Wanted: Reasonably Priced SF Caterer for Kindergarten Graduation Lunch

in Food

  1. I've been tasked with finding a caterer (not drop off but someone who will actually stay from beginning to end) for the Kid's kindergarten graduation lunch.  I'm looking for someone that's reasonably priced (maybe $20+ per person).  Rather than blindly looking at all the caterers on Yelp, could someone recommend their caterer to me?  We're pretty much talking about a no frills job - set up, food in stations, clean up.

    Thanks.

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    $20 per person is reasonably priced for a lunch for 5 year olds?  Are you serving wine?

  2. Tsada - parents and grandparents will be eating too.

    Gnut - see my response to Tsada.  Judgy much?

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    Sounds to me like Wendy' is just helping with the luncheon not hosting it you unhelpful meanies.

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    If Wendy finds pleasure in spending her money on a kindergarten graduation, that is her business.  I just hope someone out there can help her.  Best of luck Wendy.

  3. Thank you for the support Joe and Andromeda!

    Gnut I am not going to provide any specifics to you.  This is a task that schools ask of the parents (do you have any kids?). Has nothing to do with being a helicopter.  As I said again, it's not a kid party. Adults, grandparents are eating too. $20 isn't unreasonable considering you probably spend $10+ for lunch every day.

    Please DO NOT hijack this topic for your own personal forum. If you do not have a recommendation, kindly disengage.

    BTW, when I went to school, we didn't have K graduations, goody bags, either. Times have changed.  I've been through my share of preschool and K parties. So your point is?

  4. Does it have to be fancy? You could order Chipotle and ask the PTO to designate parent volunteers to set up/clean-up:

    chipotle.com/en-US/cater…

    Looks festive, don't you think?

  5. Oh, the catering-catering isn't available in California, but the Burritos by the Box thing is. We've had that at the office and it was pretty popular.

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    What about a taco truck or a taquero?

    Mmmmmmm, yum!

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    And for dessert, Karaoke Ice Cream Truck!!
    yelp.com/biz/treatbot-th…

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    Geezus Brendan, didn't you used to work in the catering industry ?

    Why not hook up someone up with a client / job rather than troll for shiyets n giggles ?

  6. C "I'm Here to Be Hella Inspirational" P. says: What about a taco truck or a taquero?
    ~~~~~~~~~~~

    Yessssssss.

  7. Then get a paletero to come by. Kids get hysterical for the paletero:

    examiner.com/images/blog…

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    Gnut "Sexy Space Robot" R. says:
    Since when does a kindergarten graduation warrant a catered lunch? Is this a private school? This sounds like a really unseemly, obscene display of wealth to me.

    -----------

    +1000.  Really?  Catered lunch at $20 per?  Whatever happened to parents bringing in hot dogs and chips?  Yes I am judging.  It's a public forum, expect to be judged.

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    I'm sorry Wendy.  I didn't mean to be a bitch.  It just sounded like something you could do for a lot less, but maybe not given the group size and ages.  

    *officially disengaged*

    • B N.
    • Montclair, NJ
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    no, no, you're okay, Tsada, this shht is insane lol

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    Some people's wedding budgets are $20 per plate.

    #ballersonabudget

    :)

    Also:
    yelp.com/search?find_des…

  8. Peter L. As I've said numerous times here, adults are included in this party.  Obviously you don't have kids either - and they wonder why SF is kid unfriendly. 80 people for $1K?  Really is that obscene?  Please disengage.

  9. Oh, I get where you're coming from, Tsada. At our school we are poor as fuck so any $$ the PTO fights like hell to raise goes to stuff like paying for the PE teacher. The kids get excited beyond belief if we have a pizza party where each one get a measly slice.

    *plusthekidshavetowalk10­milesinthesnowtogettoschool*

    • B N.
    • Montclair, NJ
    • 991 friends
    • 244 reviews

    "disengage" lololol

  10. Wendy, last year I had to download and print about a hundred 1st-grade-level books, cut them, staple them, and tape the bindings on my own time (humblebrag alert) because we didn't have enough books for those classrooms. So it's fair if some people are slightly taken aback at your budget. You received some sincere tips in this thread so take them for what they're worth.

