Thoughts for FOOD

[hakzaw1]

I tried many times to put this in the food thread but the 'system' keeps saying that I have not done a large enough post--WTF?-- admin can move it- I quit trying- my words are the ones in italics.
**********************************
QUOTE=buffo;189324]I've been meaning to talk about food at SELEM for a while now. I think the event has grown too large for us to continue trying to self-cater the food to everyone.

Don't get me wrong: I've really enjoyed the food at past events. But I think we've been taking advantage of the people who have been providing the food. They're stuck in the kitchen for nearly the entire weekend, which means they miss out on the shows, the geeking and tweaking, the presentations, and most importantly: THE FUN!

Case in point: last year was Len's first LEM, and yet I didn't get a chance to talk to him until Sunday afternoon, because he was so busy in the kitchen with Doug and his wife.
*****
I have no complaints- Doug and wife did way more than me. I feel that I can round up a few kitchen helpers to put in ONE hour each to help Brad. Lenny (no-esc) and myself that a spaghetti buffet dinner would be very easy - If the basic cost for the food gets covered by whatever means, The foody crew can handle the rest without missing too much of the photons. We can feed 75 folks for what 20-30 would spend on take-oue and get all you can eat too. And not leave the venue- than there are the leftovers--mmm.Brad's meatball'n Mozzerella chezzzz Subs.
*****
(Now that I think about it, there were a few others in there with them last year, but I can't remember who they were.) All of those people missed out on a lot of what was happening at SELEM, and I feel bad about that. The reason you come to SELEM is to watch laser shows and geek out with other laserists. But it's hard to do that if you're stuck in the kitchen all weekend...
*******
I agree with all that but nobody has to leave to fetch take-out( more time at the venue) and the cost comparison still wants me to do at least one big happy meal at the venue.
*******
Alternatives would be to let everyone handle meals on their own, or to have a commercial catering company come in and feed us. Personally, I don't like the catering option, because it adds a *lot* of complexity and cost. Even at $10 per plate (which is cheap), we're talking 3 full days, which is 6 meals. That would more than double the registration fee. Then we've got all the organization involved, and a very rigid schedule to keep.

That's why this year I'd like to leave meals up to the individual. I can build some breaks into the upstairs presentation schedule so folks can go get lunch and dinner each day. And if you really want to stay at the auditorium, we can always order pizza and have it delivered. (Or send someone to Burger King to bring back a bag of burgers...) That way we could continue to run shows if people wanted to.

That's my thoughts on the matter anyway - what do you guys think?

************
And thats my thoughts--Len-aka hak
I am bringing most all of my own food anyway it goes. My laser addiction takes up all my $$$.--rotfl



Adam[/QUOTE]

[buffo]

OK Len, since you've taken the lead on this idea, I hereby appoint you to be in charge of the meal!

Let's plan on having one meal (figure Friday early afternoon) for everyone, and then beyond that people are on their own for food.

Anyone who would like to help out with the meal, please get in touch with Len (Hakzaw1) and work it out.

Adam

[Stuka]

OK Len, since you've taken the lead on this idea, I hereby appoint you to be in charge of the meal!

Let's plan on having one meal (figure Friday early afternoon) for everyone, and then beyond that people are on their own for food.

Anyone who would like to help out with the meal, please get in touch with Len (Hakzaw1) and work it out.

Adam

Which night is the annual trek to Artists Cafe?

[hakzaw1]

I think Adam is aiming for Thurs nite for the Artists Cafe. And Sat night for Asherville.

Friday 1pm till (? or when the grub is all gone) 5PM-- will be the spaghetti and Brads meatball dinner. Gralic bread and a big tossed salad. I need some to bring a bottle of thier fav salad dressings. Open bottles from your home frig are fine. Same with some grated Parm chez and red pepper flakes, Salt and pepper.

As we get closer to the event I will be soliciting KP volunteers to put in one hour each to help with the food and cleanup. A schedual will be made so all know when they will be expected to help. Those bringing projectors and busy with the shows are exempt(lol).

We will sorely miss Mopheads Pulled Pork, maybe it will be appreciated even more at SELEM 2012.

