Pre-Bourdain Meet-up at Z's Fusion

Steve P.
Here is some of what Tony had to say, and we went to a private reception book signing after that at the "Museum Plaza" headquarters across from 21C

http://happn.in/louis/26sep09-03am/anthony+bourdain

Well, I believe I learned a little something about the viral nature of these offlines and the impact of the forum on lurker traffic.

What we had planned would have been better executed on a slower night with less walk-in business. Somehow, some of the menus found their way to the floor. Oi Vey! It quickly turned into a nightmare scenario for me. Sorry I wasn't able to pull it off as I had hoped to...

No worries Stephen. Clearly the place was crazy, but I think we all had a good time!

Well, I believe I learned a little something about the viral nature of these offlines and the impact of the forum on lurker traffic.

What we had planned would have been better executed on a slower night with less walk-in business. Somehow, some of the menus found their way to the floor. Oi Vey! It quickly turned into a nightmare scenario for me. Sorry I wasn't able to pull it off as I had hoped to...

No worries Stephen. Clearly the place was crazy, but I think we all had a good time!

Yeah, it got crazy, with my wife and I sometimes wondering when the "planned" things would start, but I'm not going to fault Z's or Stephen - the place was just packed to the rafters. This type of thing would be much better executed on a weeknight. Still, the drinks were good and the food hit the spot.

Re: the Bourdain talk - I thought it was good, but it was OBVIOUS that he hadn't put any time into getting to know Louisville, and I definitely didn't get the idea that he plans or wants to ever film his show here.

Honestly, I just didn't get the feeling he thought much of our city. The talk was pretty good, and funny.

Well, I believe I learned a little something about the viral nature of these offlines and the impact of the forum on lurker traffic.

What we had planned would have been better executed on a slower night with less walk-in business. Somehow, some of the menus found their way to the floor. Oi Vey! It quickly turned into a nightmare scenario for me. Sorry I wasn't able to pull it off as I had hoped to...

No worries Stephen. Clearly the place was crazy, but I think we all had a good time!

Yeah, it got crazy, with my wife and I sometimes wondering when the "planned" things would start, but I'm not going to fault Z's or Stephen - the place was just packed to the rafters. This type of thing would be much better executed on a weeknight. Still, the drinks were good and the food hit the spot.

Re: the Bourdain talk - I thought it was good, but it was OBVIOUS that he hadn't put any time into getting to know Louisville, and I definitely didn't get the idea that he plans or wants to ever film his show here.

Honestly, I just didn't get the feeling he thought much of our city. The talk was pretty good, and funny.

Yeah, the talk was ok. Entertaining, but nothing new. If you have seen his show or read his books you have heard this speech. Don't be afraid to eat at dives, eat what/where the locals eat, and screw chains, Rachel Ray, and Sandra Lee. He arrived in Louisville just a few hours before taking the stage, which is weird, because there were a few restaurants claiming he was scheduled for lunch on wednesday. He said he had a bison burger at Proof and dinner was going to be a can of Pringles from the minibar.

So. Z's aside for a moment, what did Tony have to say ? Was it an entertaining presentation ? Were there any Tony "sightings" afterward ?

He was on my flight to NYC the next day -- I asked him if I could buy him a drink but he laughed and said it was too early. (11:00)

Yeah, the talk was ok. Entertaining, but nothing new. If you have seen his show or read his books you have heard this speech. Don't be afraid to eat at dives, eat what/where the locals eat, and screw chains, Rachel Ray, and Sandra Lee. He arrived in Louisville just a few hours before taking the stage, which is weird, because there were a few restaurants claiming he was scheduled for lunch on wednesday. He said he had a bison burger at Proof and dinner was going to be a can of Pringles from the minibar.

So kind of a 'do as I say not as I do' kind of guy huh?