    *disengages*

  11. By the way for those of you who are of absolutely no help, I've received quotes of $65+ per person for lunch.  Now that is obscene.  So there's your frame of reference.  When you become parents and are OBLIGATED to serve on school committees, you wouldn't be laughing.

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    I'm confused by the numbers.  $1,000 divided by 80 people is $12.50 per person.

    That being said, I would order a bunch of drinks and groceries from Safeway and food from a local restaurant.  

    If you need a caterer to show up, set up, clean up, you might want to ask for bids on TaskRabbit.  Then whatever you end up paying for the labor, take that out of the food budget and buy less stuff.

  12. Valeria - being openly mocked are sincere tips?  I am so sorry for your predicament but what does this have to do with a caterer reference?

    Not coming up with a vendor name is NOT  a sincere tip.  I'm sorry we disagree.

    • B N.
    • Montclair, NJ
    • 991 friends
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    having a catered lunch for kindergarteners "graduating" is ridiculolololol

    like, who gets held back in kindergarten? how proud of a moment is this really?

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    Wendy, please see #4
    sfist.com/2013/05/09/41_…

    Don't mind these jaded people.

    *disengages before my peeps take me out*

  13. For those of you who actually gave out a VENDOR NAME, I sincerely thank you (and yes we are including labor fees, no there is no bar if you are curious).

    For the CHILDLESS smart aleks and hipsters thank you for being snarky.  For people who are bringing up their plights - SOMETHING I CANNOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT - go talk to the school district.

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    The most expensive part of the caterer is the labor, not the food or beverages.

    If you have to pay one-third of your budget in order to have someone do the heavy lifting, that's what you'll have to do.  

    Then with the remaining money, you can figure out the level of the food you can afford to serve.  Maybe it's going to end up a basic pizza party.  Or maybe you'll have a little more leeway and get "build your own tacos" buffet.  Maybe you won't be able to afford any alcohol or maybe you'll end up pouring Safeway brand soft drinks.

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    Lol at that list.

    What's wrong with eating a burrito with a fork? That's a wet burrito!

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    How about Panera? Yeah it's a chain, but they have decent catered lunches.

    Sandwiches, chips, and cookies.

    • B N.
    • Montclair, NJ
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    oh wait, there's alcohol? never mind, i totes approve of this event. =)

    • B N.
    • Montclair, NJ
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    i'm going to start saying "disengaging" vice "pulling out."

  14. Gnut & Valeria -

    Thank you for your comments.  I'm not part of the 1 percent but I work hard for my family.  I don't own an iPad, iPhone or any fancy junk (maybe you do).  I invest my money in my family.  

    FLIPPANT - go see your comment about HELICOPTER PARENTS. GO BACK AND READ EVERYTHING YOUR SAID.  Tell me who's flippant.

    At one point, Yelp was actually helpful.  I guess it's not anymore.

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    I'm really enjoying the part where I gave her the helpful advice about her math not working out, but she's ignoring that completely.

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    I would think turning a thread asking for catering advice for a kindergarten class would be difficult to turn political. Gnut has proven me wrong.

  15. Piggy stardust - that $1K was put out by one of the smart aleks.  I'm just using that as an example. Yes I know it comes down to $12.50.

    • B N.
    • Montclair, NJ
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    she probably was held back in kindergarten, Ms. Knitty, it's not her fault.

    also, for future reference, it's smart alecs not aleks.

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    HEY! Can I get a shout out?

    • B N.
    • Montclair, NJ
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  16. brian you ARE NOT A gentleman.  Assumptions assumptions, shall I assume you didn't go to college either?

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    Ordering catering is an "unseemly display of wealth" and "an inherently political act"

    Got it.

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    Hiiii!

    BTW, I think a taquero/karaoke ice cream truck/paletero or Panera catering were good ideas. I'll validate myself.

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    I'm disengaging from this thread.  It's like... way too much drama for kindergarten.

    • B N.
    • Montclair, NJ
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    lulz, it makes me none what you wish to assume. =)
    and gosh, Wendy, relax, i don't really think you were held back in kindergarten. =) i mean, no one gets held back in kindergarten.

  17. C "I'm Here to Be Hella Inspirational" P. says:
    Hiiii!

    BTW, I think a taquero/karaoke ice cream truck/paletero or Panera catering were good ideas. I'll validate myself.
    ~~~~~~~~~

    *re-engages*

    I said Chipotle!

