SF Bay Area/Peninsula OL June 17 - Donato

Message

Larry Stein · #51 Post by **Larry Stein** » June 3rd, 2019, 9:13 am

I just contacted Juan, the Donato GM. Update when I get his reply.

ChrisStags · #52 Post by **ChrisStags** » June 4th, 2019, 10:24 am

Just talked to some steakhouse in San Mateo on 3rd avenue called Porterhouse that said they would be willing to host us with no corkage. I also told them we would need one long table and assume they would put us in a private room or space but that can be confirmed. We can add this to the list or use if need be. Prices are on the high side since it is a steakhouse, so I would assume that is the only drawback. I have never eaten at the establishment but it seems pretty decent/good from the menu? Amount of people should not be an issue either...**update: they can hold up to 18 people at one large private table**. Not sure we want to spend this much per person ($75+), but an option if need be and something different.

Larry Stein · #53 Post by **Larry Stein** » June 4th, 2019, 12:02 pm

Sandi and I have been to Porterhouse a couple of times. It's been a few years (3-4?) since we've been, but we did like it.

Still no word from Donato. Hopefully, Juan isn't on vacation.

ChrisStags · #54 Post by **ChrisStags** » June 4th, 2019, 12:57 pm

Looks like this would be the best value at porterhouse. Don’t really care where we go but figured I would pass along this banquet menu which should/could apply. Otherwise the off the menu may be pricier or harder to calculate for everyone.

ATaylor · #55 Post by **ATaylor** » June 4th, 2019, 1:05 pm

Larry Stein wrote: ↑
June 4th, 2019, 12:02 pm
Sandi and I have been to Porterhouse a couple of times. It's been a few years (3-4?) since we've been, but we did like it.

Still no word from Donato. Hopefully, Juan isn't on vacation.

Let me ping the girl I know at Donato; otherwise best bet will be Divino.

ChrisStags · #56 Post by **ChrisStags** » June 4th, 2019, 1:26 pm

Sounds good to me!

dteng · #57 Post by **dteng** » June 4th, 2019, 8:52 pm

Andrew and Craig - you guys in?
If not, I may bring a friend.

#58 Post by **Craig G** » June 4th, 2019, 10:23 pm

dteng wrote: ↑
June 4th, 2019, 8:52 pm
Andrew and Craig - you guys in?
If not, I may bring a friend.

Too big for me. I think we need to split into Peninsula and South Bay.

ChrisStags · #59 Post by **ChrisStags** » June 4th, 2019, 10:56 pm

Don’t be a party pooper! Come hangout and drink some fun wines.

Daniel Kim · #60 Post by **Daniel Kim** » June 5th, 2019, 12:16 am

I should be available. Put me on the list!

Doug Davidson · #61 Post by **Doug Davidson** » June 5th, 2019, 8:41 am

Hi all - I'm new to the group, but would love to join in for this dinner if there's still room!

ATaylor · #62 Post by **ATaylor** » June 5th, 2019, 11:01 am

All,

Krista at Donato said OK for 17th. Private room off the front door is not available and I am trying to find out what max table size is doable. Possibility of either a la carte or arranging fixed menu.

As an aside, I had a drink with a Sicilian friend last night who also tends to be hyper critical of Italian restaurants over here; he said Donato has upped his game on the food side.

Larry Stein · #63 Post by **Larry Stein** » June 5th, 2019, 11:03 am

I think fixed menu is how the cost got above the usual amount last time, but I wasn't there for that one.

ATaylor · #64 Post by **ATaylor** » June 5th, 2019, 11:10 am

Larry Stein wrote: ↑
June 5th, 2019, 11:03 am
I think fixed menu is how the cost got above the usual amount last time, but I wasn't there for that one.

It was due to an add on. I think the prix fixe is around $40-45 but will ask about options. I think we are currently close to 20, so I will call her at lunch to see what is possible.

dteng · #65 Post by **dteng** » June 5th, 2019, 11:53 am

My list is currently at 18 and anyone else want in I’ll start a waitlist unless Andrew confirms space.

ATaylor · #66 Post by **ATaylor** » June 5th, 2019, 1:00 pm

dteng wrote: ↑
June 5th, 2019, 11:53 am
My list is currently at 18 and anyone else want in I’ll start a waitlist unless Andrew confirms space.

