Is BVS limited to the Louisville area only?
What is the average age of the members?
How often do you schedule dinners and events?
What if I don’t know anyone? Is it OK to come alone?
How many people attend the events?
Will my personal information ever be given out to anyone?
Can you accommodate dietary preferences?
Is there pre-arranged seating at your dinners?
Are alcoholic beverages served?
What if I don’t drink alcohol?
Do you have any incentives for members?
How will I know that my reservation has been accepted?
How does the waiting list work?
What does the annual membership fee cover?
What happens if I'm unavoidably detained and arrive late?
Can I receive my newsletter via US Mail?
Is BVS limited to the Louisville area only?
Nope. While the company is starting in Louisville, Lexington will soon be added to the event calendar for some great times in their own backyard. We also encourage everyone to participate in events in either city to see what great attractions we have in such a small radius. When possible, transportation and carpooling will be an option to help facilitate movement between our fair cities. Top
What is the average age of the members?
We welcome people of all ages and our members range in age anywhere from their late twenties on up, though most members tend to fall in between 30s and 50s. Top
How often do you schedule dinners and events?
We offer approximately one to two events each week. Most events will focus on wining and dining but other events include anything from monthly gatherings to other special outings such as an evening at the theater, spending a day at the races – both Keeneland and Churchill, hitting the Bourbon Trails, discovering new restaurants and venues in neighboring cities; to name a few. Top
Is BVS a dating service?
Not at all. Our purpose is to offer a fun, relaxing and safe alternative to the average "bar scene" for people to meet and socialize as well as showcase the great restaurants and entertainment venues that Louisville and Lexington have to offer. Top
Why do people join?
As a way to try new restaurants they likely wouldn't have tried alone. Our events are ideal social settings for making new friends or networking while sharing laughter, joy and conversation. Top
What if I don’t know anyone? Is it OK to come alone?
Most definitely. In fact, most members come to events on their own. Our event directors are always there to greet members and introduce them to others - and really, you will find the majority of members to be quite friendly. If you would feel more comfortable attending with a friend, you are welcome to bring a guest along at an additional cost to the guest (see policies). Members bringing guests usually arrive together, but we encourage them not to sit together during dinner. After all, you're at the event to meet new friends. Top
How many people attend the events?
It all depends on the type of event and the facility. Some events are space-limited, while others may attract as many as 100 guests. On average, 20-40 can be expected during a weekday event, while other trips and weekend get-togethers may see double or triple that number. Whew, this is a tough one! Top
Is BVS a franchise?
Yes and no. Single Gourmet chapters (active since 1978) exist nationwide as well as in Canada. Each Single Gourmet chapter is individually owned and operated, all following the same basic premise that members share an appreciation for fine dining, friendship and stimulating conversation. Members of The Single Gourmet division of BVS in Kentucky share reciprocity with the other chapters. You are able to attend events and join their travel plans with no additional fees. As the Dining, Etc division of BVS is a new concept, there is no national reciprocity on events, but some travel plans through the Single Gourmet do allow couples as well. In the event there is a trip that would include both couples and singles, we will notify you. Top
Will my personal information (name, phone number, address, credit card number, etc.) ever be given out to anyone?
No. Never. Your information will only be shared with your permission and only with direct partners of BVS, i.e. our discount affiliates. Credit card numbers, should you request to keep one on file for your ease, are maintained in a password secured file.
On a personal level, if you wish to contact someone after an event, but didn't get their contact information, we will be happy to call them on your behalf. We've received requests like this before, many of which have resulted in friendships, dating, engagements and even marriage. Top
Is there a dress code?
While there is no “established dress code”, the newsletter will suggest the appropriate dress for each event. Some functions are semi-casual while others require more formal attire. As a general rule, business casual is the safe option. Top
Can you accommodate dietary preferences?
Of course. Just tell us your dietary preferences/restrictions when you make a reservation for an event. We'll go out of our way to make your dining experience as enjoyable as possible. Top
Is there pre-arranged seating at your dinners?
Yes. Nearly all our events have prearranged seating with your first name only on place cards at the table. Our tables usually consist of eight to ten people in compatible age groups. Top
Can I make special requests?
