Written by: Christine Hoogasian
GM, Pacific Catch Chestnut Street

Every day I come to work looking forward to another day of taking care of our fantastic guests. Most of the time, I get to exchange pleasantries with regulars as well as first time guests, but I rarely get to feel like I have been part of a real “moment” with them.

Recently, I spoke with a gentleman on the phone who shared a story that really warmed my heart. Dan Dinenberg and his wife Taline have been coming to Pacific Catch for quite a while and Dan told me how Pacific Catch Chestnut Street is their favorite restaurant. He told me that just a few short weeks ago, his daughter had been born in their home and their midwife had suggested he get lots of miso soup to give his wife strength for during and after labor. Dan said he and Taline thought “where better to get the best miso soup than PC!” So, Dan ran over to our restaurant and got a bunch of our Signature Miso Soup to bring home to his wife who was actively in labor bringing their new baby into this world! Dan says Pacific Catch Miso Soup was a part of getting their beautiful new family off to a great start. In talking with Dan, I could hear the excitement in his voice as he told me his story. I think it is so amazing that Delilah Sage Dinenberg was born with a tiny bit of help from my restaurant, Pacific Catch. Dan and his wife even shared a picture of precious little Delilah.

Working in restaurants, some days are more fun and casual, and some days can be more challenging. Coincidentally, the day that Dan told me this wonderful story happened to be one of the toughest shifts I have ever worked, due to an electrical fire and a total computer system failure at the restaurant during a busy Saturday night shift.  But Amidst all the chaos around me, I was able to feel like I was actually sharing a moment with this family by listening to their story.  When I hear wonderful news like this it makes those tough days so much easier to get through with a smile.

Congratulations, Dan & Taline! Thank you for sharing your story! Welcome to the world, Baby Delilah!  

The past few weeks have been gorgeous in San Francisco. The heavy fog that usually blankets the Marina is nowhere to be found and the sun has actually been giving off a little bit of warmth instead of its usual icy brightness. And to top it off, the wind that comes howling off the bay has decided to plague another SF neighborhood for a few days and leave the Marina gust-free. It’s really starting to feel like spring all over the Marina, and in Pacific Catch we are benefiting from the lovely weather too.

During the day, our customers have really taken advantage of the unexpected sunshine. This week we’ve seen tons of people taking extra long lunch breaks from work to stroll down Chestnut and grab a bite with us. Usually we don’t sell much alcohol during the day, but this past week customers in business suits have uncharacteristically been ordering beers at lunch and choosing to dine on the patio outside instead of at a table inside the restaurant. Customers have seemed less stressed and rushed during lunch too; maybe it’s because no one has to worry about bringing an umbrella or getting too cold on their walk from their office to Pacific Catch. We have also seen a growing number of customers coming in specifically for our happy hour, leaving work an hour or two early with their coworkers to enjoy a taco and a beer in the early afternoon.

And with warmer days, have come beautiful nights! Customers have been taking advantage of clear evenings to stroll on Chestnut Street and eat dinner at Pacific Catch. And even with the time change, it seems like the nights have been staying lighter longer, making eating on our patio super popular all night instead of just in the early afternoon. We have also noticed a shift in what people order in warm weather. We have been selling a lot more salads, especially the Ahi and Poke Salads. Also, throughout winter a favorite drink on Chestnut Street was our hot Green Tea which has been less popular as the weather gets warmer. Instead customers have been opting for cold beer, especially our Kona Longboard Lager, and our new Sparkling Agave Lemonade.

Anyone who lives in the Marina would agree with Mark Twain when he famously said, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco”. The beautiful weather may not last through the summer (or even until next week!) so there’s no excuse not to enjoy it while we can!

# 10. Free parking, in a lot, with no meters

Feeding the meter in the Marina costs more than lunch these days.

# 9.  Space to spread out and relax

Chestnut is great if you like to meet new people because they’re sitting right next to you, literally.

# 8. Real outdoor patio seating with a fire pit and umbrellas

None of this sitting on the sidewalk stuff

# 7. A full bar list including REAL alcohol

Beer and wine is great and all, but sometimes don’t you want a margarita to go with your tacos?

# 6. Room for all those fancy strollers

They cost the price of a car these days so who wants to leave them out on the sidewalk.

# 5. Marin Weather

When Chestnut’s fogged in and cold, just think of sunny Marin.  It’s usually 5-10 degrees hotter in Corte Madera.

# 4.  Real Live Entertainment

I know Jeffrey can be pretty entertaining sometimes, but Ka’ala plays real, live “island style” music every other Saturday in the summer, starting May 29^th.  It’s like being on vacation!

# 3. $6 Pacific Catch Lunch Specials at the Town Center Farmers Market every Wednesday starting April 7th

I’m not sure where/when the nearest Farmers Market is in the Marina.

# 2. Sushi and Steak on the menu…nuff said

And the #1 reason Corte Madera thinks they’re a better location than the beloved Marina location is…………..

#1. The hottest “Men of Pacific Catch” at the helm

…have you seen Matt and Shawn?

Chestnut Regulars: Start defending….

Why do you love the Marina Location?

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