We had a wedding at the restaurant last Saturday. The ceremony took place in the room that is next to the lounge, and the reception was in a larger room, downstairs. So, I got to see everyone who was there, since they had to walk by the bar to get to the ceremony room. One guy was carrying in an electric keyboard…..after he got that set up, he came to the bar for a drink. I asked him if he was then keyboard player, he said, “No, I’m the father of the keyboard player.” “Oh, then I guess that makes you the roadie.” He laughed and agreed. The actual keyboard player looked to be about 13, and was the granddaughter of the bride. There were quite a few kids in that age group.
The ceremony went smoothly, and then they were off to the reception.
They had a four hour bar time for this reception, 5:30 to 9:30. As 9:30 was approaching, the servers were becoming a little disgruntled. It seems this group took it upon themselves to being in their own bottle, AND plastic cups. You can’t do that here, it’s illegal. So I told the servers to confiscate the bottle and throw it out. Obviously they planned this in advance, as they thought to bring the plastic cups.
Usually the bar time gets stretched out a little bit…..but once I heard about the bottle, and the fact that they were so bold as to leave it out in the open, kind of like “Ha ha, we pulled one over on you,” we decided bar time was over. (Oh, and way to set a good example for the kids)
Speaking of the kids, one of them (who was old enough to know better) picked up a lit candle, that was in the restroom and thought it would be funny to drop it in the waste basket, which if you had any common sense, you would know it would start a fire, since it was filled with paper towel. And it did. The servers quickly put it out.
A few of them tried coming up to the bar to get more drinks, “Nope, we’re closed.”
Just goes to show you, you can’t judge a book by it’s cover. They looked like such a nice family. Who knew they were going to blatantly break the law and start a fire.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
For those dining out on Thanksgiving......
Ahhh…Thanksgiving….the feast, family, friends…..a day of relaxation…..football for some…..a nap after dinner for others……travel for a lot of folks….they say it’s the busiest travel time of the year.
For all of you dining out tomorrow, let’s remember a few things.
Obviously, no one has to cook and spend hours in the kitchen. No one has to clean their house for company. No one has to do the endless dishes or figure out what to do with the leftovers.
You go to a restaurant, and all you have to lift is a fork, a knife and a glass. But you must remember you are not at your own dining room table or sitting casually in your living room. Others wish to eat out also, there will be reservations after yours….so when you’re done, get up and leave! Someone else’s family is waiting for the table!
If upon your arrival, you find there may be a slight wait, don’t get mad at us, blame it on the thoughtless folks who refuse to get up off their butts and make room for the next group! Restaurant etiquette dictates that we not tell anyone they are overstaying their welcome….but c’mon people! Are you blind! Do you not see the people standing in line waiting to be seated?!? This holiday is for everyone, not just your group!
And speaking of everyone, I mean EVERYONE! Your servers are not a bunch of people flown in from some other country that doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving. We’re someone’s family too. We’re moms and dads and sisters and brothers…and we’re working so you don’t have to lift a finger. So if you’re tempted to complain about anything, stop and think for a minute, if we weren’t here, one of you would be slaving away in the kitchen all day. Be thankful that there is somewhere you can go, and not have to mess up your own house.
For those who can’t see anything outside the perimeter of their own narrow lives, for those who want to complain that maybe it took too long to get a drink, or feel their food is taking too long…..WAKE UP! The world does not revolve around you, it never has. Show a little compassion for those who are working. Sorry you feel your food took five minutes too long to get to your table….stop and think about those who are missing out on a family dinner, completely. So you can have yours without doing anything other than making a phone call.
And tip big! It’s a holiday! You don’t know if your server is missing out on seeing out of town family and friends, or if they have small children at home or an ailing parent. In other words, be thankful we are there. What would you be doing if we weren’t?
For all of you dining out tomorrow, let’s remember a few things.
Obviously, no one has to cook and spend hours in the kitchen. No one has to clean their house for company. No one has to do the endless dishes or figure out what to do with the leftovers.
You go to a restaurant, and all you have to lift is a fork, a knife and a glass. But you must remember you are not at your own dining room table or sitting casually in your living room. Others wish to eat out also, there will be reservations after yours….so when you’re done, get up and leave! Someone else’s family is waiting for the table!
If upon your arrival, you find there may be a slight wait, don’t get mad at us, blame it on the thoughtless folks who refuse to get up off their butts and make room for the next group! Restaurant etiquette dictates that we not tell anyone they are overstaying their welcome….but c’mon people! Are you blind! Do you not see the people standing in line waiting to be seated?!? This holiday is for everyone, not just your group!
And speaking of everyone, I mean EVERYONE! Your servers are not a bunch of people flown in from some other country that doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving. We’re someone’s family too. We’re moms and dads and sisters and brothers…and we’re working so you don’t have to lift a finger. So if you’re tempted to complain about anything, stop and think for a minute, if we weren’t here, one of you would be slaving away in the kitchen all day. Be thankful that there is somewhere you can go, and not have to mess up your own house.
For those who can’t see anything outside the perimeter of their own narrow lives, for those who want to complain that maybe it took too long to get a drink, or feel their food is taking too long…..WAKE UP! The world does not revolve around you, it never has. Show a little compassion for those who are working. Sorry you feel your food took five minutes too long to get to your table….stop and think about those who are missing out on a family dinner, completely. So you can have yours without doing anything other than making a phone call.
