Saratoga News

Photograph by George Sakkestad

Marianne Smith waits on Marlene Spencer and Edit Kitajima during a summer lunch at Villa Montalvo.

Montalvo Service Group offers summer lunches

By Suzanne Cristallo

Now into its 20th year, the Montalvo Service Group is again holding its Summer Luncheons at Villa Montalvo in Saratoga. Pat Smith's Extravaganza caters the meals, which are served every Wednesday through August 26th to benefit the arts and maintain the historic mansion and its surrounding 175 acres.

Reserved tables for two or up to 20 or more are arranged on the terrace under umbrellas. They overlook the sweeping front lawn and gardens originally planned by John McLaren, designer of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. There's also a view of the "Love Temple" at the foot of the hillside behind the mansion.

Pat Smith plans a different entree each week, which, for $20, includes an appetizer of fresh fruit kabobs, dessert and coffee, tea or iced tea. Tax and tip are included and wine is available for purchase.

On July 15, the entree is noisette of fresh poached salmon--a trimmed, rolled and tied portion of the fish shaped like a hazelnut. On July 22, it's roasted pork tenderloin and on July 29, baked Bing cherry chicken filet. For August 5, 12, 19 and 26, respectively, the entrees are Angus New York strip steak, the cherry chicken filet, the pork tenderloin and a free-range chicken filet skewer. Smith will create vegetarian entrees for guests providing sufficient advance notice.

At each luncheon, Montalvo Service Group volunteers will model informal fashions from local shops. Luncheon guests will also have a chance to win a gourmet dinner for 10 at the Villa.

The original owner and builder of the 1912 Florentine-style villa--the late Senator James Phelan--used the same terrace in the 1920s to entertain groups as varied as local merchants and Boy Scouts, as well as presidents, kings and social dignitaries. Among musical and literary figures, beginners as well as the accomplished were feted.

Phelan was a three-term mayor of San Francisco and the first popularly-elected senator from California. He bequeathed his estate as a public park and for the advancement of art, literature and music. Special cultural events are held there throughout the year, and an artist-in-residence program is maintained on the grounds.

Parking is available at the Villa. There is also complimentary shuttle service from parking lot #4 between 11:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. to accommodate the noon, 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. seatings.

Villa Montalvo, 15400 Montalvo Road., Saratoga. Luncheons served every Wednesday through August 26. Call 961-5823 for reservations or information.

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