    *re-disengages*

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    OH yeah! Chipohtahlay too!!

    I wonder if this school is the same neighborhood that that dog Toast lives.

    I said I disengaged earlier, but we all know I didn't. :/

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    Panera is a good bet. Sandwiches and cookies. That should make everyone happy. If it was purely up to me, it would be Mexican food all the way. Only because I am addicted to refried beans.

  18. Brian - you would be surprised.  It happens more now than before (it was unheard of when I was growing up).  It's very unfortunate but then again, when I was growing up my folks shoved us into school without us having to learn our alphabet or read.  Now you are expected to know the alphabet, count to 100 and read a little bit BEFORE you enter school.

    Yes we will look into the food truck.

    By the way, supporting a  local businesses is not a "show of unseemly wealth."  People make it sound like we are going to refuse to pay gratuity - gratuity runs up to $100+ = you don't think we were going to give them a $1 do you?

    If you notice, the subject is REASONABLY PRICED that means budget.  I'm not planning Paris Hilton's party.

    • B N.
    • Montclair, NJ
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    "Now you are expected to know the alphabet, count to 100 and read a little bit BEFORE you enter school."

    i'm 41 and my mom did this with me before i started kindergarten. and i come from trailer park roots.

    i'm just giving you a hard time though, and poking a little/having some fun. don't hate me? hugs? *opens arms*

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    *hugs Brian*
    That was beautiful.

  19. Brian all is forgiven.  My parents didn't speak a lick of English. We qualified for free lunch.  We were at the mercy of the public school system which did a pretty good job.

    • B N.
    • Montclair, NJ
    • 991 friends
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    +1 free lunch! =)

  20. *re-re-engages*

    If you end up using Chipotle, you're gonna owe me a BIIIIIIG apology*

    *re-disengages*

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    Wendy, did you say what your budget was? or how many you are feeding total?  just curious.

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    thanks Gnut,  i didnt feel like reading the entire thread. LOL

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    I just did a google search and found this cool site thumbtack.com/ca/san-fra…  maybe that will help?

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    Brian - I told you to never leave the basement.
    It only leads to engorgement.

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    Knight's  catering is pretty reasonable.

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    Valeria "EAT THE RICH!" R. says:
    Wendy, last year I had to download and print about a hundred 1st-grade-level books, cut them, staple them, and tape the bindings on my own time (humblebrag alert) because we didn't have enough books for those classrooms. So it's fair if some people are slightly taken aback at your budget. You received some sincere tips in this thread so take them for what they're worth.
    ______

    *mentally adds up my share of reward for turning her in for copyright violations*

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    If you notice, the subject is REASONABLY PRICED that means budget.  I'm not planning Paris Hilton's party.
    ______

    It's just as well... I sincerely doubt that Paris knew the alphabet or could count before Third grade, let alone First.

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    I am guessing no one on this thread has ever been classy enough to use a catering service?  That is kind of sad.

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    I'm so classy, I have shit catered like every single week. Sometimes twice a week.

    Because. I. Am. Classy.

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    • 122 friends
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    Oh hey, isn't being elite in Sactown like being the tallest little person? That is kind of sad.

    no heightist

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    Kinder catering as seen here. They are in SF. They start out at 10 dollars a person and up. Seen on youtube
    youtube.com/watch?v=JtPf…

  21. Good luck on finding a catering company.

    My son goes to a very good public school in a wealthy area. We didn't have a kindergarten graduation ceremony much less a catered lunch. We did have an end of school party catered by the parents though. LOL.

    Cookies and brownies FTW.

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    Wendy, this place is in the bay area and known for their infant, kid and family meals. They are more of a delivery service so I am not sure if they do on site catering or just make the meals and pack up and deliver. Have you heard of them? littlespoonfuls.com/inde…

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    I have used Kinders but it has been a while.

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    Yikes, I got so lost in all the comments I didn't realize you want on site and so many people (adults and kids) so disregard the comment above. What kind of food are you looking for lunch foods? Anything specific in mind? Adults are easier to cater to but kids can be REALLY picky... Finger sandwiches and wraps seem to be kid pleasers and stuff like pasta/noodle dishes, fresh fruit salad, steamed veggie mixes, etc. I wonder if a deli-style-lunch caterer may work?

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    /\ it's true. I've seen his window-less establishment. Totes legit, and kid friendly!

