The World Says Eat Me IV is just around the corner.

Welcome back from the Holidays everybody. Now its time to make those last nagging weeks of winter fly by while treating our tummies to too many tempting tasty treats. Check out the stops to see where we're heading this time around. As I mentioned in an email earlier in the month we are revisiting a couple of places that many agreed were highlights of our initial tour. We've had a number of new folks join us since then so there will still be an element of adventure for some - of course, there is always an element of adventure when you visit The Southtown Inn. 
I've added a new link to the various "Stop" pages. You can now go to the reviews on Urban Spoon, a restaurant info site with reviews from other local folks. You'll also find contact info, address, and a map to each location. And the coolest thing, you can now share your eating experience with the world! My buddy Jim has been unmercifully beating me up for the lack of a scoring system for our visits - this is as close as it gets buddy! I only have so many hours in the day!
This email is also being posted on the blog HOME page so I thought it would be a good idea to fill folks in on the basic rules - and remind you all as well:

1) I'll be using the online invitation program PINGG once again to send out weekly invites. The program was an awesome tool to manage attendance. The only thing you'll need to do is accept or decline the invitation. Your commitment is critical for giving the restaurant owners an idea as to how many of us will be descending on their eatery. In almost every case these folks will need to bring on extra help so its important to let me know. It is also a big help to let me know you are NOT coming on those rare dates when a comet crashes to earth, the Pope stops by for supper, or the cat is having puppies. I'd much rather have you say "no" than ignore me. Please note I still have some figuring to do on the Week 2 split shift...

2) We will meet each week at 6:30PM except for the 6P/7:30P split shift for week 2. Please try hard to NOT be fashionably late. This will be a large and unusual crowd for our hosts. Let’s make it as easy as possible for them.

3) Be prepared to pay cash. Maza Grille, Salvatori's, and J.K. O'Donnell's will accept CC but be ready with cash for all the other visits. You may need to pay me for our Southtown Inn visit – it all depends on if I need to front “beef money” like I did on the first tour!

4) A passport will be provided. It will be stamped on each tour stop. Once you’ve received one be sure to bring it for each subsequent visit or be prepared to be heckled unmercifully. I may even fart in your general direction. Those who receive a minimum of 3 stamps will be welcome to join us all for an as-yet-to-be-determined special celebration. Yes, we have to bring back the "after party" for those brave, committed souls. 

5) Bring patience. I’ve requested the full menu at all locations excepting Southtown Inn so that we have an opportunity to try anything our little hearts desire. But, it will take the kitchen time to respond to our sudden surge of orders. Be prepared for a 1 ½ to 2 hour casual, leisurely dining experience.

6) Eat well, praise when earned, tip generously and share your experience. In nearly every case these folks do what they do because they believe in, and want to share their food. When you hear someone like Sam Leto and Bill Evans talk about their food you know that it's about more than money. 

7) If you have questions, call me, Mark, at 452-5501 or email me at theworldsayseatme@gmail.com.

I'm sure I missed a thing or two - all the more reason to check back, keep your eyes out for emails, and always, always read your PINGG invite. See you all soon!