It's time we start planning for our next meet & greet.
Our window of opportunity is only a couple days this year so that Tim can attend. We promised last year that we would schedule it so he could be there. The best days would be Sat Dec 26th or Sun Dec 27th. We could probably do Monday evening the 28th if need be, but weekends are usually best.

Please post suggestions as to where you would like to meet. As usual, we will do a poll for time and place which I will put together once we get some suggestions on locations. I would like to start the poll in mid-November to allow us time to figure it out then notify the place we plan to attend so they can accommodate us.

Personally, I wouldn't mind going to the new Hacienda. I haven't been there since the old place burned down. I know it's not a mom/pop place, but that's my suggestion. I also think Saturday evening would be a good time.

Anyone else?

Thank you so much for thinking of me, Ang. I have no real concrete plans right now on any of those days, so I'll just wait until polls or opinions are offered - but I certainly look forward to finally meeting everyone!

I say let's go locally owned. McGuiness, Bartlett's, Duneland Beach, Stop 50, Harbor Grill, etc. etc. <----say's the guy who hasn't made a single gathering, lol. I'll try, seriously.

I'm in favor of someplace that serves booze within walking staggering distance of my house.

and ours LOL, so how about Ryan's as a choice also? They have a good bar selection (especially on tap) and inexpensive food. McGuiness is just a little further away, but not much. Stadium Inn is too small, I think, as is 4 Stop. Reilly's is out as far as I am concerned - besides the food and service there are terrible (at least the 3 times we were there and then gave up on them). OR we could go Galveston's.

Maybe we should run a poll. I, like Dave, think a walk (stagger ) distance might be nice, but since we may be the only ones this close to town Dave, might be a hard sell to the others.





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Sadly for me, this is going to be the weekend of my youngest's second birthday (27th). I most likely will not be able to make it again.

Yes, I'd vote for Ryan's. That used to be Leed's years ago, right? I hung out there a lot so that would be one of those memory lane thingthat I love when I come home. And SS2k9 - very disappointed you might not be there. Move your party to Ryan's!

For Dave, I will be the designated driver. He just has to be able to roll to the car himself. Dave is too big to carry.

Too many food violations at Ryans. YUCK!

Really - oops - I must not be reading the health inspections closely enough. I have always had very decent food at Ryans and at very inexpensive prices for pub food. Actually for a mellow laid back pub atmosphere, it is one of my favorites and the location at 4th and Franklin is great for where we live.....and play.

I'm reminded of a time I was there years ago before it was Ryan's. I forget the previous name, but whatever. Several of us went there for dinner and I ordered cream of broccoli soup as an appetizer. The soup comes out and it's stone cold...and in my snarky, 4th gin and tonic voice (ah, memories...) I ask the waitress, "Excuse me, is this soup meant to be served cold?" Minutes later, she brings a new bowl; the temperature somewhere between molten magma and the center of the sun. I looked at her "Take a big spoonful, you *#&@" look followed by "Is that better, sir?" and realized I'd been a putz.

Ok. I must be missing something because I cannot find Ryan's Irish Pub in the last couple of health inspection reports. (I do not have access to the archives.) I do and have seen in previous (my memory only)Ryan's Family Steakhouse listed and also many of the retaurants that many of you ....and I.... still like (Galveston's, Rodini's and Holly's for a few).

What current or recent violations are you referring to Chicken City?

I don't get it, you were a putz for asking for your soup to be hot? Sounds like it was the same bowl just placed in the microwave on high. I'd say the waitress or cook who did that is the putz.

I googled and actually found the link to the thread I started here. There is a reason it stood out in my memory, lol.




LA PORTE - The following are the results of La Porte County Health Department inspection of restaurants and food service businesses from September.

Inspections on Sept. 11

• Silver Horseshoe, 104 S. Main St., Wanatah: Four critical violations and four non-critical violations.

• Olga's Place, 454 W. Main St., Westville: One critical violation.

• Station 801, 801 Franklin St., Michigan City: Four critical violations and five non-critical inspections.

• Carlson's Drive In, 118 W. Coolspring Ave., Michigan City: Zero violations.

Inspections on Sept. 12

• Shoreline Brewery and Restaurant, 208 Wabash St., Michigan City: Five critical violations and nine non-critical violations.

• Ryan's Irish Pub, 401 Franklin St., Michigan City: Eight critical violations and 12 non-critical violations.!!!!!!!<----

Inspections on Sept. 15

• Indiana Deli and Catering, 805 Indiana Ave., La Porte: One critical violation and four non-critical violations.

