PARA VER ESTA SITIO EN ESPAÑOL, CLIC AQUI
For our San Miguel restaurants and caterers to stay open and weather this crisis, they need customers and orders—volume and consistency.
And all of us need to provide the social support system of seeing our friends regularly in these increasingly tough and isolated times.
Stay home and host or attend a San Miguel Virtual Table event. You'll make a world of difference for our community.
HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:
1. Choose the web conferencing app of your choice.
We like Zoom. It's free for up to 40 minutes each time and it's cross-platform, so it works on all devices. If you're not a techie, never fear. This stuff is easy. See the bottom of this page for more details.
2. Choose your guest list
One to five friends works best so you can all see and hear everyone on your device screen, but invite the number that works for you.
3. Set your date and time for Dinner, Lunch, or Brunch
As the Host, you'll schedule a virtual meeting on Zoom. Just add the emails of your participants and they'll each get a meeting reminder with easy instructions. They simply click the link and join you at the scheduled hour (or fashionably late).
4. Ask your friends to order a meal for takeout or delivery and have it on the table for the Virtual Table Event
Visit TipJarSMA for a list of restaurants offering takeout or delivery, or call your favorite restaurant direct. Check the delivery details for your chosen restaurant. You may need to order a day in advance and store and reheat your meal. (UberEats is another option, but keep in mind they take 30% commission from the restaurant, so ordering direct is usually a better option)
5. At the appointed time for your Virtual Table event, show up.
Set your table, position your computer or device for hands-free viewing, and click the Zoom link. You and your guests will show up on each other's device screens, conversation will flow, and it'll feel like old times! Enjoy your meal and your conversation.
6. Repeat this process!!!
Set up another event right away and invite more friends. Ask your virtual lunch or dinner guests to set up their own Virtual Tables. Our restaurants need an ongoing and critical show of support from all of us!
Zoom is our app of choice, but use the app that's easiest for you. If all your guests are Facebook users, you can use Facebook Messenger video chat for up six people. Other options are WhatsApp, Skype, or Facetime (Apple devices only). Google the app to find tutorials, blogs and other support if needed.
Virtual Cocktail Parties are a blast, too!
Shake it up! Get together for cocktails and apps instead!
During the crisis, San Miguel has eased its liquor laws. Some restaurants will happily deliver your bottle of wine, beer, or even cocktails, pre-mixed and ready to pour over ice and add the garnish. -- Add cocktails and apps to your delivery or carryout order.
Even if you are not feeling up to conversation, order some food from one your favorite San Miguel restaurants or try a new one. Our community needs us now more than ever!
More great ideas!
Surprise a friend by sending them a meal.
Everyone order the same meal for an even greater sense of togetherness.
Order big! Get enough to save for another day or to freeze. This helps limit the number of interactions between delivery person and customer.
Tip well! Help make up for all the lost tips during this unfortunate time.
Post photos of your virtual table event on social media with this link: www.tinyurl.com/smavirtualtable Use hash tag #smavirtualtable The more Virtual Dinners the better!
There are many ways to find whether your favorite restaurant is delivering or offering carryout. Look on TipJarSMA, check the restaurant's Facebook page, follow A Casa SMA Facebook group, or just pick up the phone and call. They'll be happy to hear from you!
Please let me know how I can help you become part of this important project. If we all do our part we can help our restaurants and caterers make it through this crisis. Please share this info on the Virtual Tables project far and wide. Copy and paste this link: www.tinyurl.com/smavirtualtable. I have some free time now (not riding away on a motorcycle anytime soon) to help you get your Virtual Table gatherings up and running!! All of us can make this happen. Eli, Nory and I thank you!!
Carol Jackson • caj50@mindspring.com
RESOURCES:
7 Tricks for a Great Zoom Meeting
How to Host a Global Gathering
Get Creative with a Virtual Event Invitation from Paperless Post
An Etiquette Primer for Zoom from NPR
Food Safety and COVID-19: A Comprehensive Guide
Food Safety Video Demonstration (Groceries and Deliveries)
COVID-19 and Food Safety: Takeout and Delivery Fact Sheet
COVID-10 SMA Facebook Group, moderated by healthcare professionals
Give yourself a trial run. Make sure your battery is fully charged or you're device is plugged in. Position your device screen at eye level. Check that you're front lit. Turn your microphone and speaker levels up. Avoid distracting backgrounds like moving ceiling fans, bright lights or windows. Remember, you're hosting/attending a dinner party and you want to focus on good times with great friends.
TOGETHER,
we will get through this. The sun will shine more brightly and we will be eager to once again enjoy life, travel, and meals in the company of friends
In the meantime, let's do all we can to help the San Miguel community. Reach out to your neighbors, and please support BASMA, Feed the Hungry, So Others May Eat, Amigos al 100, and the many charities of San Miguel Community Foundation.
VIRTUAL TABLE SCRAPBOOK
Post a screenshot of your party on social media, hashtag #SMAVirtualTable, or email it to caj50@mindspring.com and we'll post it right here.
San Miguel Virtual Dinner Table is a team effort of Elisabeth Davidson, Nory Contractor, and Carol Jackson. Site design by Chris Hixson