Leonard is top notch! The food, service and cruise were amazing. I highly recommend booking the Papagallo II. We had 36 people onboard which I think was perfect. We could have had 40-45 and still been comfortable. read more

Onboard Nautical Events - A view from the bow before we headed out. - Party & Event Planning Near Me - Morro Bay, California

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Have been on the Papagallo on several occasions for several events, 1st class all the way! Chef Len and his wife Midge are amazing people, the best host and hostess ever. Would recommend them anytime, anywhere! read more

I have been "on board" the Papagallo, the yacht used by On Board Nautical Events, on a number of occasions. I found the idea of a dinner cruise to be a great concept, especially in beautiful Morro Bay. Further, I found the Chef/Owner to be very entertaining. The food and the cleanliness of the boat, however, left me a little concerned. One enters the boat directly across from the kitchen galley and I found it to look really dirty. The carpet in the main part of the boat seemed to impart a stale smell within the boat suggesting a less then pristine atmosphere. The food tasted fine, but seemed like ordinary banquet food; certainly not of the caliber one would expect from a CIA trained chef. read more

This is definitely one of the most beautiful & inviting venues for a dinner cruise. My husband & I just celebrated our 55th wedding anniversary & the Papagallo, along with the excellent chef/owners Leonard & Midge Gentieu, provided us with a truly outstanding menu & the perfect place to celebrate. We can't imagine how it could have gone any better. Leonard's food was delicious, the scenery awe inspiring and EVERYONE had a wonderful time. Try it! You'll LOVE it! read more

Onboard Nautical Events - Party & Event Planning Near Me - Morro Bay, California

This review comes from an organizer of an event aboard the Papagallo 2 and simultaneously as a guest. When planning the event, I got in contact with Midge and she was extremely helpful and easy to work with. Throughout our planning process we bounced around a bit on how many people were going to be aboard and she was very accommodating. We added people last minute and asked for special food restrictions for some guests. We provided the wines and Chef created a remarkable menu pairing with his food. As a guest, I could not imagine more beautiful experiences. Of the 28 guests aboard the cruise, everyone was all smiles. The portions were good sized as we all left very full. Chef greeted each of our guests and even came out to explain the menu. I can't wait to be aboard the Papagallo 2 again! read more

They are wonderful. We had my husband's spreading of the ashes ceremony with them and they were so loving and understanding. I would highly recommend them. I have no complaints at all. We are very thankful and grateful. read more

I also have been on the Pappagallo yacht on several occasions: once for a wedding plus dinner and probably 5 times for Chef Len's food and wine paring extravaganzas. Each time it seems he out does himself, and the food is outstanding. By comparison, I have been to 5 consecutive Vintner's Holidays at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Valley, and in my opinion, the consistency in food quality coming from Chef Len's tiny galley, and his ability to match food and wine, is superior. read more

This past weekend, my wife and I, with about a dozen friends, enjoyed an absolutely wonderful evening aboard the Papagallo II, puttering about Morro Bay. From beginning to end, this was simply one of the more enjoyable evenings we've had in a long time. Reservations were easy enough and made by phone with Midge Gentieu, who advised me to pre-purchase "drink tickets" for the evening, to help streamline to process of buying drinks while onboard. Check in was easy and prompt, and we boarded with a handful of drink tickets for the cruise. While I concentrated on the nice selection of Central Coast wines that they offered, it appeared to be a full bar, offering mixed drinks as well as what I was told was also a nice selection of beers and craft brews. While other guests were arriving for the dinner cruise, we relaxed at a table on the bow of the boat, enjoying the clean air and the arriving sunset. We ended up spending the entire evening at this table while the yacht lazily puttered around the bay, offering us some spectacular views of the abundant sea life in the bay, and the city's shoreline. Our concerns about it possibly being too cold to remain outdoors, on the deck, were quickly put to rest as we were treated to one of the area's signature temperate evenings. Soon after the Papagallo's staff made sure that everyone was comfortably onboard, appetizers began arriving to kick off the evening's cruise, accompanied by a talented group of entertainers, headlined by a young man who sounded a lot like Michael Bublé. We were all engrossed in great conversation, enjoying the evening's entertainment, when the announcement was made that the "buffet was now open". The evening's buffet consisted of an impressive selection of fresh vegetables, fruit, shrimp, and probably one of the best turkey dinners that I've had in a long time. Everyone raved about the dressing (stuffing), in particular, and I noticed that my wife wasn't the only one to go back for seconds. Apparently, Chef Leonard Gentieu, the owner of the yacht, has owned and worked at several restaurants in his career, and his talents were more than evident in both the presentation and taste of all of the food. In talking with "Chef Len" a little later, he explained that he had a "whim" to treat us all to a great turkey dinner that evening ... and treat us he did. You can tell that he doesn't just cook, he prepares ... with passion ... with love. And he wants to make sure that you are both satisfied and full. Our 3-hour dinner cruise ended all too soon, but we will look forward to returning to Morro Bay again, with other friends, to enjoy another great evening aboard the Papagallo II. Thanks Len, Midge, and staff for a wonderful evening. read more

