Unless you mention me by name, I am rarely summoned.
Count me in, folks - any excuse to visit friends (and Dopers) in LA.
(This, of course, would make you all shabby seconds to hedra as being the only Dopers to have actually met the Gay Guy, but I’m sure you’ll survive. And I do plan to make it to the No/SoCal Dopefest next spring, if for no other reason than to molest my big boyfriend Doobieous.)
Esprix
Ooh! I forgot about Esprix (Did I spell that right?) coming to CA. What’s the weather like down there?
I’ve been thinking about places that might be good to go eat at. One of the ultimate places to ‘crash’ at for eating and gathering that I’ve been to before was at a place called " Jon’s " in Garden Grove, just a little off from the freeway. It’s a passable joint. Nothing horribly special. The food is along the lines of what you’d see from somewhere in between “Denny’s” and “Cocos”. But it’s open 24 hours a day, and it’s big enough to seat a semi-large gathering of people.
Plus–it’s near the Block at Orange. They have a Gameworks in there. 
Just tossing out suggestions.
Might not be such a great idea. I’m lousy with maps, but I think that would make it a long drive for people closer to the border, like in San Diego.
I’ll gladly carpool with any SD dopers (of which I know of none).
Esprix
Oh my…we’re going out now? I did not know. Where was i? Drugged? Drunk? Unconscious? A bit eager are we, Esprix? (not that i’m not flattered ;))
All right, I’m sending you a big fat E-mail about what dates and times are good for…
Uh…
Wait a minute… you’re just upstairs, aren’t ya? Dammit, your ass is glued to that computer chair so damn often, it’s easy to forget that you exist!!
By the by… around February (hopefully), I should have insurance, which would mean that Monster an’ I won’t have to rely on bumming a ride from someone else. Yesssss!!!
The important thing is: Do they have alcohol? 
We had a gathering (what do you call a bunch of Dopers? A “murder” of crows, an “unkindness” of ravens, a… what?.. of Dopers?) at Café Tu Tu Tango at The Block at Orange. Good, interesting, sharable food. Alcohol. The Block is a good place to stroll afterwards.
Universal City Walk was a nice place as well, as was LACMA/Marie Calender’s. It would have been fun to go see the fossils though.
Ok, we’re starting to get suggestions where to eat. We have to specify a date. Are we agreed mid-late Feb is good? Who has conflicts on Feb. 17 or 24 (Both saturdays)?
I don’t really mind where we go (As long as it’s not McDonald’s or something).
Damn right you’re flattered, bitch. You might actually meet me before matt_mcl, and we both know there will be much blood-letting and kvetching about that.
And I believe the correct answer is, your computer was turned off and you missed the big announcement in chat. C’est la vie, mon cher.
Esprix
Y’know, I second Citywalk as a place. There’re some pretty big restaurants there to accomodate a group of a dozen or so, and it’s fun if the group ends up being smaller than hoped.
Just noticed this.
I’d have to check possible conflicts, but I’m at least interested.
Bump
We’ve got a pretty nice list of people interested. What date should it be? I’m good for either Feb. 17th or 24th. I’ve seen suggestions for Universal City.
I keep hearing about how hot DRY is, so I’d come just to meet him alone.
Esprix
Both those dates are good for me, and Esprix, I’m up for carpooling. (I’m in Escondido, just a bit north of San Diego).
I’m only a newbie, but this would be a great chance to get to know plenty more of you guys.
Universal Citywalk, mm?
That’s an even farther drive for me than Pasadena was! 
But hey–we’ll make it a special occasion, eh? I don’t want to miss this outing like I did the last one. 
I’m in Pasadena, and I’m definitely interested in meeting all of you fellow whackos.
Set up an email list, because I usually don’t lurk around these parts. I’m a GQ man.
S
Ashtar, is there anyone you can carpool with?
Ok, I think I’m settling it on either Feb 17 or 24th. What I want to know is A) Which day is better for the larger majority and B) Which day would be less crowded. I’m assuming we’re going to do this at Universal City? (I haven’t heard any different ideas…please, let me know!)
An e-mail list is a good idea. I’m going to set one up as soon as I can (I’ll e-mail once everything is finalized).
Feb 17th, or 24th, they are both great for me.
Universal City is a great place, I just hate that they make you pay for parking. It worked out great the last time we had it there. We had it at some seafood place, I forget the name.
Ashtar, I agree about the long drive, but its worth it, everyone is fun. I live in Santa Barbara, so pretty much anywhere the dopefest ends up being held is a long drive for me.
pat
They lied.
I’m getting familiar with the area, but sure, we could work something out. once waterj2 arrives we’ll have to have a southern southern California mini-Dopefest.
Esprix