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    Nagem D. says:

    I'm here to engage.

    Have you talked to Nat at the Peach Pit? I believe he caters to fancy children.
    -----------------------

    If you need servers, ask for Brandon and that waitress named Laverne.  I think she pronounces it "La Voyne".

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    I heart you guys. I am thoroughly entertained at this thread.

    And yes, lolz at a kindergarten catered lunch. SMH.

    Elitists!!!

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    All the good kindergarten caterers get booked-up early, yo.

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    Interesting concept that kids at that age normally spend $10 on lunch, anyway.  P&B sandwich and a carton of milk must be really had to come by in SF these days.

    Is there a need for valet parking for this event as some of the children will be arriving in their limos?

    Will there be a need for an orchestra or at least a DJ?

    Will there be a need for professional video services for the essential filming?

    What elected official will be representing government at this event?

    Will the catering have to adjust the menu for lactose intolerant, vegans, gluten free, peanut allergy, seafood allergy, egg sensitivity, etc?

    • R J.
    • San Francisco, CA
    • 206 friends
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    lol at my last sentence, WTF happened there? I meant to say "If you find internet trolling to degrade Wendy's honest seek of information humorous, then you my friend need to get a life. "


    JT,
    Humor can be tactfully used while still providing a helpful answer. I for one love to poke fun at naive OPs as much as the next yelptard but I almost always end up giving them insight into their questions.

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    $10 for weed
    $5 for beer
    $5 for pizza
    Sounds like a plan.

    • 99 friends
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    As soneone who works as a private caterer and event planner.....I'm going to side with "obscene display of wealth" - A CATERED KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION (@ $20+ a head)? !? That's rediculous.

    • 99 friends
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    Ask Thomas Keller of French Laundry&Bouchon to cater it.... he helped out with PIXAR's Ratatouille
    Besides, you have a nice drive up to Yountville

    • R J.
    • San Francisco, CA
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    I bring Mc-D's to the co-workers, does that count as catering on Yelp Talk?

    Troll according to Urban Dict,

    "Being a prick on the internet because you can. Typically unleashing one or more cynical or sarcastic remarks on an innocent by-stander"

    ^ if this isn't GNumbNut in pretty much every thread then I don't know maybe the world is flat after all.

    • R J.
    • San Francisco, CA
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    There were lots of ways to go about answering the OP's questions unfortunately for her you picked the prick way. At least own it you troll-douche, I know I'm being an A*Hole but at least I'm directing it towards the testicular cancer of the internet aka GNut.

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    ugh what a trainwreck

    • R J.
    • San Francisco, CA
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    Yea cuz your anonymous self, using the internet to express your aggravated opinion is doing wonders for the Have-Nots.
    Sure....dude....
    I'm so sorry to interfere with your crusade to fix the World. You're doing a great job, sticking it to those GD Kindergarten partiers. We know they are the real 1%ers. LOL

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    Huh - I thought my idea of having the local Pizzeria (even if it's fancy pizza Pizzeria Delfina or Tony's Pizza Napoletana) and getting the rest of the items at Costco was a great idea.

    • R J.
    • San Francisco, CA
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    I can only hope and pray that you are serious Gnut. I don't care how much you give, nor do I want to see it, nor would I ever tell someone whether I help the poor or not.

    Why?

    I believe a true way to build character is to do something great for others when no one is watching and this includes not telling a soul. I'm not the judge of men so I will let you go on doing what you think is best for the Have-Nots. I am honestly sorry if I have offended your delicate crusade but you must realize this thread isn't doing any good to help the poor by ridiculing the OP.

    • Jay C.
    • Beer Bottle Crossing, ID
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    I have a pipette full of frosting, will that do?

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    I'd massage a pipette full of frosting, then drink it in.....

    • 122 friends
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    OHMYGAWD Chrys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Think of the children :(

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    Did the Kinders get their chow yet? I want to know how the story ends.

    • Jay C.
    • Beer Bottle Crossing, ID
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    Turns out they all got F's, so the whole thing was called off.

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    @CP- Look what J. Nice and Jay C were speaking of. O....o

    @Jay- There was widespread cheating.

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    Cafe Gratitude in Berkeley does catering. They could provide vegan raw food meals.

