Mac and Cheese is a great way to meet new people in a welcoming environment.  Saya is a terrific host and facilitator, and frankly, I have had more fun at her parties – where I knew no one – then at some parties where I knew everyone!  There is something to be said for a room filled with people who actually want to get to know one another. 

41 year old female

 

You should definitely try a Mingler.  It is much like the first day of grade school. Everyone is nervous to be meeting all new people but then the teacher (Saya) has great games that break the ice and get everyone to know each other. It is one of the most easy and relaxing settings I have ever been in to meet new people. A Mingler is a great way to network, meet new people, or just break up your usual week-end.

31 year old male

 

I didn't think it was possible to get so many fun, interesting people (complete strangers to boot!) in the same room at the same time. I will definitely be back to another Mingler soon!

30 year old male

 

I get a second type of pleasure just knowing that there are folks like you out there--valuing people and human connection as you do--and working to make events like this happen.  The world is a better place because you're in it.

30 year old male

 

As per usual I had a GREAT time last night at the Mingler!  I've attended 3 now and while each has been a fun unique experience for me, last night was the best one yet!  Such a great group of people!  Everyone was interesting and it was great to learn a little about everyone's story and just generally relate to them.   I'm starting to feel at home in your home even though I'm always among about 35 strangers!  I exchanged info with several people last night and am looking forward to hanging out with them.  We already have some plans on the table.

37 year old male

 

I went not quite sure what to expect, but I felt like people I met there could have been friends of my friends--which means they could have been (and now are) my friends as well!  It wasn't as if people had been holed up at home and used this as their only opportunity to meet new people.  We were all already very social people, and were just interested in a different, interesting outlet to broaden our circles.  Mac 'n Cheese definitely hits the spot--even if you're vegan! :)

32 year old female

 

I will definitely refer people!  I sent a friend mine a text this morning about it and he said he was going to go in January. 

30 year old male

 

I am filled with positive things regarding my experience last night - way better than going to a bar or staying home.

32 year old female

 

I'm so glad I stumbled across the Minglers, and it's wonderful how you open your home to us all!

34 year old female

 

There are always so many interesting people and it's a great way to meet new people.  The vibe is so positive and fun.  And, I love, love your new space!!  It's so conducive to the mingling events.

36 year old female

 

I think I may be addicted to these parties because I can't seem to turn them down when you send out the notices... Either that or I just really like your house :-) Anyway, if there's still room I'd love to come to another.

33 year old male

 

I've been to around 5 of the minglers. The party is always awesome, and it eliminates one of the things I don't like about going to most parties thrown by friends or people you know...that you already no everyone there and don't meet anyone new. 

34 year old male

 

I am still marveling at how incredibly nice and friendly everyone was.  And your place is awesome. 

33 year old female

 

It was one of the best experiences I had, meeting new people. No pressure, no need to worry about approaching people.

31 year old male

 

I wanted to say thank you for opening your home to all of us the other day & providing an opportunity to forge new friendships:)  I had a gr8 time & will definitely recommend it to some of my friends.  It was a very pleasant & pressure free atmosphere!

37 year old male

 

Being required to come to these Minglers alone gives Chicagoans a chance to move outside of their typical social comfort zone, and make new connections -- both professional and personal, depending on what is desired.  Going to each event is like meeting a sample of people drawn randomly from a deck of cards -- you never know quite who you'll meet that night!

30 year old male

 

On my drive home, I couldn't help thinking how much last night confirms the reasons of exactly why I love this city of ours. There are not a lot of places that you can go to a dinner party with a room full of complete strangers andÉleave with new batch of friends.

36 year old female

 

Saya really has a gift for making a group of strangers open up and enjoy each otherŐs company like old friends.

25 yr old male

 

Such a great balance of ages, professions, neighborhoods - such a better option than the local corner bar.

32 yr old male

 

I just moved to Chicago and the party was a great way to make some new friends. At $15 it was less than what I would spend on a typical night out and in a much better atmosphere for meeting new people. I'm already signed up for the next one!"

28 year old male

 

I like to meet people in person. I find computer profiles and ads cold, boring, and slow.  At a M&C party, you can take your time and just talk.  For me, that's a million times better than scrolling through photos and profiles or committing to having dinner with someone I know almost nothing about.   Since everyone shows up alone, there are no cliques to break into, no inside jokes, no cool kids.

44 year old male 

 

Having recently moved to Chicago, I knew no one.  I go to business networking events all the time, but it's always work, work, work.  Then I discovered Mac n' Cheese.  Honestly, I can't remember the last time I had so much fun!  Everyone was very social, was there to make new friends, and was all about having a good time.  And as if that weren't enough, Saya's amazing job of keeping everyone happy throughout the night with food, drinks, and games definitely made the nominal price of admission well worth it.  Looking forward to next time!

31 yr old male

 

Thanks so much for creating a warm and welcoming environment full of interesting people.  You clearly have a unique gift for bringing people together.  

30 year old female

 

YouŐre a real gift to Chicago.

32 year old male

 

By Saya entertaining out of her own home, a certain sense of comfort and familiarity are included as part of the evening.

41 year old female

 

Saya is a great entertainer and a great instigator - of fascinating discussions, raucous games, and low-pressure flirting.

42 yr old female