My vote is for Sunday @ the Northhampton Brewery.

(I feel like I should add with Miss White and the candlestick)

Saturday night would be my first choice but Sunday isn't impossible.

This, though Saturday night could work, too,.just with more finagling. Lol

This sounds awesome. I will look at my teaching and dissertation schedule and let you know if I can attend. What is the deadline for informing you if someone can attend?

Getting psyched to meet everyone

That looks good. I would say that is my first choice

Looks great!

THIS .. looks like a keeper all the way around!!

Ok, if everyone wants Mama Iguanas I will acquiesce. But for the record I HATE Mama Iguanas. Which is why I didn't suggest it. I think they're vegetarian options suck. But if it's what the group wants I'll go along.

Like I said, it seems like people are excited about Mama Iguanas so if that's what people want I'll be ok with it. It is very festive and they at least have good margaritas lol.

I dunno....I think Packard's has better drink options as well as food options for everyone. Not just Mexican fare. JMHO

I agree with this as well. I think Packard's got struck down early on because of the room size. However, we would not be sitting down and dining the whole time we are there (I would think). .. and would be floating around here and there. Also, we do not necessarily have to all be in that particular room, right? We could figure out other table options like putting some together in another area, etc.

I am all about compromise and I think we can come up with a good plan that suits everyone.

For me it is not necessarily about the meal, it is more about the company.

I truly like Packard's as an option. There's plenty of booths and tables outside the back room, and room at the bar. We could reserve the back room and hopefully fit everyone and if not just reserve booths right outside the room and people can flit around and socialize after we eat.

ETA: There's also a back patio for drinking and smoking and socializing. The birthday butch wants Packard's. ;)

I think we've gotten slightly off track because last time we had dinner at the Chinese place and met for drinks at Packards. If the intention is to have dinner and drinks at the same place, then Packards will suit the group best. Let's plan on Packards Saturday night...starting 6 or 7 PM?

No deadline, just show up (but let us know as soon as you can commit).

Yes, I think it would be easy to have dinner and drinks at the same place to simplify things. I will call and reserve space for Saturday at 6!

Reserved. Unless we have a complete change of heart, Packard's it is at 6pm on Saturday September 1st. I will post another link to the bar as soon as I'm at a computer again.