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    ^The OP is so hoity toity, the thought of her going off to cafegratitude.com isn't that odd. If it's going to be $20 per child, it better be worth every dollar! She's aiming for pretentious. No burgers&pizza for these kids.

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    No way Café Gratitude would be within her price range.  A cup of tea is like 4 bucks there.

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    ^But it would be organic and locally sourced!!! Except their yerba mate comes from South America.

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    I'm aiming for September 2014.

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    ^There has to be a whole roast pig. And poi.

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    They should have a bunch of niggras dress up in traditional plantation uniforms.

    • Jay C.
    • Beer Bottle Crossing, ID
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    i see we are back on track,.....

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    Raw food has unique ingredients like nutritional yeast and cashew "cheese"

    • 99 friends
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    ...raw foods and one of those kids with a nut allergy ends up with an epi-pen in their neck = party is over.....or is that the beginning of a kick ass kindergarten party?

    • 98 friends
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    Do you think there's going to be an event posted? UYE?

    • Jay C.
    • Beer Bottle Crossing, ID
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    • 770 friends
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    I am guessing that some of these posts are suppose to be cute and funny?  Seems more like very bored people with way too much time on their hands.  "Why don't we go to yelp talk and say something stupid?"

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    Thanks for setting everyone straight, Principal Skinner.

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    I am not even judging.  It is just an obvious observation.

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    You are definitely judging, but that's fine.  Just own it.  I don't mind being judged by a guy who measures "class" by the number of times a person has hired a caterer.

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    I cannot own what I do not feel.  Do you own what other people tell you that you are feeling?

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    No, but I own the shit I post on the internet.  

    For example, if I was to say that people I've never met before  are likely "very bored people with too much time on their hands" or that they were "not classy enough to have used a catering service", I would own those comments along with the fact that those comments are judgments of those people.

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    What I said was "your posts are boring and stupid".  They are so bad they have reduced that to an observation.  I would be judgemental if I said "most of the people on the talk threads are the parasites of Yelp".  However, I did not say that.

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    The Sacramento talk threads are full of highly intelligent conversations like "what is the best pizza", and "where can I find the best tacos".

    • Jay C.
    • Beer Bottle Crossing, ID
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    "Weekendcrafting"
    Haha'

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    Joe is like on wendys sac.

    • J T.
    • Indianapolis, IN
    • 168 friends
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    +Best Pizza - Tony's on Stockton (IMO)
    +Best Taco's - Nicks Pescado (IMO)
    +I didn't know CB was in Sacramento - I gotta stalk better than this.
    +weekendcrafting lol
    +I personally will cater this thing for $1600 ($80*20), If we could agree on Costco Pizza, chips (or goldfish if you want), desert and soft drinks (diet and regular). Will do no meat pizza (still has cheese though). I actually see an opportunity here, where all these other haters see problems.

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    Actually, I am having a great time trolling.

    • R J.
    • San Francisco, CA
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    I personally could cater this as well but Add say chicken breasts about 60 pieces and a big mixed green salad and add that to J.T's  pizza, chips and soda menu and still take a couple hundred home.

    • J T.
    • Indianapolis, IN
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    ^WTH Andrew - are you one upping me on this?!?!
    We gotta think about the children who would say: "Salad schmalad...breast schmest" (or something like that).

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    Well I would be keeping Wendy busy with something else.
    The other parents would be eating the chicken/ salad
    and the kids could be eating the pizza.
    Oh and add some chocolate chip cookies and cupcakes from safeway.

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    I resent the fact that chubbybunny said there is only twelve people on Sacramento talk when there is really at least fourteen.  Ok, a couple of them might have double identities but I am counting them anyway.  I also have grown to love our weekly topics about tacos and pizzas.  Sometimes we even talk about pho or ramen.  It gives us something to talk about while we wait for the grass to grow so our cows have something to graze on.

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    I got an ROTD in Sacramento.... don't know why.... (it was for the Capitol Building)

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    I haven't done fake reviews for the Eiffel Tower, Coit Tower and the UC Berkeley Campanile!

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    Props to Janass for working in the phrase "erect phallus" on this thread.

  1. Janass has a talent for "working in" erect phalli.

    • Jay C.
    • Beer Bottle Crossing, ID
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    Yes it is,...yes it is,.....

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    J. Nice knows how to bust the rhymes, yo.

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