Please feel free to chime in with any suggestions or comments. T Y

Chef-Len

[buffo]

Len is correct, I was planning on doing the traditional "pre-SELEM dinner party" at the Artist's Cafe on Thursday evening, starting around 6PM or so. Friday will be the first day of SELEM, and it will also be the day when we have the Spaghetti. (As Len said, from around 1 PM to around 5 PM or so...)

Brad has been talking about making a road trip to Asheville (just over 1 hour by car) to go to Zambra for dinner. Those who would like to go with him should probably get in touch with Brad early, since you'll likely need a reservation.

The rest of the meals will be "every man for himself", though we can chip in to have pizza or sub sandwiches delivered if we want.

Adam

[Bradfo69]

Hey Len (and all),

Let me know if you want me to bring the salad stuff. It's easy enough for me to just bring a case of spring mix and a case of iceberg/shredded carrot/red cabbage mix from Sysco. And a lot cheaper than buying it in the store somewhere. In all seriousness, it will take me less time to have the meatballs done and the salad made than it will for you to boil the water for your spaghetti so, we may not need huge amounts of volunteer help. Paper products are a no brainer as well. Although, like we discussed, I may bring them just as an emergency back up if someone else steps up but falls short.

I'm liking the schedule. And throwing in another shameless plug for Zambra's. It's worth the few hour break and since I don't drink, I'm willing to be a designated driver. I'm toying with renting a van to come down this year rather than drive my car so, I'd likely just get a passenger van if enough people show interest.

~Brad

[hakzaw1]

Hey Len (and all),

Let me know if you want me to bring the salad stuff. It's easy enough for me to just bring a case of spring mix and a case of iceberg/shredded carrot/red cabbage mix from Sysco. And a lot cheaper than buying it in the store somewhere. In all seriousness, it will take me less time to have the meatballs done and the salad made than it will for you to boil the water for your spaghetti so, we may not need huge amounts of volunteer help. Paper products are a no brainer as well. Although, like we discussed, I may bring them just as an emergency back up if someone else steps up but falls short.

I'm liking the schedule. And throwing in another shameless plug for Zambra's. It's worth the few hour break and since I don't drink, I'm willing to be a designated driver. I'm toying with renting a van to come down this year rather than drive my car so, I'd likely just get a passenger van if enough people show interest.

~Brad

Sounds Great Brad-sysco is the way to go.

I can designate drive my wagon to Zambra's too.

The show can go on in our brief absence. If we plan it for the begining hour of dinner sevice we should get and out quickly, especially if Brad make a reservation for us.

Can we get a menu to look at in advance-? i love going to new places and this one sounds like a great one.

[mophead]

If we plan it for the begining hour of dinner sevice we should get and out quickly, especially if Brad make a reservation for us.

You have to sit, talk and savor at Zambra's. Don't want to rush it. That's where we disappeared to last year on Sat night.....

[Bradfo69]

Agreed. It doesn't need to be a long escape from the photons but, it is to be savored. There is a menu on their website but, truly, the daily creations are where it's at. These guys come up with some of the most creative food I've ever experienced. The best part is you don't have to go "belly up" on the couch afterwards because, for the best seating, you're already ON the couch, massive pillows included!

http://www.zambratapas.com/

I'm working on some discount coupons...

[hakzaw1]

You have to sit, talk and savor at Zambra's. Don't want to rush it. That's where we disappeared to last year on Sat night.....

I may have been misunderstood about the meal time at Zambra's. I want to take the time to enjoy too.
But with a drive time of ~two hours I really dont want to miss four hours of shows. Thus getting there before the evening rush , so we get served fairly fast would give us more time to savor and less time waiting. My drive time to SELEM last year was 17hrs. Hopefully I will not be coming solo and that time can be reduced this year.

Same deal with the menus. Most places know a day or two in advance what the specals will be, so knowing that and getting to see thier menu in advance will also speed up the process. If I can I will copypasta the menue in this thread.


hak
http://www.zambratapas.com/menu.html
Here is a link to the regular menu-- It looks like the daily specials are choosen the day before. The lounge opens at 4:30 and dinner at 5pm.

But really, there is a lot to look at in other parts of the website and this place looks super. It should be an enjoyable experience.