04/01/2010 - NCC NoVA Social - Velocity Five, Falls Church - NEW LOCATION!!!: 04-01-2010

[pseto]

last bump for tonight's fun at Velocity Five....it'll be an absolute perfect day to hang out, grab a bite, and pay homage to our cars!!!

whoever is the first one there, please scope out a parking area large enough for at least 25 cars since we'll have a big turnout tonight

PLEASE RSVP above so we can get an accurate headcount for food.

[JVProM6]

I live close to Velocity Five. As far as parking is concerned, the congested part of the lot tends to be in front of the Korean Grocery Store and Velocity Five itself. So we may have to park closer to the Office Depot.

[pseto]

GREAT turnout last night; always nice to see a parking lot FULL of BMWs especially those with BMWs who aren't CCA members (and there were plenty of heads turning).

just wanted to get some feedback about our new location, Velocity Five. I know there were some issues with the food, and we're probably gonna change the format next month. we did end up a ton of food after many people left, so much that we were begging people to take doggy bags home.

please be as candid as possible, it wont hurt my feelings. how was the parking? food? location? private dining area? service? etc...

[Luda]

drinks were a bit slow coming out, and of course the food issue, but we did have a bigger turn out then was expected. And the table arrangement was a bit iffy.

That being said the parking was great, and the over all atmosphere was great.

[pseto]

drinks were a bit slow coming out, and of course the food issue, but we did have a bigger turn out then was expected. And the table arrangement was a bit iffy.

That being said the parking was great, and the over all atmosphere was great.

Thanks for the feedback Doug. We're definitely gonna try to get more than 1 waitress. While she did the best she could, having another person would have gotten glasses full more often. We're also looking to change the format regarding the food; not sure a buffet would be the best option, but it may have went over better had the food been more timely.

Anyone have any more feedback on a buffet vs ordering off the menu?

I thought the tables were setup kinda weird, but they gave us the option to use the enclosed room next door which is bigger. Hopefully they'll turn the AC on next month, b/c I know I wasnt the only one sweating lol

[pseto]

Also, regarding the parking, thanks to Algie for that. VF couldnt guarantee us a specific parking area since the lot is shared by so many others. He basically had to fight off everyone who wasnt in our group lol.

Everyone should definitely try to get there at 6pm since its hard to keep those spots open.

[woodym3]

Even though Thirsty Bernie's had a more user friendly parking lot, is only 2-miles from home, and has a much better beer selection, I thought the V5 space for our group was a lot more roomy. I had to leave before the second helping of food arrived.

[bimmernupe]

Abigail already has asked for feedback and I have asked about getting the enclosed room. I know things will go alot smoother next month.

[Luda]

The caution tape for parking was a good idea, we were able to get most if not everyone there in that little section.

And i think the other room + ordering off the menu would smooth things out for our next event there.

[Jim Dunlap]

(Yes I drive an M3, but I'm making payments on it...so budget is an issue.) Let's do the math: if the Club paid $20 each for my wife and me, that's $40. And then we kicked in $10 each = $20 more...so now we're up to $60 for two. We personally paid cash for our beer and wine; no charge to the Club. While hanging with the BMW gang is a good scene, if one is only looking at $$ then V5 collected close to $80 from or on behalf of the Dunlaps. As my title says, doesn't this sound a bit expensive??

Otherwise, as others have mentioned: folks were giving up on sodas and going directly to the bar (we waited 20 minutes for ice water and a tonic water...when it came, mine was soda water, not tonic...I drank it anyway). The pedestal tables with no chairs were a problem...maybe we did that to ourselves by not having enough RSVPs to pass on the V5.

Now more seriously, a final issue: doesn't the BMW club have some influence over I 395 traffic? I left work very early, but the I 395 stackup meant that my bus from Pentagon to Park Fairfax took FOREVER. By the time we drove to Merrifield, we missed most of the car admiring and hanging out. It would be nice if on social afternoons, the Club could arrange State Trooper escorts for Club members, or perhaps freeze time and space for all but Club members...thus allowing us to arrive early and refreshed to the social!!

[pseto]

Now more seriously, a final issue: doesn't the BMW club have some influence over I 395 traffic? I left work very early, but the I 395 stackup meant that my bus from Pentagon to Park Fairfax took FOREVER. By the time we drove to Merrifield, we missed most of the car admiring and hanging out. It would be nice if on social afternoons, the Club could arrange State Trooper escorts for Club members, or perhaps freeze time and space for all but Club members...thus allowing us to arrive early and refreshed to the social!!

Damn, I knew something was missing lol. Unfortunately, this is only a VA issue. The other 2 socials in Columbia and Rockville don't have this problem