• Roma Pizza, 2400 Franklin St., Michigan City: One critical violation and three non-critical violations.

• Gourmet House, 1458 W. Indiana 2, La Porte: Three critical violations and five non-critical violations.

• Beacon Hills Banquet Center, 282 W. Johnson Road, La Porte: Two non-critical violations.

• Oak Wood Manor, 1211 Longwood Drive, La Porte: Zero violations.

Inspections on Sept. 16

• Heston Supper Club, 2003 E. County Road 1000 North, La Porte: Four critical violations and five non-critical violations.

• Eagles Lodge 2439, 301 B St., La Porte: One critical violation and one non-critical violation.

• Colima, 301 Lincolnway, La Porte: One non-critical violation.

• State Street Bar and Grill, 502 State St., La Porte: Four non-critical violations.

Inspections on Sept. 17

• Archies, 104 N St., La Porte: Seven non-critical violations.

• Great Wall, 49 Pine Lake Ave., La Porte: Two critical violations and seven non-critical violations.

• Maple City Coffee, 5426 N. County Road 325 West, La Porte: Zero violations.

• The Last Round-Up, 3454 S. Indiana 104, La Porte: Four critical violations and six non-critical violations.

Inspections on Sept. 18

• Hacienda Mexican Restaurant, 2148 Karwick Road, Long Beach: Two critical violations and two non-critical violations.

• Holly's Restaurant, 3705 Franklin St., Michigan City: Two critical violations and seven non-critical violations.

• Pottawattomie Club, 1900 Springland Ave., Michigan City: Two non-critical violations.

Inspections on Sept. 19

• Wendy's, 1210 Lincolnway, La Porte: One non-critical violation.

• Taco Bell, 202 Pine Lake Ave., La Porte: Zero violations

I do believe that's a record, eight critical and twelve non critical!!!lol

I hate to point this out, but feel you are being somewhat deceitful posting this without a date (year). Either that or you are being overly judgmental based on very old information. That inspection was over ONE YEAR AGO. How far back would you like others to look into your past and judge you? I would prefer to judge places and people on current actions and decisions. I also judge my by own experiences. Therefore I will still go to Galvestons, McGuiness and other places - even though they are on more recent lists of health inspections with violations. However since we usually vote for places to meet, I will as always, defer to the majority. All I ask is that people make judgments on their own experiences OR current info.

News-Dispatch, The (Michigan City, IN)
[b]Restaurant, Food Service Inspection [/b]
Published: October 9, 2008<<<<<<<<<<<
Editor's note: Critical violations are defined as a "rule that, if in noncompliance, is more likely than other violations to significantly contribute to food contamination, illness or environmental health hazard," according to the state retail food establishment sanitation requirements. All restaurants have 10 days to reply or appeal to violations before the records become public information.
LA PORTE - The following are the results of La Porte County Health Department inspection of restaurants and food service businesses from September.
LA PORTE - The following are the results of La Porte County Health Department inspection of restaurants and food service businesses from September.

Inspections on Sept. 11

• Silver Horseshoe, 104 S. Main St., Wanatah: Four critical violations and four non-critical violations.

• Olga's Place, 454 W. Main St., Westville: One critical violation.

• Station 801, 801 Franklin St., Michigan City: Four critical violations and five non-critical inspections.

• Carlson's Drive In, 118 W. Coolspring Ave., Michigan City: Zero violations.

Inspections on Sept. 12

• Shoreline Brewery and Restaurant, 208 Wabash St., Michigan City: Five critical violations and nine non-critical violations.

• Ryan's Irish Pub, 401 Franklin St., Michigan City: Eight critical violations and 12 non-critical violations.

Inspections on Sept. 15

• Indiana Deli and Catering, 805 Indiana Ave., La Porte: One critical violation and four non-critical violations.

• Roma Pizza, 2400 Franklin St., Michigan City: One critical violation and three non-critical violations.

• Gourmet House, 1458 W. Indiana 2, La Porte: Three critical violations and five non-critical violations.

• Beacon Hills Banquet Center, 282 W. Johnson Road, La Porte: Two non-critical violations.

• Oak Wood Manor, 1211 Longwood Drive, La Porte: Zero violations.

Inspections on Sept. 16

• Heston Supper Club, 2003 E. County Road 1000 North, La Porte: Four critical violations and five non-critical violations.

