Host/Table help

[Doc1200]

Hey guys ned some help setting up my buddies bachelor trip in may and had a few questions. A little background we are 10 guys and will be going out Friday May 18. We are thinking either Tao or Marquee at this point. We have done Tao before and have budget of about $350.00/guy (all in) Here are my questions

1. best method to contact a host? (email, text, direct call)

2. timing-should i wait closer to that weekend or get the ball rolling now, I'm thinking closer to the date.

3. What do i say to the host during the conversation? Do i bring up the amount i'm willing to tip or just discuss what our table min is going to be. Anything else I should say or discuss?

any help with getting the best table at a good price or opinions of Tao vs Marquee on a Friday night would also be appreciated. Also if anyone can recommend a specific host that would be great as well.

[Chuck]

I recently setup a table at Tao with Rod. He's been great so far. I locked in about five weeks in advance. I opted to tell him up front what I plan to tip him. I'm an all cards on the table kind of guy. We discussed table location. While he couldn't "promise" anything he was pretty firm on where we would be. I've got a group of 6 with 3 ladies which, as I understand, helps our table location. I did a $1250 min and told him I'd tip $200-250. This is on a Thursday.