Martini Italian Bistro Offline SUNDAY NOV 13: Who's in!?

We plan on being there... +2..... We can go either way about ordering off the menu or pre-set menu, but do think we need to take into consideration the vegetarians out there. Looking forward to the offline!!!

Hi Carol! Is that you and Bob and 2 others? 4 total?

Will we be able to put together a confirmed list of attendees?

.....You ARE new around here aren't you Jerry. The words "fat" and "chance" come to mind.

Joking aside, here's the standard math formula....You take the number of "confirmed" attendees, you subtract 20% for the people who cancel at the last minute...subtract another 20% for the people who don't show up but never bother to cancel ( You know who you are...). Then you add 12% percent for the people who suddenly have an opening in their schedule...YOU do the math.

Ya'll stop me when I'm lyin'.

Steve, in the interest of education for anyone who has not juggled a restaurant floor plan: with my 16 years of ITB experience (excluding my current profession), the chance of an unexpected contraction in the # of attendees on a large party reservation is not limited to LHB. Not even close - LHB is in fact more considerate than most (remember I have attended many of the offlines, I know how many typically turn out [Sake Blue, anyone?]). I appreciate your frustration, but welcome to reality, padna .

But will there be Kool - Aid?

But will there be Kool - Aid?

*Takes the bait*... Always the charmer, H.

Jackie, Get over yourself, and your bait. phhhh

Stick to what ya know toots

Better Yet, I will put my money where my mouth is, maybe an aperitif, and short tour of Norton Commons before your rendezvous at Martini might intrigue some of you. Seeing as Jerry and I both live here, and we are both VERY passionate about where we live, I am sure WE are both eager to show it off!

An hour before you are to arrive at Martini, I can offer you a Prosecco, and a tour.
Who's game?

Jackie, Get over yourself, and your bait. phhhh

Stick to what ya know toots

Better Yet, I will put my money where my mouth is, maybe an aperitif, and short tour of Norton Commons before your rendezvous at Martini might intrigue some of you. Seeing as Jerry and I both live here, and we are both VERY passionate about where we live, I am sure WE are both eager to show it off!

An hour before you are to arrive at Martini, I can offer you a Prosecco, and a tour.
Who's game?

ok

Thanks Jackie. Count three IN from Clan Stewart-Vermillion. No thank you on the Kool-Aid.

Jackie, you already know that I am in for the offline. Heather, like Ed, I too will pass on the offer of the "Kool-Aid" and tour.

I am a tentative "in"- will confirm by the 9th.

Jerry-
While the Chef's Choice lets them really shine, there can be a couple of issues:

*Not enough food that works for Vegetarians ( effectively leaving them out)
* Pricing so people can afford
*Not really indicative of the restaurant's food

Not trying to sway either way on this issue, I just know you are not familiar and thought it might help. Most of the off-lines have been "order off the menu" but several - typically ethnic- have been Chef's choice with enough choices to make it appealling to everyone attending.

DEb

I appreciate everyones enthusiasm and input. Deb you made some valid points above and I think we can get those addressed to everyones satisfaction. Vegetarian Lasagna is always a favorite and Chef is a pro at accommodating personal preferences. Chef had a Lenten Mediterranean Bean Salad that I may be able to get him to make again for our night that I am sure everyone will enjoy (See photo below). For those who have dietary preferences simply let me know and I'll make sure they are addressed too.



As to "Not really indicative of the restaurant's food", I would argue that it is very much indicative of the past menu and the direction the food is taking in regards to the new local ownership and management. I am sure they will be asking for our input and as a group we may have some bearing on future menus and specials too.

I got a tentative go today for that Sunday from Martini's. I am looking at putting us in a semi-private very comfortable area in front of the kitchen so that we can have a more intimate interaction with the Chefs. I am thinking family style with an affordable fixed price so that everyone can sample many of the entres. ALL beverages including soft drinks, tea, wine or other alcoholic beverages would be on your own to keep our overall cost down.

Any additional thoughts are greatly appreciated since this is the 1st time I have been involved. I would appreciate a roll call acknowledgement of those attending along with their complete numbers including their guest. My desire is too make sure everyone has a most enjoyable dining experience.

Wayne regularly makes Kool-Aid for the cooks so I have no doubt there will be some on hand. Just sayin'.

Jackie orJerry, it is just Bob and I. Sorry, I thought we were starting a new count once the date had been set?!?

But you are going to enjoy Kool Aid, I was offering Prosecco.

You can put down Mollie and myself- looking forward to it.