First Tuesdays, from 5 to 7 p.m., have been going on for a year. They're such a hit that Santa Cruz Mountain wineries are signing up for their turn months in advance. "We're booked to the middle of next year," says hotel manager Marie Tallman, a 38-year veteran of hospitality management, who's delighting in the stir her brainchild has created.

Besides having a sensory appeal, the event appeals to a practical sense. After free wine and hors d'oeuvres, dinner before 7 p.m. is another good deal. Prices for the six early-bird special dinners start at $9.95. The array includes roast prime rib, filet of sole Almandine, roasted lamb chops, Mandarin cashew chicken, chicken ziti (pasta) and baked salmon. The entrees are served with a choice of rice medley, baked potatoes or au gratin mashed potatoes, along with fresh vegetables. "We hope maybe someone will decide to stay for dinner," Tallman hints with a smile.

She admits that the monthly event is good for business, both for the hotel and for the wineries. June's featured winery is Clos La Chance in San Martin. "We see different people each time," she says of the guests, and the numbers are increasing as awareness increases via word of mouth. "It's a wonderful collection of people."

Tallman says it all boils down to partnering with other locals who are experiencing similar downturns in their business. "In this economy, no one can really stand alone. We need each other to promote business," she notes, referring as an example to a coalition of Los Gatos hotels which has formed to promote the town. "We're still competitors," she smiles, "but we're working together."

The partnering extends to catering jobs as well. The Toll House Hotel, owned by Belmont-based Pacific Valley Investors and headed by president and partner Wayne Levenfeld of Saratoga, is managing banquet events held at the Los Gatos Opera House. While the hotel restaurant caters weekly corporate functions at the hotel, major events with plated meals at the Opera House are given to Village Caterers on Main, owned by Ann and Dan Floyd.

Meanwhile, the customer-pleasing Sunday brunch at the hotel continues. Brunch enthusiasts can enjoy champagne and other favorite beverages with creations by chef Jeff Lippold at seven food stations: chicken in sauce, carved ham and beef, fresh seafood, smoked salmon, pasta di giorno and prawns and king crab on ice. The $24.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids up to 12 also includes fruits, salads, egg dishes made to order, freshly baked breads, muffins and coffee cakes, blintzes, waffles, French toast, breakfast meats and a big selection of desserts. On special holidays, additional stations are set up, like the barbecue station for Father's Day on June 15.

The Toll House Restaurant, 140 S. Santa Cruz Ave. in Los Gatos, is open for dining Sunday through Thursday, 5­9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 5­10 p.m. Early-bird dinners are served daily 5­7 p.m. Call for reservations, especially on First Tuesdays: 408.395.7070.