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We had a group dinner party on board the Papagallo II last Saturday night, and it could not have been better! I spoke with Midge Gentieu (co-owner with Chef Len Gentieu) three months ago to get things started, and she helped me decide on the menu for our event. We had 16 guests, and everyone loved the food and the boat and all of the crew and the entire evening. The cruise stayed inside the protected waters of Morro Bay, so there was no chance of anyone feeling seasick. When the cruise began (at 6:00 p.m.), Chef Leonard Gentieu prepared delicious "JJ's Dates" (crispy bacon wrapped dates served with a Kaluha cream) and what a way to begin! Then later we had Frenched Lamb Chops, Papagallo Calamari, Artichoke and Prosciutto Gratin, and more. It all reflected the expert training and experience of gourmet Chef Len. We were treated to a gorgeous Morro Bay sunset and wonderful marine life all around. read more

We loved our wedding on the Papagallo II! We wanted small but elegant and owners Chef Len & Midge were great to work with. It is an incredible venue and the food was yummy and plentiful! We had so much fun and the time flew by. And the views and backdrop can't be beat. I highly recommend this idea for a small wedding (we had 30). read more

We have done several events on board the Papagallo 2 and every one of them have been wonderful. Can not say enough good things about Chef Len and his staff (Shout out to his beautiful wife Midge) and Captain Jeff. Food was wonderful, yacht was immaculate and the views of Morro Bay, The Rock and Sunset sublime. This is a must do when coming to the Central Coast of California. read more

Our family booked the Papagallo II for the internment of our family member's ashes at sea. Midge and Len were very welcoming and they did a wonderful job in respecting our time together and in lowering of the basket with the ashes to the sea. They have this well figured out so that it is a thoughtful, beautiful experience. My only disappointment was the food served for our brunch. With Len being a trained chef I expected something different than store bought pastries and packaged quiche shells. On the positive side, Coffee was offered as soon as we boarded and mimosas were also available. Overall we were very happy with how things went. read more

Wonderful Experience! We recently hosted an event on-board the Papagallo II and found the experience to be nothing short of exceptional. The service staff was friendly and professional, Chef Leonard's cuisine magnificent, and the yacht itself luxurious and obviously meticulously maintained. It was a 5-Star experience all around, and we look forward to hosting another event (or attending one of Leonard's special events) in the near future. Highly recommended! read more

Outstanding Exec Chef, events, and food!!!!

They were really good at everything we asked for food was excellent and Capt.Ron was very qualified coast guard trained. I would recommend them for any of the services they offer. read more

We just attended the Fathers Day cruise and had a blast. We will definitely be back. The whole crew was amazing. Such a great time. Jill Knight was our entertainment. Wow, we will definitely also try to catch her at another gig. Thanks for making this day a great memory Papagallo!!! read more

I am a ship captain by trade and I rarely go on charter boats because I have very high standards for safety, cleanliness and crew morale. But the Pappagallo shines in all these aspects and more. This is the finest yacht on the central coast! And did I mention the food? Well as a former New Yorker I have high standards here too and the food I tasted on this yacht is the best I've ever tasted at sea. read more

I was truly amazed at the quality of service and care we received from Chef Len, Midge and Captain Jeff. We held our memorial service for our parents then lowered their ashes into the sea and we couldn't have found a better more caring company than Onboard Nautical Events. The name of the boat is the Papagallo II and it is extremely nice. We had 22 people in attendance and everyone enjoyed the experience and the kindness and thoroughness of the crew. read more

Just did the clay house winery event here for food and wine pairings. Awesome when and food complements to the chef. Well worth the trip up here if you have an event that involves food and a boat in the area have this place in mind. read more

I was looking forward to an afternoon sail on a local yacht. What a great idea! Unfortunately, it didn't deliver. The "yacht" is incredibly outdated, dirty and uncomfortable. The food served was similar to banquet food on the cheap side. Nothing special at all. Strictly by chance, I was able to view the kitchen...and oh my....I was SHOCKED at the mess I saw!, maybe that changed my opinion of the low quality buffet. If you have an opportunity to sail on this ..I'd pass!!! read more

