First off, I want to say that I am honestly open to any restaurant that is decided upon ... I eat just about anything and am just really looking forward to meeting everyone.

However, if we are taking a vote... based on what has been said so far, my vote would be for Audrey Clare. Sounds like a nice location, good food and is BYOB ...

Karen

Oops... forgot to mention that I am driving in from South Jersey and would also be happy to pick anyone up.

For those of you who are from N. Jersey ... if you would want to drive to my house and leave cars here ... then a few of us could drive in from here together. Fewer cars to park in Philly ...

I live in Medford which is close to NJ turnpike exits and right off Route 70.

Karen

I am really looking forward to the 22nd, and am also open to any of the restarants mentioned. I always love going downtown, but thought that I would mention that there are many great BYOB's in South Philadelphia - in areas with decent parking (most have websites or are on menu pages). Matyson, near Penn, also gets rave reviews(though reservations are a bit hard to come by).

Honestly, I am fine with any of the places mentioned so far. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and would be happy to provide taxi service!

Oops! Matyson is downtown. I was thinking of Marigold Kitchen and Nan - both around Penn.

Unfortunately, my babysitting options are not looking too promising at this point, so I'll probably have to pass on this one!

Ooh Sophia...

Keep trying... would love to meet you and hear about your recent trip to Paris.

Karen

I'll keep trying....

Matyson has been on my radar screen - I definitely want to go there sometime. It does look slightly pricier than Audrey Clare, but only slightly.

So what is the consensus? I will make the reservations happily. Here is our list so far:

Karenb1 (Karen)
Kim
Marian
Ann M
Karinka (Karen)
scg (Sheri)
Teaberry (Terry)
(hoping for Sophia1)

That's seven and hoping for 8.

I'm fine with Audrey Claire. I haven't been there and I have heard great things about it.

Thanks for counting me in!

OMG, Karen! How could I have forgotten Kathy!!! Do you think she will make it? I'll make the reservation to include her.

Unless I hear from anyone to the contrary, I'll make the reservation at Audrey Clare for 6:45pm on Thursday, May 22.

Thanks Terry. I'll be away so maybe you can keep checking if she can come. She's usually still working at 6:30 but she needs to lighten up!

I'll take care of it, Karen. Your sister needs to give herself a work break, definitely!!

Have a great trip, and I'll look forward to seeing you again when we GTG.

Thanks Terry! I'm so looking forward to meeting everyone. I have a friend who will also be attending the same conference and was thinking of asking her to join us. Would that be okay? Her name is Jan - she's great, travels and I know would have a great time. Although she may have other plans too.

Fine by me, Ann. The more, the merrier! Please ask her to join us.

Terry,

Thanks so much for making the reservation... sounds great!

Glad to hear "the more, the merrier!" ... as I will also be bringing a friend with me....

So ... please add another to the reservation.

Again... if anyone needs a ride from South Jersey ... or a pick up and drop off in Philly... let me know.

Karen

I haven't read this whole thread, but just want to say I am still in.

I may have spoken too soon.

Now that I am back to what I must call real life, I find I may not be able to get away on the 22nd and 23rd. I'll post further toward the end of next week.

, let us know Marian. Don't you just hate real life sometimes? Here's hoping...

Sorry, but I do have to back out of this one. Next time!

(Meanwhile, I am proud to say that my vacation laundry is done and my suitcases put away. )

Ohh Marian,
I am so sorry you will not be able to join us... I hope we will be able to meet up soon at another GTG.

Karen

Terry... have you heard anything from Kim ... is she still able to come on the 22nd? She has not replied in awhile ... and I was just wondering about her.

Karen

Sorry to say, but I am unable to make it! I'm bummed - but hopefully there'll be another one soon!

Just checking in to make sure this GTG is still on for this Thursday.

Not too many have checked in for awhile ...

Please confirm that all is still a "go" ...

Karen