P.F. Chang's Dinner seating info IMPORTANT

[Sara]

It's hard to believe we're just over a week away until the fun of DLV begins.

I want to take a moment to talk about an event that I am hostessing, the dinner on Wednesday evening at P.F. Chang's China Bistro.

First of all, thanks so much to everyone who has signed up. The numbers have exceeded my wildest expectations. But the numbers have created both opportunity and some issues which I will discuss below. The solution has worked out in such a way that I believe all will be accommodated well.

Groups of this size typically bring into play things such as a set menu, high $$$ minimum purchase requirements, deposits, etc. However, even though this is my first time organizing an event, I recognize that these things are often deal-breakers with a group such as ours.

This P.F. Chang's location apparently has a second floor balcony area that when described to me seemed perfect for our group. Unfortunately it came with the conditions I described above and as such, the initial plan was set up for us to pretty much take over the restaurant in smaller parties, say four to six, to avoid these issues.

Then our numbers grew, as did the waiting list.

I then contacted the restaurant and negotiated everything we could ever hope to get. Here are the terms.

1. Seating in the above referenced balcony area for up to 30 attendees at 3 tables of 10.

2. One check per table of 10. This will make paying the bill much easier. If I recall correct, our servers may also present individual totals to everyone but don't quote me on that. I'll try to confirm this when I arrive that day.

3. NO SET MENU. We will be able to order off of the regular menu.

4. SEATING. This is very important. The waiting list was originally set after the initial 30 sign-ups. While I have asked DLV to remove the wait list status from the sign-ups, please know that those initial 30 do have priority for balcony seating. I will have the list and will be coordinating seating between 6:00 & 6:15. After 6:15, any open seats on the balcony will be offered to the waiting list in order of sign-up.

Those who don't receive balcony seating will be able to dine in the main restaurant in smaller parties as you see fit to group up, based on availability of course.

5. I expect the restaurant to add gratuity for the balcony group. Unsure if they will do so for the smaller parties in the restaurant so be prepared just in case.

Please note that the start time for this dinner goes against the grain a bit compared to what DLV usually does on eating out nights. Typically, there is a happy hour designation at 6:00 and then dinner at 7:00. However, I have asked DLV Org (& they have graciously agreed) to change this to reflect the schedule which is summarized as follows:

5:30 - 6:00 Arrival window.

P.F. Chang's locations are all laid out similarly and their bar area is not conducive for a typical gathering of a bunch of people prior to seating in the restaurant. Therefore, it might be best for us to peek in at the bar but plan on gathering outside the doors in this time so I can start to coordinate seating.

6:00 This is when our reservation and seating will begin. Please note that the restaurant has a 2 hour limit for large parties. Our clock starts here.

6:15 This is when I hope to really start to enjoy myself and conclude the seating task.

8:00 Time's up for the balcony group.

At this point, there are certainly options should anyone in the group wish to continue socializing. There is a decent sized mall at Planet Hollywood. I think there's even a club there.

Again, thanks to everyone for your participation. I look forward to seeing everyone there. Please chime in here with any questions or comments and I will do my best to provide answers.