A Brief History of Pasta Veloce

Fall 1992 & 1993	HMarc discovers the 1st Cycle World Show is coming to Seattle in January, and puts that together with the news of a new Italian motorcycle-themed restaurant (Cafe Veloce) opening in Kirkland, WA. Being on the Dry Side, he solicits a Seattle volunteer to organize a dinner get-together for WetLeather at Cafe Veloce the Saturday night of the Cycle World Show. Rebecca (aka The Mother of all Kneesliders) volunteers, and the first event takes place with about 20 attendees in January 1993
1994	No one appears to be quite sure what happened that year. HMarc believes that Rebecca again assisted ably.
1995	MOAKS is otherwise occupied and HMarc suggests that Ln to take over dinner duties. He christens her "The Lady of the Evening". Approximately 55 people attend the dinner.
1996	TLotE again coordinates with the help of HerDate(Tm). Approximately 60 attendees.
1997	TLotE and HerDate arrange the dinner once more. Ln has moved to Escondido, and they require the services of Dahlface who assists with silly little details like dealing with the hopelessly inept reservations staff at CafeV. Approximately 85 people attend.
1998	Approximately 104 people attend the event. Dahlface makes the reservations, but it is not a pleasant experience for anyone involved. The service is slow, and once again they haven't saved enough tables for us.
1999	TLotE is Most Miffed. Service at Cafe Veloce has never been precisely professional, but this year seems particularly dismal. Over 100 motorcyclists wait for as long as three hours to be fed. The wait staff is unhelpful and downright surly. It is clear. Something Must Be Done.
1999 Redux	There are cliches used by the faint of heart. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." "Leave well enough alone." We are confident, however, that WetLeather has never been a home for the tame or timid! Therefore, in December 1999 the Annual Post Motorcycle Show Dining at Café Veloce Event became the Pasta Veloce Event with an additional Cast of Characters and Something Has Been Done!
2006	In 2006 we decided to stray from the usual Italian fare to something new. Martin and Carol decided they'd like to cook some curries, so this year it is "Vindaloo Veloce".
2007	In 2007 the consensus leaned towards Italian again, and a return to the historic "Pasta Veloce" name. The deciding factor was that when the pasta is done, everyone can eat, even the Chef(s). With Indian, the Chef is cooking all night.
Without Whom	As has been pointed out by The Wizard himself: The real appreciation should go to John and Kathryn Jennings, who volunteered and have become Pasta Veloce. A lot of people contribute efforts to this, it is true. But John & Kathryn are THE KINDLY HOSTS, and open their home to a gazillion WL folks, their kids, dogs, and various camp followers. It's awesome. Thanks, John! Thanks, Kaffrun!!