Krista said they can do a max table of 21. Right now we are basically 20, but historically there have been some last minute drops. When you are working with a party of 12 it is not that big of a deal, but when you starting getting to 20 people, last minute drops beyond 1 or 2 peeps are unfair to the restaurant (provisioning, staffing, table setup, etc). If we are maintaining a 18-20 headcount, then I would suggest that there should be a minimum 72 hr cutoff for cancels. Magnums anyone??

ChrisStags · #67 Post by **ChrisStags** » June 5th, 2019, 1:55 pm

Andrew great points about the cutoff. People are going to need to bring a magnum if they hope to give everyone a splash. A fixed price option may be best with the size of the group, but you guys know Donato better than I do. With that being said I am still planning on bringing my 97 Jadot Amoureuses mag and 06 potel Montrachet. If needed I could swap out the Montrachet for a chambolle musigny mag. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

ATaylor · #68 Post by **ATaylor** » June 5th, 2019, 4:53 pm

I have a call into Krista and have asked her to send me a couple of prix fixe options to throw out to the group. The current dinner menu is here:

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/ ... .30.19.pdf

Another option would be to ask for a bunch of antipasti/pizza for a fixed $ per head and then have everyone select a main and dessert. BTW for those who can get there a bit earlier, they have a great happy hour 7 days a week; $4 beers - Menabrea/Luponic IPA and $6 Negroni/Americano.......just sayin'.

ERPark · #69 Post by **ERPark** » June 5th, 2019, 5:12 pm

Pregaming before the OL.......

ATaylor · #70 Post by **ATaylor** » June 6th, 2019, 3:41 pm

Basically two choices, but want to let Donato know by early next week. No consensus and the default will be #1.

1) Go a la carte from the menu for dinner/dessert and for $10/person we can get stuzzichini and a bunch of pizzas to start.

2) They have a couple of prix fixe options with the most interesting being the $50 option below (choices on the primi and secondi and dolci made individually):

INSALATA ASPARAGI E GUANCIALE
Poached local asparagus & rainbow carrot salad
Pork ‘guanciale’, candied walnuts & sweet garlic sauce

PRIMI
-Choice of-
AGNOLOTTI DEL PLIN
Housemade small ravioli “del plin” of three meats; sausage, veal, tomato & onion sauce
Tomato & onion sauce
RAVIOLI BERGAMASCHI “SCARPINOCC”
Traditional Bergamo ravioli of wild greens & “Taleggio Vero”
Sunchokes & brown butter sauce, crispy sunchokes

SECONDI
-Choice of-
MERLUZZO ERBE E CARCIOFI 
Pan roasted herb crusted local cod, Half Moon Bay artichokes
Fregola sarda, olives & capers
POLLO ARROSTO IN TECIA
Terra cotta roasted natural free range Mary’s chicken, Yukon potatoes, Bosane olives & oregano
Soave wine and sage sauce
AGNELLO AL FORNO
Roasted Colorado lamb shank, asparagus
Sangiovese wine & herb sauce; Roasted potatoes

DOLCI
-Choice of-
CIOCCOLATO FONDENTE E NOCCIOLE
Warm chocolate hazelnut cake served with vanilla bean gelato
PANNA COTTA
Organic lemon panna cotta with a local orange sauce

For $57 you get the same thing; a fennel salad for start and replace the chicken dish with a controfiletto....otherwise identical to the $50 menu.

ChrisStags · #71 Post by **ChrisStags** » June 6th, 2019, 5:23 pm

Hi Andrew and thanks for your hard work! Everything looks great and I would vote for whatever is easiest on the restaurant. Price seems in line with our other spaces

.

#72 Post by **Alan Rath** » June 6th, 2019, 5:38 pm

A vote for a la carte

Larry Stein · #73 Post by **Larry Stein** » June 6th, 2019, 5:43 pm

A la carte

ChrisStags · #74 Post by **ChrisStags** » June 6th, 2019, 9:43 pm

A la carte it is then! What is everyone bringing? Hopefully the good stuff

#75 Post by **George Chadwick** » June 7th, 2019, 2:17 pm

Larry Stein wrote: ↑
June 3rd, 2019, 9:13 am
I just contacted Juan, the Donato GM. Update when I get his reply.

He'll be glad you called. No one calls him. Juan has the loneliest number.