• Eagles Lodge 2439, 301 B St., La Porte: One critical violation and one non-critical violation.

• Colima, 301 Lincolnway, La Porte: One non-critical violation.

• State Street Bar and Grill, 502 State St., La Porte: Four non-critical violations.

Inspections on Sept. 17

• Archies, 104 N St., La Porte: Seven non-critical violations.

• Great Wall, 49 Pine Lake Ave., La Porte: Two critical violations and seven non-critical violations.

• Maple City Coffee, 5426 N. County Road 325 West, La Porte: Zero violations.

• The Last Round-Up, 3454 S. Indiana 104, La Porte: Four critical violations and six non-critical violations.

Inspections on Sept. 18

• Hacienda Mexican Restaurant, 2148 Karwick Road, Long Beach: Two critical violations and two non-critical violations.

• Holly's Restaurant, 3705 Franklin St., Michigan City: Two critical violations and seven non-critical violations.

• Pottawattomie Club, 1900 Springland Ave., Michigan City: Two non-critical violations.

Inspections on Sept. 19

• Wendy's, 1210 Lincolnway, La Porte: One non-critical violation.

• Taco Bell, 202 Pine Lake Ave., La Porte: Zero violations

You can go back as far as you like to judge me. Hell, if you need help, I'll even point out the most epic fails of my life.
Bottom line is I remembered reading that a whole year ago and it stuck in my mind. It is the record for food violations I think so I find it very, very hard to believe that they've turned the ship around 180 degrees and everything is perfect.
Call me a food snob or whatever but after reading about something like this, I have no desire to eat there. I used to be in the food industry at a very high level, I have a food service managers license and I take cleanliness in a kitchen VERY seriously. The things that lurk in the dark corners of a kitchen (or walk in) make my skin crawl and I'm simply not one to take chances. At the same time, there are very few restaurants in town that in my mind merit my hard earned cash.

FWIW, I don't eat at the other places you mentioned either, not because of the food violation record but simply because I think the food isn't very good.

Fair enough. Everyone has their own standards. I just think that posting an inspection ( and gloating a little) without giving the true date is not a fair practice. I also think that these inspections are twofold - to protect the public and to point out defiiciencies to the the restaurant personnel so they can fix them. I have hopes and feelings that most places do try to do their best and since I have eaten and drank at Ryan's recently several times, I did not feel your comments matched my experience.



Now...given your final comment that you do not eat at Galveston's (I only recently ate there for the first time and my food was delicious), Holly's or McGuiness's....and that very few restaurants in town merit your hard earned cash.....is that the reason you have not and do not come to the CBTL gatherings? What place could we gather that would meet your standards and allow you to join us?



BTW I have no desire to judge you now or in your past....that was an attempt to bring the length of time since that inspection into a little more personal perspective. My desire, in the past, now and in the future, is to enjoy time and life with friends (old and new).

Haha, no that's not the reason I haven't been at any of the gatherings, lol. I'll go just about anywhere for a drink, 80 proof and stronger kills most of the bacteria. Timing has been the issue, I think the first winter, I was in Florida and the last one I just didn't feel like driving in the blizzard. I think that was it.

I'd rather buy a sammich at Panini-Panini and get some good homemade food that's fresh, healthy and priced right but very simple than go to a "fancy" restaurant, pay $$ and get sub par service and food.

Restaurants in the area that are privledged enough to have me not only (A) cross thier threashold but ( even order some food and be happy are: Bartletts, Duneland Beach Inn, Panini Panini, Stop 50 Pizza to name a few.

We really don't eat out a whole bunch simply because the options are limited. In many cases, food from the restaurant is bad for you even though you might not notice it. That crouton that was brushed with Sysco's "butter" flavoring, the heavy seasoning of certain dishes, preservatives that are on lot's of veggies that come "fresh chopped" because the chef thinks they'll save money that way, it all adds up.

All that said, I don't care where we go and unless I'm out of town, I PROMISE to make this one.



but yeah, the best restaurant in town is my kitchen!

Gee - looks like it'll be a friendly gathering.

Hahaha, TIM! lolzzzz111BBQ1!

It'll be a really friendly gathering! Anyone that knows me I'm sure would say that I'm a friendly person, no question. I guess I'm coming off like an ass but I really can't help it when it comes to food, I'm totally jaded but I'll be the first one to admit it.
Indy, being that you're from Indy, you'll more than likely know one of my old destination restaurants, Dodd's Townhouse, which unfortunately closed. My bible for traveling is Mike and Jane Stern's RoadFood! Proof that I'll eat just about anything as long as the quality is there!

