Patxi’s Exclusive Elite Preview First Bite Party

Solid.

Seriously late to the review as usual, but this YEE was 1 to be remembered. Patxi’s Exclusive Elite Preview First Bite Party was 1 of the best overall YEE’s I’ve attended yet.
I really appreciated the cozy setting & the opportunity to meet a few more fellow East Bay Elites. Of course, thanks to Monica, as always, for putting together another winner. & there isn’t enough praise possible for the folks at Patxi’s. Service was 2^nd to none & the truly terrific food seemed to come out in endless waves. It was a glutton’s paradise.
Once more, thanks to all for a great time & special thanks to Patxi’s for the incredible hospitality.

My first YEE, and it such fun too… I’m left wondering why I didn’t join them sooner! Wonderfully organized, intimate enough to make great conversation, amid a laid-​out feast from apps to wine/‘beer, to thin to stuffed pizza (top of memory, there was cheese thin, spinach stuffed, canadian stuffed, sausage stuffed, greek thin, caliente thin, vegan thin), it just kept on coming, and we all felt like royalty. I am in the minority when i assert I found wonders in that vegan slice: never knew whole wheat crust could actually have lift and air inside of it… and soy cheese, though it melts poorly and challenges the aesthetics, had a wonderful overall blended flavor in that veg bed.
The staff was impeccable in their customer service; was most impressed, as there moments of light chaos, managed stellarly by waitstaff, and didn’t even break a sweat. Smiles all around…
Monica, and Patxi/​Tara, I sincerely thank you for a wonderful, memorable time among new friends. It was awesome to meet a few faces in person… finally.
And that marvelous pizza… I’m with Daniel D, my tablemate… bring it ON! Very, very impressed… great pizza, wonderful location… marvelous Unilocal.
PS Note to self: JQKA makes a wickedly crisp Sauvignon Blanc, and do love Stella with pizza!

I have only been to a handful of YEE, and this one seriously took the cake, er, I mean pie. Pizza pie!
I guess I was so excited about coming to this event that I had it in my mind that it started at 7pm and upon my prompt 7pm arrival, the hostess at the door (who was an absolute doll), advised me that it started at 8pm! Yes, I am a total dork, and no, I didn’t really care much that I had to wait an hour in a town I like a lot.
Everyone at the event was great. It was fun seeing some «old» friends and meeting new ones. Other reviews already talk about the room, food, service, etc., and I don’t have a lot more to add-​just the fact that this place is going to give Zachary’s some serious competition in the East Bay.
What I liked best was the variety of what we sampled. Even though I was too chicken to try the vegan pizza, my BFF is «veganesque» and this might be a nice option for her as she loves pizza and doesn’t indulge.
I will be back for sure. I will be bringing the husband and daughter and can probably convince the parentals to join.
Welcome to the area Patxi’s and thanks so much for a lovely evening!

A day later and I’m still trying to fathom the impeccable service we received from Patxi’s staff during this YEE. This is the first time, as I recalled, that Elites were seated and served during an event. One appetizer came after another. One PIZZA came one after the other. The beers and wines and drinks came one after the other. Not a beat was skipped.
I usually don’t like a wet sauce filled pizza, so I was embracing myself with my first bite of the deep dish spinach and pesto. I had the first bite, then second, then third. By the forth, I realized, «Wow…this is good stuff!» The sauce was made to perfection that it obliterated any former pretenses I had with pizza sauces. The cannelloni bean dip accompanied with the crispy butter cracker was delish. As were the meatballs!
My favorite was the thin crust Caliente — chorizo, hot coppa, and jalapenos. I love the spice and heat that took front and center. I quote Eugene L. when he and I were enjoying every bite: «This pizza makes me feel like I’m alive!»
Overall, a wonderful intimate evening with chit chat over the most delicious pizza this side of the tunnel. I am eternally grateful to Monica for organizing this event. Of the 3 years I’ve been an Elite Unilocaler, this is one of the best events I’ve been to!

To the tune selected by one of the Patxi business family and made popular by the Rolling Stones:
Well I ate, drank at talked at the reception
A glass of wine in my hand
Me and that pizza made a connection
Could I be Patxi’s biggest fan?
Vegans can’t always get what they want
Carnivores can’t always get what they want
Garlic lovers can’t always get what they want
But at Patxi’s, they just might find
They get what they need
Had an amazing time at the Patxi’s exclusive elite party last night. Not only did I get to sit at a great table with some of my favorite Unilocalers, but I got to mow through a little bit of everything, which is my favorite way to eat at a new restaurant. Here are some of the highlights of my evening:
***Trying honey on my pizza crust… wow, that was a great concoction
***Tasting different appetizers, salads, and of course pizza! That would include Vegan pizza (with diet vegan cheese), pizza generously loaded with meat/​cheese and bruschetta with whole slices of roasted garlic
***Experiencing the incredible service of this family-​run restaurant. I can’t wait to come back with my family and friends to support such a warm, approachable business dedicated to taking care of their guests holistically (from full bellies to happy and nurtured customers)
Thanks to Monica as always for arranging this event, Tara and Patxi for having us (I will be back soon), the amazing staff that catered to our every need, my fellow Unilocalers for making it such a great evening and the honey bear bottle for making me a believer that you really should save your crust for dessert

