Picnic with the Hounds 2008 FAQ
The Basics
Where is the picnic?
The picnic will be held in a reserved section in Tilden Park, Laurel Section.
Who is invited, who can come to the picnic?
All Chowhounds are invited and encouraged to attend. We would love to see all the old familiar faces, and plenty of new ones! Each Chowhound may also invite their spouse or a friend, and their children.
Do I need to be a regular poster or pay for some kind of membership to qualify as a “Chowhound” so I can come?
No. For the purpose of the picnic, a Chowhound is anybody that makes the Chowhound boards some part of his or her life. So whether you just found Chowhound.com or were around at the very beginning, and whether you are a daily poster, occasional contributor, silent reader, or even just aspire to be any of those, you are invited and welcomed to attend and to bring a guest. Note that this is not specific to the San Francisco board: each year we have been blessed with the presence of several attendees from other parts of Chowhoundom like Los Angeles, New York, and Thailand.
There is no membership, paid or otherwise, required to attend. Note that there is a $16 fee to attend the picnic itself—the uses of which are explained below—but that fee is not a membership of any sort.
You write too much. Can you just give me a short answer?
If you’ve managed to find this site and are now reading this, you’re invited.
What if I’m new to Chowhound and don’t know anybody?
All the better reason to attend. This is your chance to finally meet some people who have the same passion about food as you do! Chowhounds are fun and friendly people who will make you feel welcome.
Can I bring friends or family?
Yes, you can bring a friend, partner, or spouse. You may also bring your children.
Registration
How do I register?
You can register online go to the Evite:
http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/FTFDAIVVEXUHDAIFOQHV/chowpicnic
How much does it cost?
Registration is $16 for each adult. This fee must be paid in advance after you reserve a space. One child under 12 is free for each paid adult admission.
$16?!? But I’m already bringing food, what’s the $16 for?
We are trying to keep costs as low as possible, by seeking volunteers and donations. But there are costs which ensure a fun and safe day of picnic frolicking. They include: insurance, permit and site use fees, and some equipment and supplies.
What To Bring — Food
Do I have to bring a dish?
Yes. This is a potluck picnic, so each registered Chowhound must bring a dish.
Do I have to cook the food myself, or can I bring food from a restaurant or store?
If you make a dish that you think is great, please share it with us! Chowhounds are first and foremost inquisitive about food, not judgmental, and we are looking forward to what you will make. Please do not be intimated — bring something that you are proud of, and it will be enjoyed.
Either is fine. At past picnics most Chowhounds brought food they made themselves. But you are welcome to bring prepared foods from your favorite outlet. The barbecue from down the street, the bread from the bakery across town, the ice cream from your favorite parlor, whatever. If you need inspiration, look at recent posts on the San Francisco Bay Area board.
How much food should I bring?
We generally recommend bringing enough for about 20 small servings. Should you want to ensure that everyone gets a taste, bring enough to provide one or two bites for 100 people.
Can I bring more than one dish?
Yes, you may bring more than one dish. All food brought to share does need to be registered when you arrive.
How can I keep my dish hot/cold?
If you need supplies to keep your food hot or cold, or need any other special equipment, you will need to bring it. If you need special equipment that you cannot bring, you may send an email to: chowpicnic.att.net and we will try to help you. But we can't make any promises, and we encourage you to consider instead bringing a dish that does not require special equipment.
If I bring a friend, spouse, or child, do we each have to bring a dish?
No. Each registered Chowhound must bring a dish, but their guest or children do not.
What To Bring — Non-Food
Can I bring alcohol?
You may bring beer and wine for your own consumption. You may not bring liquor, due to park regulations.
What else do I need to bring?
You may bring the following items for yourself: plate, bowl, cutlery, napkins, cup/glass/drinking container. Disposables cutlery and plates will be provided. You may bring wine and/or beer (hard liquors are not allowed in the park). You may also wish to bring a blanket and/or a chair.
I still have a question, who do I contact?
If you have any questions, please contact: .