taquito or Lupe Tortilla’s (tex-mex): http://100taquito.com/eng.html
Houston’s (American):  http://www.hillstone.com/pdf_menus/houstons/Houstons_Kirby.pdf
Amazon Grille:  http://www.cordua.com/cordua.cfm?a=cms,c,8,4,46
Picnic (sandwiches):  http://www.picnicboxlunches.com/
  I can make more suggestions if people are more specific preferences and time to meet (some places close 2-5).

[maerock]

Off the top of my head nearby with decent food, seating and moderately priced include:
Star Pizza:  http://www.starpizza.net/home1.htm
100% Taquito or Lupe Tortilla’s (tex-mex): http://100taquito.com/eng.html
Houston’s (American):  http://www.hillstone.com/pdf_menus/houstons/Houstons_Kirby.pdf
Amazon Grille:  http://www.cordua.com/cordua.cfm?a=cms,c,8,4,46
Picnic (sandwiches):  http://www.picnicboxlunches.com/
  I can make more suggestions if people are more specific preferences and time to meet (some places close 2-5).

Lupe Tortilla's is highly recommended!

[Mickey Finn]

Star Pizza's a good choice. So's the BBQ place mentioned above, withing walking distance of MBTB.

If you want GOOD, there's the Black Walnut: http://www.blackwalnutcafe.com/

Or D'Amico's: http://www.damico-cafe.com/  (right next door to the above)

Then there's the Hobbit Cafe.....http://houston.citysearch.com/profile/9953692/houston_tx/hobbit_cafe.html

And Becks for the best burgers around: http://www.yelp.com/biz/becks-prime-houston-4

PS: The Galleria's about 5-10 mins away from the bookstore...sans traffic. Plan for 30, just to be safe.

[Araris Dresden]

Would it be a hard walk from lupe's or the fifty nine? Is there a ped bridge across the freeway?

[Vijay]

Not long but would have to use crosswalks with lights as no bridge.  If meeting before 4:00pm driving should be worth it.

[Araris Dresden]

Cool. I just don't like to drive when others are on the road in cities. It's like I can play in the sand box just fine, it is only when those other kids show up and take up too much space with their toys.....stupid toys! They don't even know how to play with them right!

If a few minor things had been different I would have been a New Yorker....at least for a time.

[Vijay]

Before venue I think we should decide a lunch time.  Like 3:30pm (then directly to store) or a convenient/specific start time between 11:30-1:30?  People can straggle in and stay at lunch as long as they like.  I am fine with 1:00pm but open.

[Araris Dresden]

1:00 is fine with me, but where?

[Landing]

I probably couldn't show up until 3:30 no matter what time it starts and somewhere within walking distance of the bookstore would be great.

[Vijay]

Most of the listed places are within 15 minute walk.

[Aine]

Is 2:00 early enough then?  Certainly gives time for the early birds to arrive, eat, socialize, set up shop before we head over to the bookstore.

Okay...now comes the hard part.  We've got all sorts of lovely choices.  (I kinda liked the Italian Deli place myself, but it looks like seating may be an issue?) but someone needs to PICK A PLACE.   

I know.  But it must be done. 

[Vijay]

Yes, D'Amico's may not be suited for 20+ and 2 is early enough.  I vote Star Pizza: good reputation, some may arrive early and enjoy buffet until 2, latecomers can just order to their tastes/share whenever, and large/easily expandable seating.  They said call 15 min before with group number and they'll arrange.  Regardless of venue I suggest tallying arrival times and numbers?  Me and another member (2) at 1:00.

[Landing]

This pizza place sounds good to me, I'll have to do some planing before I can say when I would be able to show up. I might get off a bit earlier if I ask nicely.

[Khymera]

I know that most of the people are thinking about food currently... (Who wouldn't?) But is anyone planning to bring a camcorder or some means to record it?