Hi everyone-
I am thrilled that so many are expressing an interest in my 4th annual Chinese Dinner Bash. I am also excited to have as many of you that can join us for dinner come. While this is not "the" OFFICIAL Grumbler's dinner, everyone is invited subject to the following-
Here's the story:
Four years ago I was given a tip by someone who knows Las Vegas well about this restaurant that is WAY off the strip that serves a mostly asian client base. I gathered a few select friends and we had a wonderful time. Each year I invited a few more people; many are industry leaders, educators, vendors and sales reps. As word spread, the number of people joining me grew. Last year we rented the largest limo in Las Vegas to take us there and back. Some felt is was a bit crowded, so while I have the limo on reserve, I am also looking at a limo bus.
Every time we have been there, we have been the only non-asians in the place and they have brought in some high school students to help us with communication. I make the arrangements and
we sit at round tables for 8 and there is a lazy susan in the middle. This is some of the best Chinese food I have ever had anywhere.
Here are my "rules" for attendance:
1. Since I am on the hook for the limo, just saying you want to go isn't enough because last year at the last minute, people cancelled and if there weren't more people than room, I would have been stuck for the limo. So, if you want to go in the limo, check my schedule and see when I am teaching at the WCAF Expo, or find me on the trade show floor, or find my wife, Barbara who will be working as a monitor for the classes and BUY A LIMO TICKET. The "initial cost" is $20 per person. Based on the number of people we actually have, and what the final cost is, we will determine if the $20 covers the limo/limo bus and tip, but based on last year, it should. Heck, a cab to and from the Hilton to the Mandalay Bay is more.
We will only sell as many tickets as we have room for in the limo and or limo bus. If we have more people than space in the first limo, we can either hire another or have it make two trips. The final cost will be divided between everyone.
Alternatively, you can share a cab. There will be plenty of space at the restaurant if you show up on your own. We will have directions printed up because most cab drivers do not know where this place is.
2. If you come with a spouse/significant other/close friend, please be sure to also sit with someone you do not know. I actually prefer that spouses don't sit together so we all get to meet more people, but all I ask is that you make an effort to introduce yourself to someone new.
3. Everyone orders a dish of their choosing and they get first helpings. Then the dish goes on the lazy susan and everyone at the table can taste everyone's selection. Since there are at least 8 per table, there is PLENTY of food. There are aquariums along the wall and you can make fresh seafood selections along with other things on the menu you may be more familar with. The prices are very reasonable. At the end of the evening, the restaurant will add up the bill for the table, INCLUDING ALL DRINKS, add a gratuity, and then the bill will be rounded up by the table to an amount easily divisible by the number at the table. PERIOD. There will be no, "but I only had egg rolls and you had two beers."
If this arrangement makes you uncomfortable, please do not join us. In the past three years, the most expensive table was $23 per person TOTAL with drinks and tip and we all left food on the table! By Las Vegas standards this is a real bargin.
We will meet at 7:00 PM in the motor lobby of the Hilton. (Where you usually get a cab).