After working in the «pizza industry» for most of my high school years, my attitude towards deep dish pies was tainted by memories of onion-​scented clothes, carbohydrate overdoses, and bad tips. So – I sheepishly admit — I went to the Paxti’s event thinking I’d been there, done that, eaten my way through pizza hell and back, and would attend «just to drink wine» and take pictures with Eugene ;)
Ha! Nice try.
Paxti’s pies were as rave-​worthy as Monica promised. Even an ex-​pizza junkie like myself couldn’t resist the chance to sample the never-​ending supply of pizza miracles emerging fresh from the kitchen: thin crust, mega crust, tangy red sauce, fancy pesto, veggie stuff, meaty stuff, with a side of honey… why not? There was nothing mediocre about this place.
The highlight though was the impossibly delish VEGAN pizza with creamy «cheez» and purple onions. It was the total opposite of bland. Apparently vegans have taste buds, too!
The Paxti staff was over the top amazing. Our plates were always piled full of goodies, glasses magically refilling themselves with NICE wine, and smiles all around. Even though it was crazy busy, they took the time to chat with us and make sure we were as thrilled about the place as they are. And indeed, we ARE!
Paxti peeps… your 5-​star parade is well-​deserved. Keep it up and see you soon! :)

What struck me most about last night’s most enjoyable event was the high level of service from Patxi’s Staff, their genuine friendliness, and a feeling of being an honoured guest. The thin crust, deep dish pizza slices, blue cheese salad wedges, and other snacks were also excellent. So when you we get great customer care and feeding too, the total really does exceed the sum of its parts. So please accept my gratitude for a job well done. And thank you Monica for a helping put this happy feast together.
On the social side, it was a pleasure to see and chat with friends, young and old. I won’t name all, but you know who you are! As predicted, Wanugee had me tagged on Facebook within a few hours, and it was great to meet and chat in person with Jana S. for the first time. The room was happy, but not too full, and there was more tasty food to go around that there were mouths to feed. There were even vegetarian and vegan options, although I agree with Tam about politely declining the later.
I’ll be most happy to return and won’t worry too much about any snobby Zachary’s or Little Star comparisons. I’m just happy enough knowing that I now don’t have to drive far (or fly to the Windy City) to enjoy a tasty Chicago-​style pie in a nice dining environment.

Off The HOOK!!! I was Stoked when I saw Monica our Unilocal East bay CM Extraordinaire post Paxti’s Exclusive Elite Preview First Bite Party at their Lafayette Location. I signed up Immediately.
I was lucky enough to go to Paxti’s Noe Valley Exclusive Preview First Bite Party last year. That Event was a First Class Event that was Fabulous. I got to meet Paxti there and his Beautiful wife Tara. They were the Perfect Hosts. I knew the Lafayette Elite Party was going to be a great one.
I rolled to Lafayette in my Weekend Whip and got off at the Central Lafayette exit. Paxti’s is about two blocks off of Highway 24 and about a Block away from the Bart Station. What a great Location really convenient and accessible.
I parked my Whip a block away and rolled to Paxti’s. I was greeted at the front door by the Hostess. I asked her where the Elite party was and she guided me to the rear dining room right past their full liquor bar very nice.
I arrived at rear dining room to be greeted by Monica and Leiko Paxti’s CM.
The rear Dining Room area is an intimate area with 7 Tables and 2 Flat Screen TVs with the Giants Game on. Paxti himself was in the Kitchen cooking up some of his Yummy Creations. Paxti’s Beautiful wife Tara was working the Front of House with the Servers serving all of the Lucky Elites in Attendance.
The Paxti’s really rolled out the Red Carpet for all the Elites! They are Truly Class Acts. There was a Wine expert on hand pouring select Reds and White Wines. Also being offered was Select Beers
including Stella and Soda’s.
They served a Dazzling Array of Items off there Menu. Caesar Salads, Meatballs, Artichoke Dips, Pepperoncinis, Olives and Salami, Bacon Bleu Cheese Salads, Greek Style Salads with Feta Cheese Simply Yummy.
But the True Stars are the Pizza’s Thin Crust Cheese, Spicy Meat and Peppers, Vegetarian. Thick Stuffed Crust Spinach, Artichoke. True Chicago Style Pizza’s. What a ‘FEAST” the Food and Drink Just Kept Flowing through out the whole event.
Paxti’s wife Tara and their Servers treated us like Kings and Queens
anything we wanted they served us and more. This was truely one of the Best Of The Year Foodie Elite Events the Paxti’s were really Generous in providing all the Food and Drink .
Paxti and his Wife Tara came out to take a Bow. I had a chance to talk to Paxti. I was surprised he remembered me from last year’s Noe Valley event. I like Paxti he is a down to earth guy and he has a great grasp on his business. I remember him telling me tonight that he wouldn’t tell any of his employees to do any thing he wouldn’t do himself. He mentioned that he challenges his employees to make a better Pizza than him. I like the fact that he was working the Kitchen himself. The fact that both Paxti and his wife Tara work in the restaurants shows that it truly is a family run business.
I like to Thank Paxti, Tara, Leiko and Our Queen Of The East Bay Unilocal CM Monica for a Truly Wonderful and Tasty Evening of Pizza Delight!!!
I will have to Roll to Lafayette for some True Chicago Style Pizza and Beer. I hope the Paxti’s open more locations in the East Bay.
On a side note at this Elite Event. I noticed that the Elite Ladies that attended this event were all very Beautiful and Intelligent. And also one of the Paxti’s Servers really caught my eye. She had Black hair a very nice and engaging smile and some beautiful Ink on her arm.
I really enjoyed myself at this event .
Monica You Are Really The BEST in the East Bay!!!
2011 Year Of The Rabbit. Total Global Bunny Domination!!!

