As a lover of all animals, big and small, it is always a little bit painful for me to inform our guests that they must leave their four-legged friends at the door when entering our restaurant - with the exception of service dogs, of course.  The chore of banishing adorable creatures from our establishment reached a new low late last week when I spotted what appeared to be a cat, curled up on a chair cushion across from one of my favorite regular guests in our bar – you’ve got to be kidding me, right?  As I approached this miraculous feline who remains calm in a bar full of people, to inform its owner that she was out of her mind, I suddenly realized what I was examining and breathed a sigh of relief - relieved that I hadn’t actually reached out to lovingly pet the softest, most cat looking fur scarf (is that called a stoll?) that I’ve ever seen, while calling it “kitty,” and relieved that I wouldn’t have to debate the possibility of a “service therapy cat” with yet another woman who apparently cannot leave her home without the stress-reducing accompaniment of a small animal. 

Needless to say, our lost and found box here on 9^th Avenue is filled with so many unusual treasures and umbrellas that I could frequent costume parties during El Nino, without worrying that I’d be seen twice in the same getup!  Alright, so that might be the slightest exaggeration, but we seriously do have 9 pairs of sunglasses, at least as many umbrellas, quite possibly your child’s favorite missing toy, and enough highly fashionable items of apparel to coordinate a very mismatched new look for Spring.  Truth be told, we’ve seen some highly humorous (and illegal) additions to our lost and found over the years, and as much as I’d love to tell you all about them they are not exactly public blog appropriate, so come in and find me sometime when you feel like a good laugh!  …and please give us a call if you’ve lost something at our restaurant recently.

Amanda Grimm- Pacific Catch, 9th Ave. Manager

The couch in our Pacific Catch lounge area, though it may technically qualify as a love seat, is not the equivalent of the plush velvet couch in your private penthouse suite!  Now, I’m not trying to outright knock public displays of affection; if you are so urgently inclined to express your desire that you don’t mind making a public spectacle out of yourself in a family restaurant.

The issue that I take with these public make out sessions, is that guests make themselves impossible to interact with, yet at the same time they often expect that service be ready and waiting the second they come up for air!  IF you ignore your server for a full twenty minutes or don’t even open the menus lying on your table, then you shouldn’t demand immediate attention the second your eyes adjust back to the light.

Furthermore, if you leave your entrees sitting untouched for thirty minutes because you can’t keep your hands off of each other, it is a scientific reality that they will be cold when you come up for air.  Yes, I will remake your “cold” entrees, but I’m going to charge you for two -Think of it like this, it’s like saying to your new lady that you’re opting to make the tab twice as expensive in honor of your newfound lust.  I commend your classy tactics and I just may thwart your strategy by comping your second round of food “on the house.”

You know what’s funny?  I don’t even mind that at the end of your “meal” you will demand your check with the urgency of a mountain goat stuck on a life raft.  Just know that I would have given it to you with that same urgency hours ago if I had thought there was the slightest chance that you’d take notice of it.

In summary, there is a time and a place for “romance” and I’m pretty sure it’s not dinnertime in a busy restaurant where strangers are desperately trying to enjoy their dinner despite your best efforts.  However, thanks for providing my bar staff with an evening of adult entertainment. In a different environment you could have made a couple bucks for the show.

Amanda Grimm
Manager, Pacific Catch- 9th Ave.

As Marketing Manager of Pacific Catch, I think it’s an important part of my job to get out there and “connect” with the neighborhoods where our restaurants are located.

Yes last Monday was the most beautiful day we had had in months, but going to Golden Gate Park was official “research and development” business.  The California Academy of Science is within walking distance of our 9^th Ave location and I hadn’t been yet.  Upon arrival, I checked to see what the food court was like. They ARE the competition.   I chatted with some of the employees to see if they ever make it over to Pacific Catch since we are a perfect lunch or happy hour option for them.  I even handed out my card and a couple comp cards to encourage business. It was really interesting and educational for me to experience it for myself.  OK I did wait to see the feeding of the penguins, but I thought it was important for me to learn more about our aquatic friends since I work for a seafood restaurant.

This morning I checked the weather and it looks like blue skies continue.  I might need to do some more “research and development” at the Marina Greens or Palace of Fine Arts this week.  Both are within walking distance to our Chestnut Street location in the Marina.  I should also stop by the Mac store on my way.  I like to go in and put our website as the display on all the test models. Pacific Catch is only one block away, so again, legitimate marketing business.

Wednesday is the Farmers Market at Corte Madera Town Center. I’ll go there a little later in the day, so to arrive at Pacific Catch around 5:00.  The patio at the Pacific Catch over there is the perfect spot for a kumquat mojito on a nice sunny day and I consider 5:00 official off duty time.  Don’t you agree? 

Based on our sales numbers from last week, I think some of you played “official hooky” and decided to hang out with friends over a couple adult beverages and signature Pacific Catch items.  We encourage such behavior on a regular basis. 

Happy Spring!

Chamin Mills
Marketing Manager/Event Planner

Many people loved the Canvas Café, the “community center” of the Inner Sunset.  When Pacific Catch set up shop in its place 2 years ago, some boycotted and even wrote us in protest.   What many don’t know, is that Keith Cox, owner of Pacific Catch, and Matt Blair, owner of Canvas Café, have been friends for years and the change of hands was mutually beneficial for both parties. 

Another interesting tid bit, is that Pacific Catch and Canvas Cafe aren’t only related by long friendship. Matt’s wife, Laura Smith Blair, did the artwork that hangs in all Pacific Catch locations.  She has been creating unique, ocean themed paintings for us since we opened the original Pacific Catch location on Chestnut Street back in 2003. 

The Canvas Café was a great neighborhood spot known for highlighting local artists.  In keeping this spirit alive, Pacific Catch, has evolved into a comfortable, neighborhood spot, where locals can gather and enjoy art, however we’ve thrown in some innovative fresh fish dishes and fun cocktails too.

If you’re a neighbor that still hasn’t made it in, you should come check it out. 

You might even like it!

It is important to the Pacific Catch family to be involved in the local community.  Last year we donated over $5000 in gift certificates, food and Christmas presents, to schools and nonprofit fundraisers throughout the Bay Area.

This year we are taking it one step further by putting together a hands-on volunteer program.  Amanda Grimm, Manager at our 9^th Ave. location, will be identifying four programs that we as a company will support.  Staff from Pacific Catch will have the opportunity to spend one day a quarter giving back to their community through these programs.  We have already had an overwhelming interest and look forward to rolling out the program soon.

Chamin Mills
Marketing Manager/Event Planner
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