My sweetie and I, after eight years, tied the knot on this boat. We live in Colorado and never had a chance to check it out in person, so it was an adventure all the way around. What a hit! Everyone raved about the food. The ambience was perfect, and Midge and Leonard are the perfect hosts. Midge took a request from me for a Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe; and there were many delicious courses being served, but at the last minute I decided I ALSO wanted a Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed dressing, feta cheese and slivered almonds. No problem, this was part of what they love to do: i.e., cater! Even a high-maintanence bride like myself was thrilled. My new husband keeps saying it was the best calamari he's had in his whole life. I told Midge we can't wait to do this again, and our friends who flew out want to also... is one year anniversary too soon? Maybe we should wait till 10 years. (My mom also echoed that sentimant to me yesterday. ) This was a memorable event, and the key (for me always) is the food! Loved, it; we'll be back Midge anmd Leonard! Thank you thank you thank you! Susan read more

My family and I recently contracted with Onboard Nautical Events to perform an ash scattering service in Morro Bay for my beloved Aunt. From the very beginning, dealing with Midge was a total delight. She was so sincere and sweet, answering all of my questions and making sure everything was taken care of. Her husband/partner and Chef of the Papagallo, Leonard, was equally sincere and most entertaining. Brunch was served in the bay, still aboard the yacht, following the scattering. It consisted of quiche, fruit, mimosas, coffee and pastries. It was delicious. My family and I could not have been more pleased with the entire event, from start to finish. I would highly recommend Onboard Nautical Events for your next event in Morro Bay. read more

I just wrote a review but forgot to sign in so it wasn't saved:( Anyway we discovered the Papagallo 2 as we signed up for a Wild Horse Dinner cruise. It was a big birthday for my husband and I wanted to make it special. We were traveling to Cambria for his birthday but a few months ago I got the notice from Wild Horse think it was on Facebook, about a dinner cruise that happened to be the same weekend. It looked like something that would make his birthday very special and it didn't disappoint. The food was excellent. Len came out to talk to his guests. Midge made us feel right at home. The wine was good, we had two great couples at our table. The weather really cooperated. I highly recommend and I hope there are other events so we can do this again. If one has a special diet request it would be honored. Great time great staff! read more

I have just spent the last two days on the Papagallo, on a wine and food pairing cruise for Sextant wines. The Crew, Chef Len, Midge, and Sabrina, were impeccable in there hospitality and customer service. The ambiance was welcoming and the food was of five star quality. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone. Cheers to an unforgettable weekend! read more

We had the pleasure of going with Graveyard Vineyards on a 3 hour cruise in Morro Bay. The Staff was extremely friendly and the food was excellent. Graveyard wine was paired with the food and the wine was excellent; highly recommended. read more

I helped plan an event aboard the Papagallo and they could not have been more accommodating. The wine pairings were over the top and all of our guests had a great time. Fantastic food and otters circling us as we watched the sun set behind the rock. It was a memorable evening! read more

On our first trip to Morro Bay we has the opportunity to dine and cruise on the Papagallo. Leonard and Midge were excellent hosts. Several on our group are sailors and boat enthusiast and they noted how well the boat is kept. The cruise was calm and allowed for plenty of sightseeing. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The highlight, however was the food. Great appetizers with champagne, and a dinner of rack of lamb, multiple salads, pot stickers, the best mac and cheese and we still had fruit and dessert to follow. Bring good local wine and it will pair well with your meal. Thank you Leonard and Midge for a memorable evening. read more

I cannot believe that I've been so remiss, not getting this review posted sooner. My husband and I were married onboard the Papagallo II 25 years ago in San Francisco Bay; it was amazing!! Our guests STILL talk about our wedding, so as our anniversary approached, we decided to see if we could relive that incredible day by renewing our vows onboard. I googled the Papagallo II and found it had been sold, and was now operating out of Morro Bay via Onboard Nautical Events. When I called and spoke to Midge with my myriad of questions, she was absolutely amazing. She was so helpful and on top of things, and I really needed her to be, as I had to coordinate our anniversary from our new home in Houston, TX. From the get go, Midge and Leonard were as excited about us revisiting the Papagallo II as we were. They took care of everything and our anniversary party, like our wedding was absolutely amazing!! Even better! I was concerned, --there is after all, only one San Francisco Bay, but Morro Bay was charming. And the food, -Good Lord!! The food was to die for, -incredible. Our wedding spread was your basic buffet, but what Leonard created for our anniversary was truly a masterpiece. The ship herself will forever hold a special place in my heart, but Leonard and Midge were simply amazing hosts. I love how they have researched, preserved, and share the beautiful vessels' history. I could never recommend highly enough that you enjoy time and a meal onboard under their care. By all rights, their pictures should be listed in the dictionary under 'hospitality'. Again, my apologies for posting these comments so late (our celebration was in April, 2014) -I thought I'd already posted my review, but when I went to show it to someone, couldn't find it. Lucky for us and our guests, -Midge and Leonard proved far more responsible and competent than I. read more