May 13
...serving up your daily dish.
Baristanet and the Montclair Watercooler hold parties in the same week. Of course, there are the inevitable comparisons:
Egans served great fries at the bar in paper cones and a nice buffet ($20 a person and cash bar; Baristanet party --free food and booze to spare). I was not on the approved, sold-out guest list (Baristanet party -- open to all), but managed to sneak into this private shindig by paying at the door (talk a good game and even riff raff gets in). People were nice, and no one got rowdy (the BDs made sure of it).
Door prizes took a while to give out (didn't win any!), but we think goody bags are preferable (no break in the conversation either). Perplexing point of the evening: a speech by the BDs touting the Watercooler as the only forum that exists in town where people can engage in lively debates (we beg to differ). Party head count -- about 100 -- banded together to celebrate five years of the Watercooler (close to 200 at Baristanet party, for an almost one-year celebration, but who's counting). High point of the evening -- chocolate bread pudding from Linda Ippolito (we want the recipe) and an array of treats from Nickey Mesiah (cupcakes!). 
Colorful characters present? Well they didn't have Dick Grabowsky, but Raymmondo held court and we got some good scoop about liquor licenses from the town clerk Linda Wanat. Also enjoyed hanging with some party girls. Ran a tab at the bar, but forgot to cash out or pick up my credit card. Came back the next day and the nice folks at Egan's didn't charge me. I'll be back to tip the bartender...
And because we like those Watercooler folks (even though we know we get under their skin) we've even posted pictures. Happy Birthday Watercooler, and by all means, keep up those lively discussions!!!
May 13, 2005 in Parties We Crashed | Permalink
Liz wins the gumshoe of the week award. Thanks for the lively report, bias and all.
Posted by: walleroo | May 13, 2005 5:01:53 PM
I think everyone is a bit hard on the Watercooler folks...
I mean, yes, it's moderated and sometimes the moderation feels stifling. At the same time, there's very little insulting, name-calling, bickering, spamming, etc like what goes on here. And, I think a lot of folks appreciate that - even if some of us don't. (And, why would we need several forums that all were the *same*!)
And, of course, a party with FREE food and FREE drinks will always get more folks - but, obviously both parties were a success!
Do we get photo captions??
Posted by: butchcjg2 | May 13, 2005 5:20:56 PM
I remember a certain "Butch" complaining about the Watercooler ad nauseum on the UnMod -- are we seeing the emergence of a kindler, gentler Butch, or was that other "Butch" merely an imposter?
BTW -- I think the Watercooler folks know we're joking...
Posted by: Liz | May 13, 2005 5:25:16 PM
I think I've grown to appreciate the Watercooler for what it is. Sure, it's fun to make fun of sometimes - but, I think the BDs are well intentioned. It isn't exactly my idea of paradise, but I just dont' participate all that often. I mostly read it for events, recommendations, announcements, etc - not conversation. And, I think a lot of other people read it for those reasons too. I like that it's a civil place - I dont feel I have to constantly retort back to anything (which is a trap I easily fall into...). In a sense, you can be more civil there b/c you're not constantly defending yourself from snarky comments or criticism.
And, I know that there are 2 other forums (UnMod and Barista) for unmoderated conversation so it's not a big deal to have the Cooler be moderated. I guess since Barista formed (a place with a large readership but no membership requirements), it doesnt feel like the Cooler needs to be anything other than what it is. And, what it is obviously works as it has nearly 1500 members now.
Posted by: butchcjg2 | May 13, 2005 5:33:36 PM
PS - I actually am a kind and gentle person, despite the heated debates that go on here sometimes! I'm not too good at "turning the other cheek".
Posted by: butchcjg2 | May 13, 2005 5:34:24 PM
PPS - I will second that the Chocolate Bread Pudding is GOOD!
Posted by: butchcjg2 | May 13, 2005 5:35:41 PM
They charged for the food AS WELL AS the bar? That's not a party, that's semi-happy hour someplace. Not good. The picture of the well-dressed young women even makes it look like a singles function of some kind. But Liz, don't ever call yourself "riff raff," that's wildly off the mark.
Posted by: cathar | May 13, 2005 6:18:50 PM
"The picture of the well-dressed young women even makes it look like a singles function of some kind."
LOL...does this imply that the women @ the Barista party were NOT well-dressed? Tsk, tsk!
Posted by: Miss Martta | May 13, 2005 6:46:48 PM
I should have added, ".....compared to the queenly, less obviously on the prowl but even better attired sorts who paid court to the barista and her ace staff."
I hope that atones. I'm used to atoning.
Posted by: cathar | May 13, 2005 7:33:08 PM