Want to thank Monica for a great event. The 2 week old restaurant is on a very well known street «Mt Diablo Blvd «which is centrally located in Lafayette.
Today was a very small intimate YEE that I had the privilege to attend. I had a great time with Elite’s Only and Eryka & Claudia are the funnest chicas to hang with. Grace, Wanugee and of course Mr Eugene were present along with some cool people.
The Setting was pretty relaxing, it was nice to have a chance to meet new people and am so glad that the people that attended were friendly as well. Bill is totally awesome, Eryka and I were eye balling the last piece of Pizza and we were so happy that somebody else ate it because after all of the food that we had along with the beers there was no room for more.
The different types of pizza that we were served along with Caesars salad and artichoke dip was more than enough. The portions were more than we are used to and also the staff was very polite and professional !!!
Thank you Monica for a great event and for being so so cool!!!

Great intimate Elite Only Event at the newly opened and first east bay location for Patxi’s Chicago Pizza.
Monica, our intrepid Unilocal East bay CM coordinated everything with Leiko, Patxi’s community events manager, and teamed up with Patxi sweating away in the kitchen all day and Tara his wife out serving the lucky Unilocal Elites that were able to come to quaint Lafayette on a warm summers’ eve.
The food was fantastic and kept coming out non stop! Thin crust pizza, deep dish pizza, in the true Chicago style, with sauce on the top, a layer of cheese, and then another layer of ingredients, atop a crunchy cornmeal crust. There were pies upon pies to feast with your eyes! (and stomach!) Also appetizers of olives and pepperoncinis, julienne bell peppers, Greek type salads with sliced red onions and feta, plus free IPA beer and wine!
WE had the private separate room in the back, and there were only about 7 tables and about 30 — 40 of us Unilocal Elites, so you could have a conversation with everyone, and if you didn’t want to, you could watch the Giants Diamondbacks game on the two large flatscreen TVs.
I came and said hello and met everyone in the room, about half I knew and the other half our first meeting. Had some great conversations at each table. Having only Elites, you tend to have friendly interaction, as nobody is responsible for the +1 who doesn’t know anyone or has never been to a Unilocal Elite event, so the conversations flowed almost as well as the wine and beer.
So it was a great time for all, mixing, eating, drinking, like a family casual banquet, where you meet the in-​laws and see old cousins you haven’t seen since the last family gathering.
Thanks so much to Patxi and his crew, who came out for 5 minutes to take a bow with Tara, Leiko and Monica for bringing the event all together, and all the diligent servers who kept bringing the food out for our masticating pleasure and booze for our wonton imbibement.
Patxi is a class act and his food is fantastic. I have many friends in Lafayette, so I will be sure to spread the word.
If you aren’t in the east bay, there are 3 locations in San Francisco, including Noe and Hayes Valley, and the original location in Palo Alto.
PS — Patxi is pronounced «Pah-​Chee». Not Patsy’s, or «Packs Tea»!