Ryan's food is an excellent value imo--not gourmet or anything, but fine. They have an admirable beer list though. I'm in if we go there.

So you're volunteering to host?

Hey everybody! Party at CCR's house!!!!

Sweet!

Well, the point of the meet and greet is not to dine on fine cuisine, but to meet and enjoy each other's company. Good food is a bonus but it's not the reason for the get together. Hell, I'd be fine if we met at McD's.

I'm up for Ryan's. I've only been there once and it wasn't a great experience. The service was bad and the food was cold, but the point is to hang out with you guys. So there. However, since we're doing local owned, how about Holly's? I know it's not on the north end (Sorry Dave), but they do have good food and good service if that's what is so important.

Cool! I throw up a lot at these things - but as long as I know where your laundry hamper is I'm good to go!

I am up for anywhere (other than Reilly's) preferably in town. I love Holly's, but you might check on them Ang, I believe they close earlier than anywhere else.

I would offer to host, but afraid CCR would give our kitchen a bad inspection rating .

By the way CCR, I also used to love Dodd's. I am ashamed though - did not realize that they had closed - I became pretty much a southsider the last many years I lived there, except for an occasional trip to the center city.

I'd love to have a party at my house but we'd wind up gathering around an outdoor fire pit drinking vin chaud, my house is TINY! lol

Come on! No Reilly's?? Think of it - crap food, no-care service - and a severe beating on your way out the door!

It could become a new MC holiday tradition!

Ha, we could all go there and bring video cameras!



Indy, after thinking about that for a second, there is ONE thing that I haven't shared with you about Ryan's which might add to my disdain over the place. When I was 21, I came home with a friend of mine for Easter weekend. While having a couple "pops" over at Ryan's I noticed there was a commotion going on and my friend was involved. I started talking to the guy who was upset with my friend for whatever reason and said, "come to the bar so I can buy you a drink." I turned around and BAM, hit in the face with a beer bottle. The bottle didn't break but my forehead did and I was sent to the hospital to get 25 stitches. Ryan's never really cooperated with the police on that case, the guy was never arrested and I still have a scar. So yeah, there's a little history there that I didn't mention.

I can see how that might put anyone off!!!

But did you say when you were 21? Why am I now sure I am old enough to be your Mother. I am an old lady of 53 and a really short one at that - fiery Irish temper though .



We would offer to host, but cannot absolutely guarantee we will be here as we are expecting our first grandchild in the month of December to be born in Pittsburgh. We love you all, but if that baby waits until then to be born, we will be in Pittsburgh!



I did have another thought today as I was driving around. Has anyone been to the Ritz Klub? How is it as an option - I have not been there.

Yes, you are old enough to be my mother, if you had me at 18.

The Ritz club is a riot. Wine and beer only and I think it's still owned by the same lady. When I was in college we used to go there to drink beer and play pool on a 6' table. I think the games are a quarter or maybe even free. I can't remember the owners name but she'd run out to buy cigarettes and just leave the bar! It was self serve and honor system, lol.

I just drove by there today, and notice Ryan's is for sale. The entire building, business, and equipment are listed as being on the block according to the sign on the side of the building.

[quote name='ChickenCityRoller' date='Oct 26 2009, 05:46 PM' post='24471']
Haha, no that's not the reason I haven't been at any of the gatherings, lol. I'll go just about anywhere for a drink, 80 proof and stronger kills most of the bacteria. Timing has been the issue, I think the first winter, I was in Florida and the last one I just didn't feel like driving in the blizzard. I think that was it.

I'd rather buy a sammich at Panini-Panini and get some good homemade food that's fresh, healthy and priced right but very simple than go to a "fancy" restaurant, pay $$ and get sub par service and food.

Restaurants in the area that are privledged enough to have me not only (A) cross thier threashold but ( even order some food and be happy are: Bartletts, Duneland Beach Inn, Panini Panini, Stop 50 Pizza to name a few.

We really don't eat out a whole bunch simply because the options are limited. In many cases, food from the restaurant is bad for you even though you might not notice it. That crouton that was brushed with Sysco's "butter" flavoring, the heavy seasoning of certain dishes, preservatives that are on lot's of veggies that come "fresh chopped" because the chef thinks they'll save money that way, it all adds up.

