About the Dec. 18 meetup: it's a little complicated but I think we can work it out.
I called Cafe31 to be make the reservation for 5:30 pm, & was told that all 10 people have to be there in order for anyone to be seated; that worried me a bit, because I don't want people to have to be standing around waiting for everyone, in case a couple of people are a little late; so I called Tir Na Nog, & was told essentially the same thing, but the person I spoke with was a little more open - he said that in order to be seated, 7 or 8 people would have to be there by 5:30, & all 10 people present by 5:45. So if it's okay for everyone, I thought it might be safer to plan to meet at Tir Na Nog (just know that there is alot of Irish influence in the dinner menu). BTW, I found out that both places actually have a full bar (so Christelle: I know you are fine with wine, but this way everyone will have even more choices

).
So now the plan is:
Tir Na Nog at 5:30 pm
5 Plenn Plaza (8th Ave. at 33rd St.)
(right across the street from MSG)
212-630-0249 (in case you need to call the restaurant)
Let me know if this works for everyone. Looking forward to seeing you all there in just 11 days!