Yes, we encourage members to give us feedback. If you see someone at another table you would like to sit with at a future event, tell us and we'll try our best to have you at the same table. Or, you may have been seated with someone you do not wish to meet again, tell us and we'll make sure you're never at the same table. Top
Are alcoholic beverages served?
Members may purchase alcoholic beverages of their choice. Most wine dinners will have the drink portion as a separate charge, so people can add it as they like. This way, people who do not drink won’t feel as though they’re paying for others’ alcoholic beverages. Top
What if I don’t drink alcohol?
No worries. There will always be non-alcoholic beverages available. When possible, an upscale NA tasting for prix fixeA complete meal of several courses, sometimes with choices permitted, offered by a restaurant at a fixed price. dinners or wine tastings will be offered. Top
Do you have any incentives for members?
Your membership will be extended two months for each referral that mentions your name and joins our family as a member. Top
How will I know that my reservation has been accepted?
You'll be notified by e-mail confirming your reservation with all the particulars. If an event is sold out, we will advise you by phone and place you on the waiting list. Top
How does the waiting list work?
Once we have reached the maximum number of reservations, we will create a waiting list and will contact the member if there are cancellations. Top
What does the annual membership fee cover?
It covers the majority of administrative expenses to bring our members a great experience and informative newsletter every time. Most events are at additional expense, and dinner prices may range from $30 - $75. Wine dinners and special events (such as theater nights or day trips) may reach a bit higher, trying to stay between $85 and $150. Tax and gratuity are always included in the event fee. Top
What happens if I'm unavoidably detained and arrive late?
In most cases, no problem. If you let us know in time we'll tell the kitchen to hold your meal, or if you arrive a little late, just tell the host/hostess, they'll take you to your table, help you get seated and you will just catch-up with everyone else. Top
Can I receive my newsletter via US Mail?
No. The newsletter is available only via e-mail. It requires Adobe Acrobat Reader version 5 or higher and high-speed Internet access is recommended. Click here to download a free copy of Adobe Reader. Top
Is there a code of conduct?
Yes. An individual’s membership will be terminated with repeated inappropriate behavior. If just a single occurrence - you will be asked to leave the function. We recognize that everyone may have an off night every now and again… but we owe it to our other members to ensure their right to an enjoyable time. If a membership is terminated, a prorated amount will be refunded. Top
How do I join?
Just click here and you’re on your way! Top
If we didn’t answer your question, feel free to call: 502.287.2772. Top
Dinner/Event Reservations
Reservations are accepted 24 hours a day by phone 502.287.2772 or mail (to PO Box 6246, Louisville, KY 40206-0246) or e-mail (jo@bvsevents.com). To allow the restaurant to better serve our group, we ask that reservations and payments be made one week prior to the event date. If reservations need to be made sooner do to event availability or the popularity of a restaurant, this fact is typically stated in the newsletter. Top
Last-Minute Reservations
If you have not reserved for an event and discover that you are free and would like to join us, please call our office at 502.287.2772. We will always try to accommodate you. Top
Event Payments
Bon Vivant Savant accepts payment by check (due one week prior), Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card. The price for each event is listed in the newsletter (and calendar of events online) and typically includes the full meal, tax and gratuity. Sometimes beverages or other services may also be included as described in the event write-up. In most cases alcoholic beverages are not included. However, the restaurant would be happy to take your order and bill you accordingly. Top
Guest Policy
Members are welcome to bring one or more guests on a space available basis. There is a $10 surcharge above the cost of the event for each guest which can be applied toward that person's membership. In all fairness to our members, we ask that no one bring the same guest to more than one event. Of course, we would warmly welcome them to become members. Top
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations are accepted up to 7 days before the dinner/event. Any payment collected will be credited and applied toward an upcoming event of your choice. Credits must be used within a two month period from the date of cancellation. Cancellations made within 7 days of the event are credited only if a replacement can be found. If you reserve for an event and cannot attend, please call to cancel.
We reserve the right to cancel a membership at any time due to inappropriate behavior. Top