The answer to the question I'm asked daily

Hey, you. Long time no see. What’s up?

[You: blank stare]

Hehe. Guess it has been a while, hasn’t it?

[Smile politely]

It's me. Brett. You know, that guy who’s really into Spain and Spanish food. The sardine guy.

[Glance at watch]

Not ringing any bells? Oh, this’ll help: Remember reading about that guy who missed his flight for a slice of New York’s finest pizza? That was me!

[Look down uncomfortably, shuffle feet]

C’mon. Least popular recipe ever. The art of frying an egg. Cook like a girl. Sound familiar?

[Shrug apologetically]

Surely you remember The Name Game, when I asked my readers to help me name my restaurant.

Yeah, that was me! Nice to see you again too.

What? Have you already forgotten? Contigo!

Thanks. I’m pretty pleased with it too.

Sorry I haven't written or posted in a while. The whole restaurant thing has been kicking my ass. My to-do list grows longer every day. But it's all good, it's all exciting. Keeps me out of trouble.

Construction? It’s going all right. A few bumps in the road, but overall can’t complain. Thanks for asking.

What’s that? When?  When what?

[Me: I smile politely, glance at my watch, shuffle my feet, pretend like I didn’t hear you]

Oh, all right. You’ve been so patient with me. If anyone deserves the news, it’s you.

First, you gotta promise me one thing: don’t hold me to it. I don’t want to jinx it.

Okay, good. One more thing. Can I ask a teensy little favor? Until Contigo 's doors actually open, please send positive thoughts my way, shout out a word or two of encouragement every so often. I'm so excited by the whole process and feel so unbelievably fortunate to be fulfilling my dreams, but every so often it feels overwhelming. Thanks.

Here goes, then. The answer to the question I'm asked daily: when will Contigo open?

JULY!

I know, that is soon, isn't it? Just 3 short months away.

There are so many stories I have to tell you. So many choices I've had to make. New photos to share. It's all incredibly exciting (and daunting). Thank you so much for continuing to check in on me and my blog and the progress of my restaurant. It means a lot to me.

I promise to reward your persistence and patience with more frequent, albeit briefer posts in the aim of presenting you with a behind-the-scenes taste of what it's like to open a restaurant. Or at least what it's like to open Contigo.

Comments

[shauna]

If I weren't going to be nine months pregnant in July, and therefore unable to board a plane (or walk easily), the Chef and I would fly down to be there on opening night.

Best of luck, my friend. Keep breathing.

[Anita]

I rode by on the 24 on Monday night, and waved: "Hi Contigo!"

Keep writing, keep posting photos -- there won't be any way anyone can forget to think good thoughts if you keep popping up in their feed-reader. :D

[cookiecrumb]

July!!!
Eeee!!
It's... so... SOON!
See you there, and Anita, lay off the dude, he's frantic. (Actually, he doesn't seem to be, does he?)
What shall we wear?? I'm shopping for my sardine suit.
Eeee!!

[Fatemeh]

Oh goodness, how exciting!

Only bummer in sight... I suppose this means no Burning Man for you this year, huh? Shame, Camp Pendant is growing up, and registering this year as Camp Bunko!

[barbara]

July. That's my birthday month. Something else to share. Positive hugs from me.

[Jack at Fork & Bottle]

I'm going to San Sebastian soon, the Pre-Season, for Contigo. :)

[LIAM]

As a chef with dreams of one day opening a restaurant, I check yr blog daily for updates on Contigo's progress. Thanks for making time to share.

[Jennifer Jeffrey]

Hey, 3 months is nothing! Here it is April, and I still feel like it should be January.

So with my sense of time, I'll be eating at Contigo... next week.

Can't wait!

[Tracy]

Congratulations, Mark, Emily, Jon and I (from the bookstore across the street)will be there on opening day! Has the Noe Valley Voice contacted you about an article yet?

[Judith]

OK, Brett - I'm planning my birthday dinner there now. July 27. Is that reservation confirmed? :)

[R.J.]

Brett...been missing you
Wishing you all the best...
and so looking forward to the magical day...

[Melissa]

I, too, wish to book my July birthday dinner. Derrick was just asking me what I want to do, & now I know! Sending many good thoughts your way!

[Keith]

How exciting!! I drive by Contigo everyday and will send many good thoughts. Can't wait until opening day...although with all the comments above...it might be a tough ticket to get!! :)

[jeanne bee]

wow. soon. clock ticking. all of us very excited!

[blake]

Hey Brett
ll be bac n m d may. lEt me now f there s anyth ng can do. eyboard s m ss ng the letters on e ther s de of j.
bla e

[YO]

Can we see the menu??????

hehehe

[EB]

If me sending good thoughts means I can walk through the front door of Contigo in July... I'm in!!!!

[Diane]

Yeah!!! Being in the construction business myself, I was cutting you lots of slack. I know how construction projects can go.

But I am anxiously awaiting opening day/night!

[LiberalFoodie]

Congratulations. I am glad that your baby's giving birth in July. I wish I could be there on opening day but if not then, definitely on my next trip to California. The blog world misses you around here but understands you're away for a great reason.

[Cynthia]

I'm all the way in B'dos and I'm sending the positive and encouraging thoughts. I've been following the progress for a while :)

[Tea]

Yippie! I was excited enough to see a post from you--and now, restaurant news as well? July--I'm there! (even if it's August, but fingers crossed for July).

Very best to you, Brett. Hang in there.
We're all rooting for you and Contigo!

[Tzi]

We will be there the first Monday we get off from our place.
See you then :)

[Christine]

July! I just might make it! Sending all the good thought stuff your way. Contigo is in my Sis's neighborhood.

[Dr. Biggles]

Hey mang,

Sorry I've been off-planet as well, personal and business life take over!

I can send you warm thoughts, but they're going to be sloshy with gravy. Is that okay?

Biggles

[catherine ross]

Excellent! Looking forward to it!