TasteBuds

The Club
· What is TasteBuds?
TasteBuds is an informal dining club that was established in August 2001 with the aim of giving friends monthly opportunities to share and experience new and different restaurants in metro Boston and beyond.

· How did TasteBuds originate?
One hot August day, a group of friends headed to a dim sum brunch in Boston's Chinatown. Some of the diners were quite familiar with the format and food associated with dim sum while others were experiencing something new and different. By the end of the meal, everybody had enjoyed good food and good company. In a sudden burst of inspiration, Betty turned to her friend Cesar and they both seemed to have the same idea.

They excitedly discussed the possibility of organizing monthly outings to discover various cuisines, unique eateries, or hidden culinary treasures of greater Boston and beyond. Within days, Betty sent out an email to gauge initial interest among a small group of friends. Everyone responded enthusiastically and from there, the Boston Dining Club, or BDC, was born.

· How did TasteBuds get its name?
For lack of a better name, TasteBuds was originally called the Boston Dining Club or BDC for short. A few months after its inception, however, Betty decided the club needed a more creative and memorable name. She solicited new names from the members and one day, Anne granted the club an ingenious name - TasteBuds. And the rest, as they say, is history!

Membership
· How many members are there?
Membership in TasteBuds has fluctuated since it began in late 2001. We began with approximately 15 members and are currently at almost 30 members. New members are constantly added while other members bid farewell due to relocation, personal demands, or other reasons. Members usually join through word-of-mouth and new members are always welcome!

· How many people attend each event?
Attendance at events varies. Everyone has such hectic lives that it is virtually impossible to have 100% attendance at any given event. We have had anywhere from 3 members show up to a whopping 25 or more! Each month brings both new and familiar faces. Also, planners and members sometimes bring guests for events.

· How do I become a member?
To become a member, simply email Betty at info@tastebudsboston.4t.com with your full name, email address, and a brief explanation about how you found out about TasteBuds. You will be added to our mailing list and will be invited to the following month's event via email. After you attend your first event, you can volunteer to plan an upcoming event too!

· Is there a membership fee?
There is currently no membership fee. Our club is informal and the only costs that you will incur are the costs of your meal at any of our events.

The Venues
· What restaurants have the members visited recently?
Some of the restaurants that we have visited in the past include: Taberna de Haro, Finz Seafood, Koreana, Tacos El Charro, Helmand Afghan Restaurant, Aegean Greek Restaurant, Tangierino Moroccan Restaurant, Bob the Chef's Southern Cuisine, International Buffet, Medieval Manor, Bombay Club, Marche, and Pho Republique.

· How much does an event typically cost?
The cost of the event varies. The restaurants we have visited in the past have ranged from "cheap eats" restaurants to fancier places. Feel free to email the organizer of the monthly event to inquire about the average price of a meal at the restaurant they have chosen.

· What is the dress code?
The dress code for each event varies, but usually casual attire is appropriate. Feel free to email the organizer of the monthly event to inquire about the dress code, if any, for the restaurant they have chosen.

Planning Events
· Who plans each event?
Each month, 1-2 members volunteer to coordinate an event for fellow members. To make it convenient and fair, there is a general call for volunteers after each event. Therefore, if you are interested in organizing a TasteBuds event for the following month, show up at the previous month's event!

· How often do you hold events?
TasteBuds events are held monthly. The monthly coordinators pick the date and time.

· What should I consider when selecting a restaurant?
When our dining club first started, interested parties filled out an informal survey. Based on that survey, some factors to consider when planning are location, cuisine, and cost.

Our members generally have cars or are capable of carpooling, and are willing to dine outside of Boston. However, most members prefer to dine within a 25-mile radius of Boston. Therefore, parking and/or accessibility via public transportation are realistic considerations as well.

Our members have various tastes and most members are willing to try a variety of cuisines. Some of our members enjoy traditional American fare while others are adventurous and are open to trying new ethnic cuisine. For example, we have also had successful outings to restaurants that serve Afghan, Moroccan, Korean, Greek, Mexican, Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish, Indian, Mexican, and other types of food. As an organizer, feel free to branch out and try something with a new and unique flavor!

As for cost, members are comfortable spending anywhere from $10 to $25 on an entrée. Of course, drinks, cover charges, parking fees, and other potential costs should also be kept in mind.

· Are there any special dietary concerns I should keep in mind?
We have some members that are vegetarians while others crave meat at every meal! Some members are addicted to spicy food, while others prefer their dishes on the milder side. Therefore, if you are organizing an upcoming event, consider choosing a restaurant that serves a variety of food to please everyone's palate.

· What sort of events have been planned in the past?
To date, a majority of our events have been dinners although brunches and buffets are also becoming increasingly popular. Events are typically planned on Friday evenings or during the weekend. Some events have had themes or have been used to commemorate holidays or birthdays.

Some events have been preceded or followed by additional activities, such as games nights, movies, nightclubs, dessert, or even a tour of the Big Dig. The sky is the limit! Be creative!

· How do I invite members to my event?
Most members prefer to track attendance and send invitations via Evite. See www.evite.com for more details or check out the Links section for other useful online invitation sources.