#76 Post by **Alan Rath** » June 7th, 2019, 2:26 pm

Is Juan also a doctor?

#77 Post by **George Chadwick** » June 8th, 2019, 2:03 pm

Alan Rath wrote: ↑
June 7th, 2019, 2:26 pm
Is Juan also a doctor?

OBJuan.jpg

Juan's brother Jose' sometimes buys seats that turn out to be view obstructed at Giants games. That's why before the games everyone stands up and asks him if he can see.

dteng · #78 Post by **dteng** » June 8th, 2019, 2:28 pm

#79 Post by **Wes Barton** » June 8th, 2019, 6:59 pm

No one has a Don Zerly (TM) light anymore.

ATaylor · #80 Post by **ATaylor** » June 10th, 2019, 10:17 am

Hi folks,

I need a firm headcount for the restaurant by Wed please.

Also only two people have spoken up for a la carte vs prix fixe (with choices). Other usual caveats apply; bring stems and cash.

Larry Stein · #81 Post by **Larry Stein** » June 10th, 2019, 10:20 am

Still in

#82 Post by **Alan Rath** » June 10th, 2019, 10:30 am

Still in

#83 Post by **George Chadwick** » June 10th, 2019, 10:32 am

In.

A reminder I paid double last month at Paul Martin (seriously). Everyone who was there except me and Liz underpaid, and I overpaid by $60, so I ask everyone who attended PM to pay an additional $5 to me, $10 if you brought a date to PM, honor system. I'll bring change.

Obviously I'm not attending any future Paul Martin offlines. The three worst events with this group by far-- including two of the worst restaurant experiences I've ever had - were the three events there, where I also spent too much of those two meals dealing with the apathetic unprofessional staff to fix the problem.

No opinion re menu.

#84 Post by **George Chadwick** » June 10th, 2019, 11:08 am

Craig G wrote: ↑
June 4th, 2019, 10:23 pm

dteng wrote: ↑
June 4th, 2019, 8:52 pm
Andrew and Craig - you guys in?
If not, I may bring a friend.
Too big for me. I think we need to split into Peninsula and South Bay.

Who would be South Bay besides you, me, and Sean when he can make it? I'm not willing to start a South Bay dinner group nor to say goodbye to this one.

I am thinking of a Rhys/Ridge dinner at Golden Triangle in the autumn.

ChrisStags · #85 Post by **ChrisStags** » June 10th, 2019, 12:07 pm

A la carte works for me.

#86 Post by **Alan Rath** » June 10th, 2019, 12:13 pm

George Chadwick wrote: ↑
June 10th, 2019, 11:08 am

Craig G wrote: ↑
June 4th, 2019, 10:23 pm

dteng wrote: ↑
June 4th, 2019, 8:52 pm
Andrew and Craig - you guys in?
If not, I may bring a friend.
Too big for me. I think we need to split into Peninsula and South Bay.
Who would be South Bay besides you, me, and Sean when he can make it? I'm not willing to start a South Bay dinner group nor to say goodbye to this one.

I am thinking of a Rhys/Ridge dinner at Golden Triangle in the autumn.

Los Gatos is pretty far for almost everyone, even me from Fremont. There's an italian restaurant in Palo Alto, on California, that I frequent, and know the owners a bit (Terun). They have let me do a smaller wine dinner in the past, and would probably be fine doing that with this group. They have a large covered outdoor space in the back, and I'm sure we could work out a Monday dinner with them no problem.

Limiting the number of participants is a bit unfriendly, but large groups are also more difficult to manage, find venues, and just have a more intimate experience with the wines and people.

Larry Stein · #87 Post by **Larry Stein** » June 10th, 2019, 12:22 pm

Alan Rath wrote: ↑
June 10th, 2019, 12:13 pm

Los Gatos is pretty far for almost everyone, even me from Fremont. There's an italian restaurant in Palo Alto, on California, that I frequent, and know the owners a bit (Terun). They have let me do a smaller wine dinner in the past, and would probably be fine doing that with this group. They have a large covered outdoor space in the back, and I'm sure we could work out a Monday dinner with them no problem.

Limiting the number of participants is a bit unfriendly, but large groups are also more difficult to manage, find venues, and just have a more intimate experience with the wines and people.

Terun would be a fine choice!

"just have a more intimate experience with the wines"
Does Karen know about this?

