People, don't expect me to walk around with a note-pad writing down who ordered what.

We must decide now what to do so there will be no hard feelings.

I am not carving it in stone to divide the total. Only asking how to pay the check as I assume they will not write personal checks.

I know I don't remember what it was and how much at the end of a meal, besides this is a "family style" - food to share.

Meeting at my house is not an option either :))

OK. Just a thought.

Maybe instead of a table with hot dishes, another with mild dishes, we have a table to share the payments, and a table with individual checks?

:))

How do they manage at other GTGs?

I've been to: 1)potlucks, 2)share the cost equally, and 3)everybody pays for himself.

Hi Faina, I think or rather know the "confusion" with this GTG is the fact that the food is served family style rather than each person ordering what they want to eat as we have always done in the past.

And in that some will not be able to eat any or all the dishes for various reasons that causes more confusion.

Personally dear friend I do not have a problem paying my share percentage wise (as 1/8 of the cost at a table for 8) even though I cannot eat the food, but I sure can't speak for others of course.

I suggest that regarding the drinks, some will order alcohol, some just tea or a softdrink and that each person keep track of what drinks they ordered (does the menu include the price for wines, drinks, sodas, tea etc) and pay in cash for their individual drinks plus tax and tip of course. And, no doubt pots of tea will be put on the table?

I will probably drink more wine than normal since I can't eat, lol.

This is a new exprience for us, having a family style dinner. I hope others will chime in with some good suggestions. It does seem a bit confusing.

thereyet-How does the family style work? I would assume that each table can order an assortment of dishes so that everyone is happy at each table. Some hot, some mild, some vegetarian and others with fish or meat. If's that the case then I think we could divide evenly and keep track of extra drinks as LoveItaly suggested. Or is there going to be a set menu? Hopefully there will be some options in ordering.

LoveItaly-Can you eat rice?

If there is someone at a table who really doesn't eat anything, then just count them out when the check is divided. Those people can pay for their drinks (extra wine!!).

I've been to dozens of these "family style" dinners and there is very rarely a problem. You divide the total bill for the table evenly including tip and tax and everybody puts in that amount. If someone wants to say "I had three expensive drinks, then fine -- that person can throw in extra money. And if someone says "I didn't eat food, only an eggroll and a glass of tap water", well -- perhaps they can take some of that extra. Or if they really had that extreme of "nothing", perhaps that table divides by one less person and that person just throws in the couple dollars worth they had -- which can go to the server who will have probably earned it taking care of the crowd.

But to be perfectly blunt, it sounds like a pretty darned inexpensive place and if someone is worried their share is just going to be too much for them -- well, maybe they need to reconsider going?

I'd like to think with a bunch of sophisticated travelers, this should not be any issue at all. Everyone just needs to consider it a group dinner. Surely when you pay a set price for a party or banquet, you aren't going to sit around and want money back because you didn't eat your dessert and someone else did. Big deal. Just divide it all out evenly.

If there is a really a concern about a big difference in bar bills, perhaps the restaurant will do separate food and bar bills for each table. Then people can chip in clearly their cost (including tax and tip for their own drinks) and divide out the food evenly.

"Meeting at my house is not an option either"

Oh c'mon Faina. You could cook for everyone then there would be no dispute about the bill. You see, the solution is so simple. :-D

"I'd like to think with a bunch of sophisticated travelers, this should not be any issue at all." - I hope so too!

Family style - everybody gets a clean plate, and whatever food is ordered - it goes in the middle of the table for everybody to take some.

Patrick-I'm with you. It shouldn't be that difficult and not that expensive. After all "Fodor's GTGs" - Priceless!!

Well, if you really didn't want me to go, you could have just said so! But to go through all this effort to tell me I'm CHEAP!! :-d

When Faina wrote "a minimum drink order", I did feel my pocketbook go into convulsions... I mean, some of you folks can pack in that liquor!!

Personally, I prefer the idea of splitting the food evenly between those who eat (donations from non-eaters welcome) and everyone add in for their drinks. It's pretty easy to add up drinks - if I have 3 sodas, it's going to run between $5 and $10; if I have 10 sour toe cocktails, it's going to cost me about $50 to $75 (depending on whether you get the big toe or not).

If we do split the cost including drinks, will I be held liable when Faina gets drunk and starts flashing the other patrons?? It could be an expensive lawsuit. I'm just sayin'.........

