Zibibbo? Isn't that the new Web 2.0 darling that brings social networking to the untapped age 3-6 demographic? Or maybe a Star Wars character; I can never keep it straight.
Last week I organized an Internet industry dinner that brought some interesting Trinity-funded companies such as Photobucket, Wetpaint, and Bix.com together with execs from other interesting startups as well as more established players such as Google, Yahoo!, and Facebook. I felt fortunate to spend the evening with such a bright and energetic crowd, and enjoyed the many conversations I had about shared areas of interest in Internet media, publishing, and advertising. One of the highlights of the evening was hearing Chris Sacca (now of Google, formerly of Speedera Networks where I worked with him when I served on the board there) recount hilarious tales of the guerilla marketing Speedera used to practice against its Goliath competitor, Akamai. Ironic that he is now on the other, Goliath side of the table at Google!
On to the food and venue. Overall, Zibibbo does a great job for group dinners and I would recommend it. The service staff were helpful and pleasant. The one knock is that the Gallery room, though large, is relatively narrow, and so it was a bit hard to move around during the pre-dinner cocktails and mingling. Actually, one other complaint is that I never know where the double "b" comes in (Zibbibo? Zibibbo? Zibbibbo?). But the food was solid end to end, starting with the appetizers (try the mushroom empanadas with goat cheese) through to the entrees (highlighted by suckling pig with watercress salad, cracklings and citrus-pepper vinaigrette) and dessert. In general, the family-style platter format of Zibibbo, which does not work as well when the wife and I visit the restaurant as a couple, is very effective for a large group dinner. When it's just the two of us, we often just enjoy the cocktail lounge, which offers a good drink menu as well as tapa-sized bar bites.
(BTW, thanks to Dave Lu of Fanpop for taking pictures!)
Zibibbo
430 Kipling St
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 328-6722
That was a great event. Thanks again for the invite. There was no shortage of intriguing conversation.
Worth noting that those old Speedera stories are so enjoyable to tell now because Trinity really hung in there with us and the result was a success for everyone. We were very grateful for your loyalty.
Posted by: Chris Sacca | July 27, 2006 at 05:37 PM
What a great event! Tons of good food and a great chance to meet up with lots of other folks working in and around the same spaces! Best event I've been to all year. Thanks for putting it together!
Posted by: Ben Elowitz | July 27, 2006 at 06:07 PM