ATaylor · #88 Post by **ATaylor** » June 10th, 2019, 1:07 pm

George Chadwick wrote: ↑
June 10th, 2019, 11:08 am

Craig G wrote: ↑
June 4th, 2019, 10:23 pm

dteng wrote: ↑
June 4th, 2019, 8:52 pm
Andrew and Craig - you guys in?
If not, I may bring a friend.
Too big for me. I think we need to split into Peninsula and South Bay.
Who would be South Bay besides you, me, and Sean when he can make it? I'm not willing to start a South Bay dinner group nor to say goodbye to this one.

I am thinking of a Rhys/Ridge dinner at Golden Triangle in the autumn.

And traveling south at 5-6pm is an absolute pig......

dteng · #89 Post by **dteng** » June 10th, 2019, 1:09 pm

George Chadwick wrote: ↑
June 10th, 2019, 10:32 am
In.

A reminder I paid double last month at Paul Martin (seriously). Everyone who was there except me and Liz underpaid, and I overpaid by $60, so I ask everyone who attended PM to pay an additional $5 to me, $10 if you brought a date to PM, honor system. I'll bring change.

Obviously I'm not attending any future Paul Martin offlines. The three worst events with this group by far-- including two of the worst restaurant experiences I've ever had - were the three events there, where I also spent too much of those two meals dealing with the apathetic unprofessional staff to fix the problem.

No opinion re menu.

George, I’ll pay it.
I don’t mind.
PM was/is my suggestion.
Not sure why you’ve had bad experiences there.
Did you used to date the manager there?

We’ll square up on Tuesday.
I insist.

I’m in Andrew.

#90 Post by **Wes Barton** » June 10th, 2019, 1:34 pm

George Chadwick wrote: ↑
June 10th, 2019, 11:08 am
I am thinking of a Rhys/Ridge dinner at Golden Triangle in the autumn.

I like that place. Can't make it during harvest season, though.

#91 Post by **robert creth** » June 10th, 2019, 2:42 pm

I am in. Also as one who lives south, a smaller San Jose meeting would be nice on occasion.

#92 Post by **George Chadwick** » June 10th, 2019, 4:00 pm

Wes Barton wrote: ↑
June 8th, 2019, 6:59 pm
No one has a Don Zerly (TM) light anymore.

Apparently Jose' does.

#93 Post by **Wes Barton** » June 10th, 2019, 8:02 pm

No way!

Jose?

#94 Post by **George Chadwick** » June 10th, 2019, 9:29 pm

Si, Jose'. In fact I was playing hide and seek at night with Jose' with his trademarked Don Zerly light. I could hear him counting .
"Uno."
"Dos."

Silence.

I looked up from my hiding place. He had disappeared without a tres.

Doug Davidson · #95 Post by **Doug Davidson** » June 10th, 2019, 9:36 pm

Please count me in if there's still room!

#96 Post by **George Chadwick** » June 10th, 2019, 9:40 pm

dteng wrote: ↑
June 10th, 2019, 1:09 pm

.......

We’ll square up on Tuesday.
I insist.

I’m in Andrew.

TMI but thanks for the update.
Signed,
Stags

ERPark · #97 Post by **ERPark** » June 11th, 2019, 7:45 am

Confirming my attendance. Let’s make sure Jorge gets the bill. Preferably after we’ve all left first........

ChrisStags · #98 Post by **ChrisStags** » June 11th, 2019, 9:26 am

George Chadwick wrote: ↑
June 10th, 2019, 9:40 pm

dteng wrote: ↑
June 10th, 2019, 1:09 pm

.......

We’ll square up on Tuesday.
I insist.

I’m in Andrew.
TMI but thanks for the update.
Signed,
Stags

dteng · #99 Post by **dteng** » June 11th, 2019, 10:38 am

Doug Davidson wrote: ↑
June 10th, 2019, 9:36 pm
Please count me in if there's still room!

Doug, you’re on the list...though I’ll understand if this bunch scares you away.

ATaylor · #100 Post by **ATaylor** » June 11th, 2019, 11:18 am

George Chadwick wrote: ↑
June 10th, 2019, 9:40 pm

dteng wrote: ↑
June 10th, 2019, 1:09 pm

.......

We’ll square up on Tuesday.
I insist.

I’m in Andrew.
TMI but thanks for the update.
Signed,
Stags

I can't feel anything..............swear.