All that said, I don't care where we go and unless I'm out of town, I PROMISE to make this one.
but yeah, the best restaurant in town is my kitchen! :

I am all for it! CBTL get together at CCR's crib.......home of the turbo charged BBQ grill. You should post another picture of that bad boy!

Actually, if Ryan's is out The Ritz Club is actually sounding intriguing - at least from a MC nostalgia standpoint. Anyone been there lately?

That sign has been there for quite a long time. We did a small pub crawl to celebrate Michelle's birthday last month and Ryan's was our last stop. I asked them about the sale. (Actually I noticed that a majority of the bars in town were for sale - either posted with signs or listed through a real estate agency). Basically I was told it had been for sale for awhile, as were many in MC, and I commented that I hoped it would not occur.

Ryan's really does have one of the best bars as far as quality tap options and both quality and quantity of all drinking options (other than I did not check their wine offerings). We have eaten there for lunch several times and a few times for dinner in the last year and always had good service. The food is plain, but inexpensive comparably. I am not as healthy of an eater as you, CCR - I was raised on meat, potatoes and lots of gravy. Yet somehow our children became vegetarians, which proves food really is a personal preference - either that or their Mother was a really bad cook LOL.



That said, I understand others on this board have not had that experience there...but a thought did occur to me. I have not been there on a Friday or Saturday night. If I am in MC and go out on a weekend night, it is more likely to listen to some music in Rocks bar at Blue Chip and/or play in the poker room. All establishments have the potential for a different atmosphere on the weekend, compared to week nights and daytime, just due to the patrons at those times. (Ask Michelle sometime to tell you about her first experience walking in to Ryan's when she moved here.)



I am up for a new experience so if Ritz Klub is more acceptable, that will add to my experiences.

Ritz Club and I'll bring the BBQ and chafing trays?

**watch, everyone will get sick from my cooking, lol

Ritz is alive & well. After many years, it’s still owned by Phyllis & Rich and is still a hoot. I believe the pool table is still free. Beverages are beer/wine only. If you haven’t finished your drink & someone buys you another one, they give you a ‘wooden nickel’ token that’s good when you’re ready to have another. Their large draft beer schooner is a challenge – holds 32 or 36 oz. ! I’ve added a snapshot from this summer to this post. If the Ritz is being considered, why not stop in for a quick, cold one and see what you think? It’s the next building west of Ryan’s Pub on 4th Street. If they do make it to the “finals”, I’d let them know, in case they need an extra person on duty. . . . . . . . and remember - it's not a fine dining restaurant, it's a tavern.
Click to view attachment

they serve food there? I only thought it was liquid lunches.

They do have a small kitchen & serve food, like burgers n’ fries; not a large menu, but rather basic tavern-fare, & it’s not bad at all. Liquid refreshment & companionship seems to be the main draw. A number of people (regulars) make the Ritz their stopping off point (or pint?) after work.

I went to the Ritz Club one time and thought it was...I'll go with quirky I'm up for going there. I love the light-up bar. I can't weigh in on the food, but two people told me on separate occasions that they have the best hamburgers in town. Don't think they have anything veggie, but w/e, I'm ok with french fries.

Holly's and Ryan's are both fine with me too.

That does it - Ritz Club gets my vote.

The Ritz looks fun from the pic Southyards posted. I'll put up a poll next week. So far it's Ryan's, Holly's and Ritz. Anyone got any other favs they'd like me to include?

And I'm going to assume we're leaning toward Saturday night? Will that work for everyone else?

I am on my way over

Ang, I'm good for Saturday - what time are we thinking about ? Would this be a semi-early gathering? I'm not a Holly's guy - but I'm good with either Rayn's or Ritz Club, though if the Ritz Club doesn't serve vodka that might be a little... safer.

Okay. It's time to vote.

I will close the poll on Sunday the 20th to allow time to contact the most voted place to let them know we will be there. If you aren't directed to the poll when you enter this tread, it's at the top of every page. Hit ctrl + home on your keyboard and you will jump to the top of the page.

I'm looking forward to this year's event and can't wait to meet you all. Please try to come out for this. It's really a lot of fun and you don't have to tell us you're screen name, or you can tell us your screen name but not your real name. The choice is yours. Just show up and have a good time.

I voted, but checked the "I have another suggestion" boxes as I have no strong preferences.

I would not be available on that Sunday, so I voted for Saturday @ 6pm. I voted 6pm so I could fit another drinking binge OOPS social gathering (yeah, that's it) into the same evening. I'm good with Ritz Club or Ryan's.

These times and dates work well for me! I promise to make this one!