Why is the web site so ugly?

It was designed by an engineer.

Who can come?

Membership in the Monday Night Dinner Club is by invitation only.

I've been invited to the Monday Night Dinner Club. Can I bring a friend?

Yes, but only if your friend is cool. If you know us, you know we have low standards for "cool". Let us know if you're bringing someone so we can make room.

Can we go to a restaurant I suggest?

You can suggest a restaurant, and the club prime minister ("dictator") will decide if it is appropriate for our membership and schedule it accordingly.

Can we go to Garden Fresh?

Only if the club prime minister is unable to make it to dinner that Monday.

Why do I need to RSVP?

It makes things a whole lot easier. At some restaurants, the hostess will need to know how many people are in our party. Other places, we need to know how many tables and chairs we need to get together.

What if I am late?

No problem, we just won't wait for you. We'll start ordering at 7:00 pm, and you can catch up later.

A group of 12 went to dinner at Santana Row. We usually figure each individual's portion of the bill using 9.25 percent sales tax and 18 percent gratuity.

We know approximately how much the total bill will be before the waiter presents the group bill. This particular day, the restaurant charged for food $238, sales tax $25.98, and gratuity $42.84. Later we attempted to determine why our calculations were a little short. We found that the food and gratuity were totaled then 9.25 percent sales tax was calculated on that amount.

In other restaurants, the sales tax is added to cost of food and then gratuity is calculated on that total. Some restaurants present a bill for the cost of food plus sales tax and then gratuity is determined as a percentage of the cost of food only.

Which of these methods is correct?

Here's what the state tells restaurants: "When you negotiate an amount of a tip, gratuity or service charge with your customer in advance of an event that includes serving a meal, food, or drinks, that amount is mandatory. In some cases menus, brochures, advertisements or other materials contain printed statements that notify customers that tips, gratuities, or service charges will, or may be added, to the bill. Examples of printed statements include 'An 18 percent gratuity (or service charge) will be added to parties of 8 or more,' 'Suggested gratuity 15 percent,' itemized on the invoice or bill presented to your customer or 'A 15 percent voluntary gratuity will be added for parties of 8 or more.'

"When the menu, brochure, advertisement or other material contains such printed statements, an amount you automatically added to the bill or invoice is a mandatory charge and subject to tax. An amount is considered automatically added when the retailer adds the amount to the bill without first discussing it with the customer and receiving approval to add the amount, or without providing the customer the option to write it in."

You can see the total guidance offered by state tax collectors at www.boe.ca.gov/pdf/pub115.pdf.

Is the bill evenly split to making paying easier?

No! We never evenly split the check. When the bill comes, you must figure out what you owe. It's unfair to people who only order a salad and water.

Do any famous people come to the dinners?

Yes, we've had some legendary industry luminaries come to dinner, but we're not going to drop names here.

Which people are late all the time?

Gordon and Joe.

Can I bring my kids?

Sorry, no kids under 5 allowed, unless they were born when both mother and father were active members.