Wikipedia talk:Meetup/New Orleans/August 2008

August 2008 talk page

Proposed location 1: Rue de la Course cafe, 1100 S. Carrollton Avenue (corner of Oak Street) google map, photo

I suggested this. Advantages: it's a cafe with wi-fi that seems a pleasant place for a meeting, it is on Carrollton Avenue which means it can be found with no turns after getting off the Interstate for people not very familiar with the city, and while no off street parking lot on a Saturday at that time of day there should be no problem finding on street parking within a block. However while they serve sandwiches and light eats, Raul654 pointed out that some folks may want something more in the line of a dinner restaurant place. Wikitravel: New Orleans/Carrollton has other listings nearby. -- Infrogmation (talk) 19:39, 3 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Okay, we know we want a safe neighborhood, location not tricky to find for non-locals, and easy parking. I don't know much that would fit right off the Interstate, but there are some good locations on Carrollton Avenue a straight shot off the I-10 Carrollton Avenue exit, in the Carrollton neighborhood (mentioned above) in one direction, and in Mid-City in the other. What are other factors? Since this is New Orleans after all, I'd prefer something with a bit of local characater rather than a national chain place. How important is wi-fi? Food? Drinks? Price? Thoughts? -- Infrogmation (talk) 19:52, 3 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Local character is good (but not necessary). Wi-fi - not at all important (real life people take precedence over internet people). Food is strongly recommended. Alcohol is good (but-not-necessary) as long as the place will allow minors in the door. (There have been problems at past meetups where we had someone <21 who couldn't go because of this). As long as we're not going somewhere uber-expensive, don't worry about price. Since you know the area, you should make the decision. Raul654 (talk) 19:58, 3 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Suggestion 2: Meet at PJ's Coffee, 7624 Maple (about 8 blocks from the above location). Another coffee shop-- a good place to wait and chat until we know everyone who is coming is there. THEN walk directly across the street to eat at a restaurant-- either "Fresco" or "Maple Street Cafe". They are next to eachother, I've eaten at both and reccomend both of them. Fresco's is low end midrange price (half the entrees under $10, the rest under $15); Maple Street a bit higher midrange (most of the menu under $20; a couple items in the $20-25 range); both reasonable for what you get; both serve beer, wine, and cocktails, and no restrictions on kids (most New Orleans restaurants that serve drinks don't unless they have gambling machines). There is a shared off street parking lot of Maple Street Cafe & PJ's, though at that time early Saturday evening I expect there will be on street parking right on the block as well.

The one drawback I see in this suggestion is that it's 5 blocks off the major thoroughfare into a neighborhood with one-way streets. Take a look on google maps and see if that seems a challenge. One alternative would be to meet at Rue de la Course per above, then walking 2 doors over to "Mona's", a decent inexpensive Middle-Eastern food place, though it serves no alcohol. -- Infrogmation (talk) 22:45, 3 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I like your suggestion, Infrog, and I think we should go ahead with it. Why don't you add it to the meetup page, and (once you do) I'll see what I can do about advertising it. Raul654 (talk) 08:03, 4 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Good, if 5 blocks off the direct route isn't a problem, let's meet at PJ's on Maple Street, then go across to Maple Street Cafe (or Fresco if people prefer). I posted directions info below-- it's easy for me; I hope not a problem for anyone else. -- Infrogmation (talk) 22:59, 4 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Directions

At maps.google.com put in "7624 Maple, New Orleans, LA".

From I-10, take the Carrollton Avenue exit South. (For about 1 mile, Carrollton Avenue will be 3 lanes in both directions; then it narrows at Claiborne Avenue with the grassy median with streetcar tracks down the center and you're in Old Carrollton. Look out for streetcars when making a turn across the tracks!) Note this part of Maple Street is one way going towards Carrollton, so you need to turn left on to a street on one side or the other of Maple (Burthe or Hampson), and go 5 blocks to Hillary, to Maple, and PJ's will have a red & purple sign on your right. (Image:MapleStJuly08PJs.jpg photo). (Note: I just checked maps.google.com, and it gave different directions comming in from the West on Interstate 10, getting off at Causeway Boulevard and taking River Road then Oak Street. That's a shortcut I'm familiar with, and it's okay if anyone wishes to try it, but the Carrollton route is a straight shot from the Interstate and probably easier if you're not familiar with the local streets. I'm trying to keep things simple. Carrollton Avenue ends just 3 blocks from Maple, so if you miss it you won't have to backtrack far.)

If anyone is driving in from another part of the city not near the Interstate but is not familiar with where Maple Street is, ask and I'll be happy to give directions from wherever you're comming from.

Can't attend

Unfortunately I cannot attend because I am going to school at LSU that weekend. Thanks for the invite!

-Onilosmada —Preceding unsigned comment added by Onilosmada (talk • contribs) 22:30, 9 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]