660663 Mon Oct 19 07:51:38 -0700 2009 2 50 Spain/Portugal 0 5114041 In the past, the annual mad rush for El Bulli reservations was to happen in "mid-October," i.e. send email on 10/15 and then do whatever it is you do to pray, hope, etc to actually get a reservation (i've never gotten one). So, last week i dutifully sent off my note early on 10/15......and got the following reply: RESERVATIONS – 2010… At this moment we do not have information about 2010 season or later, but I can explain you that we never start the management until we have finished the season before. About 2010 you will find information at www.elbulli.com (see reservations) in December 2009. I know their 2009 season ends on 12/20 so have to assume that some time shortly after that they'll begin their rezzie process for next year. Maybe the website will have updated information before their current season ends. Anyone know anything else/different? Mon Oct 19 07:51:38 -0700 2009 18147 Geoff 1 5114109 The reply you received is accurate. There has not been any rumbling that they are changing their reservation procedure for 2010 because of the late season in 2009. The stampede has not started. Mon Oct 19 08:13:03 -0700 2009 5114041 10756 PBSF 1 5114614 They open for reservations after the end of the "season". This year the season was pushed back, and so now finishes in December, so your assumption that it won't kick off until after 20th December is probably correct. It isn't a secret process, they will have full details on their website, just keep checking. In 2008 it was open from April to the 5th Oct thus reservations opened later in October. We sent ours in on the 17th October my wife got accepted on the 17th December, I was rejected on the 5th. Note: Ferran has said 2010 will follow a similar pattern to '09 with the restaurant season running later, apparently he is enjoying being able to use the different fresh produce available in the Autumn (so a reservation later in the season may be most interesting). However, he has also said he may cut down the number of months he does open, some reports indicate it may be cut to just a month....! A tricky reservation may just have got a lot harder...! Mon Oct 19 11:10:52 -0700 2009 5114041 64584 PhilD