I used to work in Pleasanton. Nice, quiet, boring town.
As suggested, visit the old town. Pleasanton was chosen as the background for the movie, “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm”, starring Mary Pickford. Later it served as the location for many films because of its historic downtown and rural environs, eventually becoming known as the “Hollywood of the North.”
Also, BART into San Francisco is a snap. No muss, no fuss.
Mt. Diablo is worth the diversion. Great views. Take a picnic lunch.
And right across I-580 to the north is Dublin, home to the FCI Dublin. However, its located on a military reservation so don’t expect to get close enough to wave to Sara Jane Moore.
Wow, thanks for all the amazing suggestions, everybody. I’ve only got three weeknights, so I won’t be able to do everything (and since I’ll be busy during the day I won’t have a chance to get to the wineries for tastings :(), but I’ve got quite a selection from which to choose.
Looking at the BART info, I think a trip into the city has become possible. What would y’all say to dinner on, oh, maybe Wednesday? Last time I was in San Francisco, I had a great meal at the Stinking Rose (warning: lame music on site), and I’ve always wanted to try it again. Or if somebody has a better recommendation…? The point is, for Zenster and anyone else who’s interested, rather than make you drive out to where I am, I’d be happy to come into the city instead.
So yeah, if people are up for it, I’d totally be into a get-together. The folks in Chicago gave us a warm welcome when my wife and I were there, and I’m pleased and grateful at all the helpful information and similar sentiments from Bay Area Dopers as well.
Well, I just spent a few minutes looking up restaurant reviews, and it seems the Stinking Rose has gone seriously downhill since I was there last (it’s been a few years). Anybody have any better ideas?
Cervaise, what’s your schedule? If you’re working regular weekday hours, getting into SF and back out in one evening may be quite a chore. Meeting in Oakland or Bezerkeley might be a lot easier. I haven’t seen my friend in Pleasanton for a while so a visit is on the roster as it is. Vietnamese food sounds delish, but then again, so does just about anything to this particular chowhound.
Well, if you like Vietnamese, the aforementioned Le Cheval is a reasonable choice ( not that pricey, either, nor so fancy you have to dress up ). That assumes you want to eat in Oakland, though.
Do I like Vietnamese food, you ask? My uncle married a Vietnamese woman, so we’ve got the cuisine in the family. Yum.
Basically, I’m tied up during regular daytime work hours, so it’s evenings only. If you guys think Oakland would be easier, then great, I’m all yours.
So the Vietnamese option sounds tasty. And from the link provided by Qburn, the restaurant here also seems worthwhile. Thankfully, my company gives me a pretty generous personal meal allowance, so I can splurge on myself one evening.
Okay, so, I’m flying down today, and I don’t know how consistently I’ll have access to the web and/or email. If necessary, I’ll find an internet cafe on Tuesday. I’m hoping we can work something out for Wednesday night. That Vietnamese place in Oakland sounds great, for example; I’ll check in tomorrow to see if anything’s been confirmed.
Toodles! Looking forward to seeing anybody who’s able to make it.
Wente is a great choice, I was there two weeks ago & the food is still excellent. It’s pricey, & out of the way for a SDMB meeting, but a good place for dinner with the Mrs. You could also check out dinner at Elliston winery. 5 course meal with a different wine served for each course.
BTW, BART is the way to go to SF, especially during the commute.
Okay, so it’s Tuesday, and I’m checking the thread. I don’t see anything here, and I didn’t get email (there’s a link on my website; click www below), so I’m assuming nothing is happening. I’ll check again tomorrow just in case.
So if I don’t get to see anybody, thanks very much for all the recommendations. I feel more comfortable here because of it.
Oh, I can probably make Le Cheval Wednesday night for a quick meal, as long as it is not too late ( say no later than seven and earlier is better ). I shouldn’t mind you - I’m way behind on my move. But I can :).
If everyone is willing to meet at the Berkeley branch of Le Cheval, I’d be up for dinner as well. It is at 2600 Bancroft Way. An Oakland bound 51 College bus will take you from Berkeley’s Shattuck Avenue station, up Durant Avenue to Bowditch Street, all of one short block south from the restaurant.
Please indicate if meeting at the Berkeley branch is acceptable. There is much more to do and see in the area than the Oakland site. I can be there early as 5:00 PM. Dinner at 7:00 PM is fine.
Hey, cool! I can be at Le Cheval in Berkeley at 7pm. Looking forward to it — see ya then!
Last time I did this, we used “Cecil Adams party” to find each other. If I don’t get a chance to come back to this thread this afternoon, that’s what I’ll expect.
Since you all are going to Berkeley tonight, I highly recommend that you skip dessert at Le Cheval and walk down to Mondo Gelateria at Shattuck & Center streets.
Really, really good gelato, also sorbet and weird soy alternative for the lactose leery. Lactose leery mr dude likes the soy stuff.
Berkeley branch, eh? Never been there, but I can give it a shot.
However…I forgot I’m having something delivered this evening between 5-8. So if they run late, I might have to skip ( I’m working tonight, hence my “not too late” thing ). Hopefully not, but you never know. If I do miss out, have a good time ( I’ll shoot for getting there by seven, any later and it becomes problematic for me ).
If not look for the disheveled, somewhat geeky-looking dude ( in a Simpsons “comic book guy” sort of way, minus the ponytail and at least some of the rampant dysfunction ). A “Cecil Adams” table reservation might be the ticket.
Cervaise and Tamerlane, meeting the two of you was an immense pleasure. As with so many SDMB real life meetings, the conversation was scintillating. Quite refreshing after so much of the shop talk and geek speak down here in Silicon Valley.
Cervaise, did you make it up to Mount Diablo’s summit? I’m also hoping that you had the chance to tour through Niles Canyon. While it is now a forested river canyon, in its day Niles Canyon was a prototypical Hollywood that saw early Charlie Chaplain silents filmed in its confines. As a justifiably hardened movie geek, I thought that would be a hot item for your dance card. If you are ever in the area again, please email me so we can get together again.
Tamerlane, I’m hoping you might consider driving down to Silicon Valley for our Hallowdope, currently in planning. You were every bit the gentleman you come across as in your posts. I know that many of the folks down here would be thrilled to meet you. Your exit was a bit hasty, as the waiter had yet to bring back your change. I have it for you the next time we meet.
I agree with those who say that San Fransisco is a must-see. If you don’t get there this time, go some other time. Stay at the Fairmont downtown (top of the hill). Walk down to Chinatown and take a cable car back. Take a bay cruise at night. All I can say is spectacular.
