This month’s CASACC meeting found the group in the familiar area of Clifton.  The area had hosted several other CASACC meetings and although the evenings dining location was new, hopes were high. As per tradition, the evening started with pre-dinner drinks at Arlin’s Bar and Restaurant and then moved onto dinner venue, Grill of India.

 

Upon entering the Grill of India, the group was asked if they wanted to sit in the area that was a little too close to the restrooms.  Without hesitation, member Holley immediately suggested another sitting area further (much further) away from the restrooms.  One can only guess that a previous experience brought about smelly memories.

 

On the other side of the restaurant, away from the restrooms, the group was finally seated, but only after having to move an additional table to accommodate the days excellent showing.  Once seated, the group commented on the odd odor of the restaurant and the quite warm temperature.  Though very warm, it was noted that the president persevered and did not remove the Ceremonial Blazer.  After a bit of waiting, the menus were handed out and complimentary poppadoms and chutney, at the request of the president, were set at the table for the group to enjoy.

 

At this point in the evening the group had moved onto discussing the Dishonorable Ex-member Murray and what to do with such a member.  The group decided to vote on the matter, but before the vote could be cast, member Kauffman graced the club with his presence.  With all accepting members in attendance, the group moved forward with the voting.  The Dishonorable Ex-member Murray was voted unanimously out of the group, therefore making it official that he did not quit the club, but was removed. The members present also decided on a new rule to further the shame the Ex-member.  Voted in with only a slight majority, the rule is as follows: the member that requests the least amount of spiciness for their dish will be given the title of Nate Murray’s Big Girls Blouse.  In the event of a tie the president decides who will be given title.

 

With the Dishonorable Ex-member Murray business in place, the group ordered their drinks and meals and held a toast to Alan Patten.  Yellow cards were handed out to Members Eslinger and Amos for tentative acceptances, to Member Wurtz for a late acceptance, and to Member Kauffman for tardiness.  Noted here was Member Tozier’s tenacity in following the constitution by asking for separate checks and his bloodthirstiness for wanting to see red cards handed out.  The President decided the world only has enough room for one tyrant and handed out no red cards.  While waiting for the meals, President Lukas also ordered two rounds of the appetizer sampler for the table to enjoy. 

 

The main courses were brought out to the table, but not without difficulties.  The lack of plates, the need for additional silverware, and the table’s ever growing water puddles caused by the water glass’ condensation were issues of note and were easily fixed. Not so easily fixed was the challenge in patience the group would find at the end of the evening.  Once done with their food, the group asked for checks(the challenge).  While waiting for said checks, the group voted unanimously to make provisional Member Arora an official member of CASACC.

 

Although the checks were not in hand, due to growing impatience, the group decided to begin deliberating on the restaurant’s performance.  The order from the table was fairly large and a wait was excusable.  Each member sent the president their scores and began reviewing the evening only to be interrupted about issues with the checks.  The following issues had occurred with the checks: each member had to repeat what they ordered, the asking for payment without a check, checks with just numbers (this allowed for some creativity).  Due to the confusion with the checks, many members opted to change their scores. Overall, it was agreed that the evening was going well, but the restaurant’s inability to seal the deal(Member Tozier’s words) had blemished its reputation among the group.  When checks and scores were finally settled, Member Kauffman stepped up and volunteered to be the honorable president for the month of August.

 

Overall summary of the deliberations:

 

The Good:

• Poppadoms and chutneys were very good
• The music gave good atmosphere
• Chilled mugs for drinks
• Main courses were overall considered good
• President wore the ceremonial blazer the entire evening

 

The Bad:

• Spice levels were not on target for the majority of the members.
  • Member Leonard, once again, did not cry.
• The group had to pass each other plates. The plates were cold.
• No air conditioning
• Gas station like bathrooms
• Overall smell of the restaurant was a mix of restroom and incense

 

The Ugly

• The checks
• Everything about the checks

Where is my check?