Nick Marie's Esta Esta Written By John 08/13/2009 click for full size 
On Wednesday night, ten hungry people joined one hungry bald guy for dinner at the aforementioned bald guy's favorite restaurant: Nick Marie's Esta Esta on Route 22 in Monroeville. Have a look at the picture and I'll tell you who they were. Clockwise, starting at the bottom left. Ready? GO!
Tom, Melanie, Erin, Loren (not a MI guy...he's Erin's squeeze), Michael (also not a MI guy...he's Tracey's brother), Heidi, Terri, Andrew AKA Noise, Tracey and me. Eugene was also there, but he got there late, so he's not in the picture. Actually, should I even talk about people who were late? Hmmmm... Might save some time if I left those people out. Yeah, I think I'll do that. So, at this point, we're done talking about Heidi, Erin, Loren, Michael and Eugene. Wanna be in a write-up? Get there on time next time. So there. I got to Nick Marie's around 6:30 after stopping to pick up a new softball bat for the new softball league I joined. It's a nice bat. It's a Worth bat. It's 34 inches and 30 ounces. And it's blue. A pretty nice bat. I haven't played softball in about four years, and am really looking forward to getting back into it this fall. But I digress... When I got to Nick Marie's, Tom and Melanie were already there. But then again, they're always the first ones there when I post Nick Marie's, so that wasn't any kinda surprise. Next was Noise, who seemed pretty fired-up about his first Nick's experience. Tracey, who NEVER misses a Nick Marie's dinner, was next and Terri followed her. At 7pm PROMPTLY, those of us who were on-time (hint, hint) moved from the bar to the restaurant. The 11 of us took our places around a long table in the back of the restaurant, and the conversation and laughs began. Before long, the other two parties in the restaurant finished their meals and left, and we had the place to ourselves. Let the loudness begin! And yes, my friends, there was loudness... We got drinks. Wine was a popular choice, as three full bottles and a few other glasses were seen around the table. We also shared some appetizers. The bruschetta was just plain awesome, and the stuffed banana peppers were pretty popular. Stuffed portabella mushrooms also were seen in the vicinity. Then was dinner. Most people (myself included) got the "Tour of Italy," which consisted of chicken parmesan, manicotti and pasta Alfredo. Everything they have at Nick's is very good, so the Tour gives you a nice variety and you can try several things. Other people got scallops, pasta with lobster, some other kinda seafood thing that I can't remember, etc. Lotsa variety, and everyone enjoyed their meals. My record of telling people they won't leave Nick's unhappy remains unblemished. After dinner, several of us sprinted across Route 22 for an after-dinner drink at the Penn-Monroe. Dodging speeding cars on 22 is becoming a beloved post-Nick's tradition. We have yet to lose anyone, although several people have been terrified. If I were allowing myself to talk about those who arrived late, I'd tell you about the late-comer who barely made it across 22 in their high heels. And no, this wasn't Eugene, Michael or Loren. That's all the hints you're getting. Thanks to everyone for coming out and having dinner with me! Lots of great food, great conversation, great company and lotsa big-time laughs that were still going on hours after dinner was over. I'm looking forward to doing it again sometime soon. If you were there with me last night, come back. If you weren't, I hope you'll give Nick's a shot with me the next time. |
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Comments |
|
 Erin |
wasn't my fault... I just want to go on record as saying it wasn't my fault I was late! I am habitually late, but NOT with John. I know better! LOREN! Anyhow, as always, it was a blast! (oh wait...Terri used that one) It was explosive, yep! It was great to meet some new people and laugh with all the old ones. As usual another great evening thrown together by the host with the most! Thanks John! |
 Tracey |
That was a blast Still don't think I can look at Terri without laughing but all in all it was just a lot of laughs.... |
 Terri |
Snarky? HAHHA. Nice meeting you Noise. That was a good time for sure! I'll have to remember "snarky" LOL |
 Andrew (AKA Noise) |
fun times! Thanks for posting this event, I had a fun time! I love how quickly the conversation got snarky :-p Any time this group gets together again, I think I want to be a part of it! |
 Lynn |
Write up I might have to trek over to Monroeville just to be in one of John's write ups! But, only if I'm time, and knowing me...that's not gonna happen. Great write up John! |
Terri |
I'm still laughing... This was a total blast! The waiter was a blast, the food was good, and stories and events that took place all made for a truly memorable and hilarious evening! I hope to make it again! |
 Tom |
. I just finished my leftovers before the game started. Just as good the second time around. I see John you left out one thing...hmmm |