Montgo Vegetarians has a very informal structure, we are just a loose group of people interested in improving awareness and choice for vegetarians in our region.  Anyone can organise an event for us, and we'll get the word out via the newsletter and facebook page - so why not think about what your favourite restaurant could do for us?  Here are some ideas, and answers to questions you might have:

Where?

Most of our members are located in the Northern Costa Blanca, around the Javea / Denia /Moraira region.  That doesn't mean people won't travel a bit further, for the right event, and we have had successful meals in Jalon and other areas in the past.  And sometimes a smaller and more intimate event is good instead....  the best place is probably somewhere you already know and like to eat at.

Any kind of restaurant is a possibility, so far we have enjoyed food from around the world, as well as right here in Spain, and we are just as open to cheap and cheerful local cooking as to high-end fine dining.  Variety is great!  And whilst our typical event is a mid-week evening, lunchtimes and weekends are definitely fine too.

What should I do?

If you have a place in mind, that you think could do us a good vegetarian special menu, start off by having a chat to them.  We have generally found the most receptiveness amongst chefs who really know and care about how to cook - the more creative they are, the more positively they will tend to rise to the challenge.  If you have had a great veggie meal somewhere, then they might be the perfect place for us to visit next.

What do I need to arrange?

Ideally we would like to offer our members a genuine choice, unlike what vegetarians usually get offered... so we'd suggest you work out with your chef a selection of at least three main courses and starters.  Of course it's fine if they prefer people to pre-order, that's easily managed online, and it's also fine if either course is on a tapas / bit of everything basis, in fact that often works really well.  We'd also like you to negotiate a good menu price, ideally including bread and some wine - because we will in return fill quite a few covers in their restaurant on a quiet night, (and also vegetables are cheaper than meat!)  Have a chat with Maya about dates info@montgo-vegetarians.com - currently we are running at about one meal per month, but this is not set in stone.  We definitely recommend 2 or 3 week's notice, to ensure enough time to get a newsletter out and take sufficient bookings.

It is important not to assume anything, about understanding of vegetarianism, here in Spain..!  So please be clear that the restaurant knows that nothing containing or cooked with meat or fish should be served (including stocks or sauces, anchoa stuffed olives, and so on).  And as we have members of the group who do not eat dairy produce, one main course should be dairy-free, or have a dairy-free option.

Please make sure you understand what the restaurant's bottom lines are, regarding minimum and maximum attendence.  We can never make specific promises on numbers-  typically for a Javea evening we will get 20+ people, but it's never exactly the same group, and we don't take deposits or anything...  If the venue is small and we need to cap attendence once a certain number is reached, it's essential that we know this, and that you liaise with Maya to amend the booking form once capacity is reached.

What happens after that?

We'll use your menu and information to create a page for the event containing a booking form, so that people can book online (and specify choices as required).  Once the form is tested and running, we will point it back at you, so that responses arrive by email - it's very straightforward.  We'd suggest your popping a quick email or phonecall to those you hear from, just to assure them that the information has been received OK, and so that they have a point of contact in case of any queries or last minute changes.  It's also worth discussing any specific dietary requirements or allergies with guests at that point, so that the restaurant can be prepared ahead of time for anything they should be aware of.  You will need to liaise with the restaurant over numbers in the last few days, so they know exactly what to expect.

On the night

As the host it's great if you can get there a little ahead of everyone else, and you are welcome to either prepare a seating plan, or let people fall out as they arrive.  Do remember that every time we get someone new who doesnt know anyone, so it's great if you can look out for those people and make sure they are introduced and made welcome.  Please explain to the restaurant that we would prefer separate bills for any extras such as drinks, this makes it far easier for people to settle up and leave when they want to, without any late night arithmetic being involved.  After that, relax and enjoy your meal!  And enjoy the appreciation of your fellow Montgo Vegetarians, for organising a great night out.