I've been at parties where alcoholic drinks are pay as you go - waiter brings drink, you pay. Simple. Cash is easiest.

When we have family style Chinese meals, we go around the table and each person picks one dish to order that way there is sure to be something each person likes (plus rice and tea). Dad picks Sweet and Sour Pork which I don't like, so I don't take any. If there is any left after it has been around, we pass it over to Dad to finish up. Kids only like Chicken Cashew so we pass the dish over to them to divide. Everything works out. I'm one of those that can't eat hot and spicy so I'm sure there will be others and we just won't order a spicy dish when it is our turn. It isn't always the dinner I would pick if I were in charge but I never go hungry and I never have to eat just plain white rice.

Just a reminder, you should bring cash because I'm sure the waiter will not want to split a bill 8 ways and bring 8 credit card receipts per table. Or the person who forgot cash collects cash from the others for their portion and then pays the entire tab with his credit card.

It will be fun! I haven't been to one of these GTG's yet and I'm looking forward to meeting you all and putting a face with a name!

Okay, Trippin here has been lurking. Where is the event and what time on Friday? I'm not sure if I can make a Friday evening, since I'm due to start a new contract job next week and not certain of my hours. I'd be coming from San Jose, using VTA buses and CalTrain (I don't drive.) Cost is an issue with me unfortunately, and I'm not drinking these days. ;-(

trippinkpj-I think this will be an inexpensive dinner and of course no one is going to force you to drink although I had my arm twisted a couple of times. LOL

I am not sure if we decided on a time. I suggested 6:30 and I think Faina said she might be there a little earlier than that so not really sure.

I think there is a couple of people coming to the GTG who live in your area so maybe you could get a ride. I don't want to speak for them but I can send them an email and see what they say.

We'd love to have you there.

All right, I'm into non-drinking camp too, unless they serve Pellegrino ;)

Trippin', if you scroll 150 posts up...

http://henryshunanrestaurant.com/

924 sansome btwn broadway @ vallejo

take bus # 10 from Caltrain

toedtoes, after your 10 sour toe cocktails, we're going to take your purse and use your credit card to pay the entire bill! You'll be unconscious and never know! :D

Trippin, these days cost is a factor for everyone! This place is not expensive.

Yes:
Abranz
Cat and Mr Cat
Chiao and Leone
Faina
Linda
Patrick and Lee
Paula
Ronda and Dan
Stu Dudley
ThereYet
Tom TRSW
Trvl Maven and Mr Maven

Maybe:
DMlove
JanisJ
Kal
LoveItaly
LucieV
RogerUK
Shanghainese
Surfergirl
ToedToes
TrippinKPJ

We should aim for 6.30 as we'll have only 3 hours till they close at 9.30.

YAY!! We have over 200 posts! LOL

I like the idea of splitting it 1/8 for 8 people per table. But like I kind of joked earlier, but now I am serious, the first round of drinks is on me. And this is for the whole group. It will be a toast to Diablo and my honor. Besides, Tuscan told me to enjoy the money.

I mean you folks have been so nice to me and helped me plan my trips over the last 3 years its the least I can do.

And speaking of enjoying the money and to answer LoveItaly's qyestion. Yes I have booked my hotel. I am staying at the Ritz- Carlton in a Jr Suite.

I look forward to what, with out a doubt, will be a memorable evening.

Tom

Patrick - if you can find a credit card in my purse, have at it!

Meanwhile, I've got a call into my company's "employee assistance program" to find out my liability in regards to Faina's drunken celebration plans...

No one should worry about the bill. This is not an expensive joint.

You can find parking on the street if you're good.

Aside from cocktails, bottles of wine and six packs of Tsing Tao can be put on the table. There will be plenty of tea.

Of course I won't firm up the Rez until the week of, but feel free to shoot me any questions and I will give them a call.

Those that only eat rice and drink tea shouldn't pay anything, though I empathize with you. :(

I don't think they are going to kick us out at 9:30. I have never heard of such a thing. We will be their biggest customers of the night. That being said, when you catch them looking at their watches, best to get going.

This is going to be fantastic, I can't wait! Their are a few on the "maybe" list that better get off the fence...and onto the right side! :D

Thanks NeoP for making this a real occasion!

Faina, DO NOT bring a note pad! :)

Camera? Yes. Note pad? NO

thereyet

WooooooHooooo Tom!!!!!

After party at your place? :D

thereyet