Melbourne offline Thursday September 11 2014

[Waiters Friend]

Hello

I will be in Melbourne briefly, and I am seeing if anyone is interested in an offline.

Last time I did this in Melbourne was about 18 months ago, and you'll find the write-up here viewtopic.php?f=1&t=13103&start=30. It was an excellent night, and I'd be happy to revisit Moreton's, but also open to other suggestions.

I am staying in Little Collins St, so a moderate walking distance is preferable to taxi.

I'd be particularly delighted to catch up with the people I've met at previous Melbourne offlines. You know who you are.

Please let me know asap if there is interest, as I would be booking accommodation for that night if it goes ahead.

Cheers

Allan

[conformistpete]

We haven't met but I would be keen to join in.

[LGW]

Damn! I'll be in Europe at the time. There hasn't been an offline here for a while now.. Hope it works out well.
We have had a few offlines at the moat in the city, opposite melbourne central station. Really nice food and usually cost about $60 a head.
Softie usually organises them but I think he might be in Sydney ATM.
There was also an offline at Paris go in Carlton, which was excellent too (still waiting for a write up mjs haha )

[Ozzie W]

Never been to an offline before, but would love to come. Will also bring a mate of mine. So count me in with a +1.

[via collins]

Gosh Allan, has it been that long??

Would be great to see you, so let me check the diaries tomorrow, and get back to you.

Would very much enjoy returning to Moreton's too - it hasn't let us down yet!

Cheers,

Via Collins.

[Diddy]

I'm always keen for an offline! I think Blesso could be interested too.

[Waiters Friend]

So, it looks like there is some interest. viacollins, it would be fabulous to meet up again. It's also wonderful to meet newbies.

Any ideas for a theme? Last time was shiraz and chardonnay, and I would be happy to do that again - or go for a different theme entirely. Any thoughts?

Cheers

Allan

[Blesso]

I'm keen...Shiraz and Chardy is easy

[alexc92]

I'm a newbie but would be interested to join!

[conformistpete]

I'm keen...Shiraz and Chardy is easy

Works for me.

[via collins]

What a range of new faces there will be. I'm told young to be a veteran

Sounds like good fun. I'd like to move on from the last format, and suggest a Bordeaux blend range backed with a Semillons range.

Anyone into that idea?

[Waiters Friend]

What a range of new faces there will be. I'm told young to be a veteran

Sounds like good fun. I'd like to move on from the last format, and suggest a Bordeaux blend range backed with a Semillons range.

Anyone into that idea?

Certainly! No problem with WA Bordeaux blends Semillon could be a challenge for WA and for Victoria, so does this mean we are opening it up to other states?

[via collins]

Must admit I thought of WA with bordeaux blends. but had not considered state boundaries when i suggested semillon. It's just a grape i'd like to learn a whole lot more about, so happy to blow the state thing up. even countries if you like - there may be some good bordeaux blends coming out of France .

Mind you, if no-one else shares my keenness, then as you were, and shiraz versus chardonnay again.

[mjs]

Damn! I'll be in Europe at the time. There hasn't been an offline here for a while now.. Hope it works out well.
We have had a few offlines at the moat in the city, opposite melbourne central station. Really nice food and usually cost about $60 a head.
Softie usually organises them but I think he might be in Sydney ATM.
There was also an offline at Paris go in Carlton, which was excellent too (still waiting for a write up mjs haha )

Thanks for reminding me Lawrie

Might be a starter in Sept

Cheers, Malcolm

[Diddy]

How about split the difference and do cabernets and chardonnay?

[Waiters Friend]

Ideally, I'd like to play to the strengths of both states, or play a different game entirely. We could open it up to any country, region and style, as long as the person bringing the wine can talk about it and explain why this is a representative / quirky / interesting example.

I really don't mind. I'm just looking forward to a good night with friends old and new, with good wine as the common denominator.

Have we decided on a venue? Is Moreton's the go? Once we decide, we can make a booking.

Cheers

Allan

[conformistpete]

Either sound good and I love the idea of opening it up to a wide variety of wines. However as a WA espat living in Vic happy to see the states play off. I also love to sit on fences and long walks on the beach.

[Diddy]

Venue sounds good to me!

[Ozzie W]

I'm happy with whatever venue and theme you guys decide. I've never been to an offline before, so you all know a lot more than I do in terms of what works best.

[via collins]

Let's book venue then - do you want me to do so Allan?

Table for six, we can adjust numbers closer to the night, they are very amenable there.

Format for the evening to be confirmed, but I like the way you are thinking.

[Ozzie W]

Let's book venue then - do you want me to do so Allan?

Table for six, we can adjust numbers closer to the night, they are very amenable there.

Format for the evening to be confirmed, but I like the way you are thinking.

I think we might have 8 people already?
- Waiters Friend
- conformistpete
- Ozzie W + 1
- via collins
- Diddy
- Blesso
- alexc92

[via collins]

Fair point - 8 is good too.

Allan, let me know and I shall push the button!

[grapeobserver]

There's a chance I might have a clash, but if there's a spot for a tentative and another first time attendee, I would be happy to take the plunge. I've seen too many interesting wines on this forum

[via collins]

No problems Grapeobserver.
The numbers often shift as we get closer to the date.
I'll make it an eight booking for now, and we can trim sails a week out from the event.
It's going to be an amazingly large amount of new faces, good stuff!

[Waiters Friend]

Hey this is fabulous. As far as I am concerned, the more the merrier, with the understanding that you can only get so much out if each bottle.

I did one recently (not an offline) where we had 18 people, 18 bottles, and pharmacy medicine cups in order to pour 40ml serves. 12 people is 65 ml each and much better. Anything less than 12 means bigger pours.

It seems the theme is 'wine'. Well, maybe 'intersting wine'. Let's see what comes forth. No restriction on variety, age or location.

viacollins - you mentiond something about pushing a button? Please do, and thanks very much indeed for making the arrangements with the restaurant on our behalf.

Cheers
Allan

[TiggerK]

It seems the theme is 'wine'. Well, maybe 'interesting wine'. Let's see what comes forth. No restriction on variety, age or location.

Cheers
Allan

I reckon this kind of theme is a winner. The lineup ends up being interesting, educational and some exciting new discoveries are likely..... Have a great night!

[Ozzie W]

I like the generic theme too. Also makes it much easier for us newbies without extensive cellars to find something to bring.

Looking forward to meeting everyone.

[via collins]

Another strong vote for the no theme theme Allan. Let anarchy reign at Moreton's on Thursday the 11th.

Table for 8 booked under the name "generics". Kicking off at 7.30 pm.

Should be a good 'un.

[Matt]

I had to read that twice. For a moment I thought the table was booked under 'geriatrics'!

Have fun.

[via collins]

Thanks Matt, not long until the words are interchangeable!

The wines, like the people, will surely get better and better.