Thurdsday,
November 18th, 2008
The Spotted Pig
This is a crazy time of year for me. In one week, I gave midterm exams, delivered a major presentation to fellow faculty and the college president, attended a three-day conference out of state, taught four classes, commented on new contract terms, and wrote a grant proposal! I probably got about 30 hours of sleep that week. So, while I was looking forward to DNO in a big way, I had low expectations of the turnout.
Every once in a while, for reasons unknown to man, Venus and Jupiter align and we get a big attendance at DNO. We had probably our best turnout ever! Shows ya what I know...
David had sent around an article in the New york Observer, Top Ten Bars for Beer Snobs. We'd already been to five of them and had four others on our list of Places We'd Like to Try. The Spotted Pig was the only joint, not on my radar.
When I arrived, "P" was outside, about to light up a coffin-nail. While we were talking, Wally and David showed up. "P" told me there were four guys inside already, but the place was crowded. I muscled my way in to find Kevin, Dan, William, and the new guy, Racine, already in their cups. Man! This place was packed. Kev noted the two-hour wait for a table for six. We were already eight by this point and awaiting two more. I had a sip of Kevin's cask ale, so—technically—I did drink here. I quickly made my way outside for my own square yard and a modicum of fresh air (all thing's relative—it is New York City!). Pradeep joined us, too.
The food at the Spotted Pig looked (and smelled) good! It might be worth coming back here on a quieter night—but not tonight, Honey. We made an abortive attempt to go to Turks and Frogs down the block. David called it instantly: "wine bar." We bailed and immediately headed back up West 11th toward the White Horse; soon the other guys inside the Pig joined us. ==>
