Contigo received a lot of great press this morning. We were in three four email newsletters: Daily Candy, Thrillist, Ideal Bite, and Urban Daddy.
Here's the behind the scenes story. One of the million tasks I've been working on while preparing for tomorrow's opening is the website. Knowing that we were going to be in some email newsletters this morning, I frantically worked on adding and editing content on our website into the wee hours this morning. It is still a little rough around the edges. Contigo's website is hosted through Typepad (appropriate, no?). The way our web designer has currently set it up, however, I can't access the columns or the home page to edit them and add photos. Hopefully we will be able to fix that soon.
Good news: I have posted a menu on the Contigo site! It's still a work in progress.
Other good news: our test dinners over the weekend went better than I could have dreamed. We learned all the areas where there is room for improvement and thank all of our friends who gave good, honest feedback in exchange for feed.
I have a trillion more tasks to do. Thanks for your support and see you soon!
I have to say being a Noe Valley residents we are really excited that you have finally opened! We are trying to get a reservation now .... ;)
Posted by: Chez US | Monday, March 02, 2009 at 12:55 PM
We had such a blast on Saturday -- thank yi (and Elan) for including us! Everything was delicious, but Cameron's dreaming about the remojon salad with the salt cod. Me, I can't wait to come back soon and try all the stuff we didn't have room for the first time, but it will be hard not to order all the tasty things we loved the first time around.
Here are our pix from Saturday: http://www.flickr.com/photos/marriedwithdinner/sets/72157614203503359/
Posted by: Anita / Married with dinner | Monday, March 02, 2009 at 01:21 PM
I'm not sure how you guys pulled it off on the first night, but not only was the food amazing, but the space the warmth, the energy, the people... all incredible.
We are so unbelievably thrilled for you, and can not WAIT to come back!
Posted by: Fatemeh | Monday, March 02, 2009 at 02:11 PM
go get 'em!
Hope to see you this weekend!
Posted by: Lisa Walker | Monday, March 02, 2009 at 04:18 PM
Congratulations on a successful weekend Brett. The menu sounds great.
Posted by: barbara | Monday, March 02, 2009 at 07:41 PM
Congratulations Brett! I'm so happy for you
Posted by: haddock | Monday, March 02, 2009 at 09:09 PM
When I came in a few weeks ago looking for a job I told you my favorite Spanish dish is espinacas y garbanzos. Can't believe you stole my idea! lol
Menu and pics look great.
Posted by: roger | Tuesday, March 03, 2009 at 12:02 AM
I wish you the best today! Enjoy the service and make sure you get enough rest tonight...then on to day two...! I hope I can have the balls to one day do what you have done. You definitely have a place with some real appeal, and I'm sure thay'll keep coming back.
Posted by: George | Tuesday, March 03, 2009 at 04:11 AM
Brett, having had many great meals in Barcelona (cal pep, cal isidre,etc....) and a stunning meal at El Cairat in 2003, I am very much looking forward to dining at Contigo! Will be flying out from NY next weekend. All the best on your opening tonight!!! and we look forward to seeing you next Friday or Saturday night!
Owen
Posted by: owen kotler | Tuesday, March 03, 2009 at 06:38 AM
Good luck, today, Brett and Elan. I am rooting for your success.
Thank you so much for everything you gave to your friends at the weekend.
Derrick & I have been giving you a little bit of press on work foodie newsgroup too.
Posted by: sam | Tuesday, March 03, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Wishing you guys so well today for your official opening! This is so exciting...enjoy all those accolades, and I can't wait to add my voice to the chorus!
Posted by: Genie | Tuesday, March 03, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Good luck today! If Friday was any sign of what's to come, Contigo will be a huge success. Looking forward to my 2nd meal this Friday!
Posted by: AnitaD | Tuesday, March 03, 2009 at 04:41 PM
Hi Brett. A couple of weeks ago I came over your blog, and I have read it from the first to the last post, and really loved it. I'm Spanish, half Catalan, and having been brought up by a catalan grandmother and really good cook, I must say that you are the first non-spanish food blogger who has managed to describe properly the catalan and spanish food. I wish you all the best with "Contigo" and I shall visit it on my next trip to San Francisco. ¡¡Petonets!!
Posted by: Beatriz | Wednesday, March 04, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Hi Brett & Elan,
Congrats on a wonderful restaurant! I cant believe the day is finally here. We had a delicious dinner last night. It's so great to have an exciting restaurant in Noe!
Thanks!!
Posted by: Alicia | Thursday, March 05, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Can't wait to come for a visit next time we're in SF!!
Posted by: Eric | Thursday, March 05, 2009 at 04:52 PM
I have been following ur blog for a while, and am so excited for you. Wish u all the very best, and can't wait to try out the amazing sounding menu!
Posted by: Dhana | Thursday, March 05, 2009 at 10:47 PM
I cannot wait to come and try the food!
Posted by: EB | Monday, March 09, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Hi Brett,
I have enjoyed following your progress with Contigo. Congratulations on your successful opening! How exciting!!!
I am looking forward to dining and drinking there tomorrow evening with my cousin, the wine guru. Should be fun.
Hope to see you there!
Cheers,
~ Paula
Posted by: Paula Maack | Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 06:22 PM
The scent that wafts across Castro street in the evenings now is just unbearable! You're killing us at the bookstore, how can we resist that fragrant, tantalizing, smoky aroma? Mmmmm...
Posted by: Tracy | Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 08:45 PM
Make that five (5) email newsletters. ZagatBuzz picked you up today. Congrats! (http://tinyurl.com/zagatbuzz)
Welcome to the neighborhood! We're looking forward to trying out your place soon...
Posted by: Catherine | Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 07:12 PM
Congratulations Brett! Wow this was a long time coming.
Posted by: Marielle Macville | Friday, March 13, 2009 at 10:29 AM
A friend and I had a lovely meal with you this past Friday. Your food was just superb! We're both looking forward to a return visit.
Posted by: Lisa Miller | Monday, March 16, 2009 at 12:58 PM
I've been following this blog for a little whilte now. Congrats on the successful opening, can't wait to try when I'm up north!
Posted by: Words and Steel | Monday, March 23, 2009 at 03:02 PM
You are being sung about in Gourmet, yey! Isn't it a great feeling when you do what you love and it succeeds?
Posted by: Hande | Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 02:36 AM
I can only assume we haven't had a new post recently because you are doing 18 hour days at the restaurant????
Posted by: Leon Mills | Monday, April 27, 2009 at 11:11 AM