The Cellar Restaurant
Celebrating 5 years of a dream.

Can you believe it has been five years?  The past few years have been the most challenging and rewarding of my life.  The Cellar and I have faced the untimely death of our long time Maitre d', Sean Lewis and more floods than I care to remember.  We survived the time our former Chef left without notice and the retirement of some of the industries best like Edie Mehl who ran more than the front door at The Cellar.

Despite the hard times the good has far surpassed the bad.  When I think about what has made the past five years so great it boils down to people.  I have had great people in my life including the real boss at The Cellar Sara St. Pierre.  When I purchased the restaurant Sara worked in the office with me as kind of an assistant and has used her talents to help guide and mold The Cellar into what it is today.  Thank you Sara for your dedication and friendship. 

If you dine at The Cellar enough times you are bound to be served by Manny.  Manny Martinez has worked for all three owners going all the back to the 70's.  When Sean passed away Manny helped to fill the void and I can remember many nights where it was just Manny and I serving a restaurant full of diners. 

The Cellar has introduced me to some great guests that have turned into dear friends over the years.  Craig and Bonnie Harper will be hosting my upcoming wedding at their home.  Lou and Retha Noble became such good friends I have hired two members of their family over the years. Curtis Chan and J.J. Jackson never miss a cigar or wine dinner.  I know it is cliché but I could go on and on.  Please accept my humble thanks to all the guests of The Cellar.  You are a special group and you have my gratitude.

This letter would not be complete without acknowledging a few people that without their help and guidance I would not be where I am today.  Scott Dowds is the President of Farmers and Merchants Bank and without his assistance early on I do not think the deal to buy The Cellar would have happened.  Without a call from Paul Dunlap I would never have known the business was for sale.  My predecessors Ernst and Trudy Zingg have always looked out for me.  Sheri Davison has been my "coach" and has helped me to be better person.  My former Vistage group always had my back.  Finally Frank Groff, Frank you have been incredible.  Thank you all.

For me blood is not thicker than water and I need to thank my unique family.  My father who I owe everything too, my mother for being there, my little sister Nicki for knowing what to say, Bob the big brother I never had always knowing what not to say, and of course my future wife Brianne.  Bree it is hard to believe it's been five years.  Thank you and know I could not have done it without you.

I know this is long and mushy email and I needed to thank a lot of people.  The Cellar turns 40 next year and we are planning a year of celebrations.  For now this five year anniversary is special to me and thank you to all the people that have made this dream possible.




P.S.  Thank you Chef David Kesler, Christie Mederios, John Clay Jr., Steve Fitzpatrick, Scott Raterink, Barry and Paul Codispoti, Ryan Hill, Dave McPhillips, Ron, Debbie, and Chick Marshal, Larry Ballard, Mary and Jeremy Law, Mr. Blythe, Uncle Nelson, and the creator of The Cellar Louis Schnelli.  Sorry I had to squeeze a few more in.
A Very Cellar Thanksgiving Feast
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Reservations available from 1pm to 5pm

thanksgivinglogo Thanksgiving is a time to reflect back with family and friends while you create new memories to be treasured. We invite you to create these lifelong memories as you join us at The Cellar for our very special Thanksgiving Day menu. You will dine flanked by the dancing flames of candle light as we cater to your every need on this very special holiday. The Cellar staff will pamper you as you dine on a traditional Thanksgiving meal featuring Roasted Turkey, Prime Ribs of Beef, all the trimmings and some special seasonal delights created by our Executive Chef David Kesler. Relax, laugh, and enjoy as we leave you with great memories from this special holiday. We will be serving dinner from 1pm to 5pm.
 
Cost for dinner is $45.95* per person and $35.95* for children

Starters
 
Roasted pumpkin bisque with maple syrup and candied pecans
Or
Tomato and basil salad with Roquefort and pine nuts
Or
Jumbo shrimp cocktail, chilled crab salad and sliced smoked salmon on a bed of finely sliced romaine
 
Main Courses
 
Carved roasted turkey with a rich thyme gravy, herbed stuffing, homemade cranberry preserves and green beans with toasted almonds
Or
Slow-roasted Prime Rib of Beef with creamed horseradish, port wine sauce and grilled asparagus
Or
Smoked old fashioned ham with honey-mustard sauce and creamed spinach
 
Dessert
 
Roasted pumpkin cheesecake with cinnamon sauce and fresh berries
Or
Toasted hazelnut soufflé with Frangelico sauce

Please call 714-525-5682 for reservations.


Book your Holiday Party at The Cellar today!!!

xmas

The month of December is the time to come together and celebrate. The Dudley family along with our staff begins the season by transforming The Cellar into a holiday masterpiece. Every inch of the restaurant is decorated with garland, bows, tinsel, and thousands of sparkling lights. The fresh sent of pine radiates through the air as we create the finest holiday experience in Southern California. A seasonal menu begin on December 1st and will carry through the end of the year for parties of all sizes. If you have a large group that would like to book a holiday party, please contact Sara St. Pierre (sara@cellardining.com) and she will help you to create an experience that will leave your guests thanking you for the year to come. The Cellar will also be available for luncheons for groups of 15 or more.

The Cellar is offering holiday group menu's starting at only $44.95 per person and can accommodate parties of six to sixty.  Call 714-525-5682 for details.
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*Please note that this is a special offer and cannot be combined with any other discounts or special promotions.  Price does not include tax or gratuity.  Please make arrangements for transportation if you will be drinking.  Please do not drink and drive.
**Offer is valid with the purchase of any entrée.  The no other food discounts can be applied to the entrée.

Make your reservation today by calling (714) 525-5682 or replying to this email.
www.cellardining.com
305 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92832