And tip big! It’s a holiday! You don’t know if your server is missing out on seeing out of town family and friends, or if they have small children at home or an ailing parent. In other words, be thankful we are there. What would you be doing if we weren’t?
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
And on a positive note......
Our December 7th Double Take Impersonators Holiday Show has sold out! Yay!
It just goes to show you, that even in this horrible economy, people still want to have fun. And if fun can be had for a reasonable price, then it’s a win-win situation, in that we have fun putting on the show, and the audience gets a really good meal, and a really good show.
So let’s expand on this a little……see, a guy from the other side of town was in the restaurant the other night, he heard the singer, came into the lounge, told us he had a Big Band, and would like her to be a guest vocalist! AND….he wants us to bring our show to his side of town! Double cool! Ya just never know who you are going to run into at any given moment.
We’ve been busting our butts promoting this show. We’ve run all over town putting up flyers in any shop that would let us….we’ve posted them on community bulletin boards (remember, we’re working on a very limited budget) we’ve sent out emails, made phone calls, talked to everyone we can. But as they say, word of mouth is the best advertising. Take one woman, for example (my sister, to e specific) she came to the last show, and is bringing a group of 14 to this next show! We’ve got other folks coming back, who are also bringing more people they want to share this with.
We know there’s a lot of talent out there, so starting next year, we will be hosting an “Amateur night.” Sort of based on “America’s Got Talent.” The winner will be chosen by audience vote, and yes, there will be a prize. People think nothing of dropping $5.00 on a cup of coffee from Starbuck’s, or wherever…..so why not drop $5.00 to come and see the talent show and cast your vote.
On another note (and yes, a musical pun is intended) we will also be forming our own Big Band. For all you musicians out there in my area, looking for something to be a part of….contact me, let’s see what you’ve got. At the very least, you’ll have a really good time, doing what you love to do. Another win-win situation.
It just goes to show you, that even in this horrible economy, people still want to have fun. And if fun can be had for a reasonable price, then it’s a win-win situation, in that we have fun putting on the show, and the audience gets a really good meal, and a really good show.
So let’s expand on this a little……see, a guy from the other side of town was in the restaurant the other night, he heard the singer, came into the lounge, told us he had a Big Band, and would like her to be a guest vocalist! AND….he wants us to bring our show to his side of town! Double cool! Ya just never know who you are going to run into at any given moment.
We’ve been busting our butts promoting this show. We’ve run all over town putting up flyers in any shop that would let us….we’ve posted them on community bulletin boards (remember, we’re working on a very limited budget) we’ve sent out emails, made phone calls, talked to everyone we can. But as they say, word of mouth is the best advertising. Take one woman, for example (my sister, to e specific) she came to the last show, and is bringing a group of 14 to this next show! We’ve got other folks coming back, who are also bringing more people they want to share this with.
We know there’s a lot of talent out there, so starting next year, we will be hosting an “Amateur night.” Sort of based on “America’s Got Talent.” The winner will be chosen by audience vote, and yes, there will be a prize. People think nothing of dropping $5.00 on a cup of coffee from Starbuck’s, or wherever…..so why not drop $5.00 to come and see the talent show and cast your vote.
On another note (and yes, a musical pun is intended) we will also be forming our own Big Band. For all you musicians out there in my area, looking for something to be a part of….contact me, let’s see what you’ve got. At the very least, you’ll have a really good time, doing what you love to do. Another win-win situation.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Glad I don't have to do that....
I remember when you really didn’t see any Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving. It seems like Thanksgiving is the forgotten holiday. “Oh yeah, it’s that day we get off (unless you work in a restaurant that’s open) to eat like pigs, and then begin our shopping trek.”
I’m hearing Christmas music in the stores….seeing outdoor lights on houses, and the . trees started going up in the restaurant. Yes, that’s right, “Trees,” plural. They started putting up the tree that goes in the lobby, a couple of days ago. It’s HUGE! It touches the ceiling, it’s gotta be at least 12 feet tall.
I was watching one of the cooks, standing on a ladder, fluffing out all the upper branches. He had to stand near the top of the ladder to do this. Then out came large boxes of ornaments. The hostess was standing on the floor, doing the bottom half of the tree, while a busboy was commandeered from his duties to climb the ladder to hang the ones that went on the top half. And they were told where to hang each one. Glad all I had to do was walk out in the lobby and say, ”Oh, that looks nice,” and walk away.
Seven more tress to go. At least these are of a more manageable size. Annnnnd, the wonderful woman who works in the kitchen takes charge of all of these. (Whew)
It might have been fun decorating the big tree in lobby, everyone could’ve helped out a little….but when all this decorating becomes a chore, and you have a deadline, it just takes all the fun out of it.
And then everyone talks about all the decorating they have to do at home, and all the shopping they have to do, all things everyone “has to have,” how much money they have to spend, how exhausted they are, they can’t wait until it’s over…. it makes me wonder, what’s the point in all this “busyness?”
I’m hearing Christmas music in the stores….seeing outdoor lights on houses, and the . trees started going up in the restaurant. Yes, that’s right, “Trees,” plural. They started putting up the tree that goes in the lobby, a couple of days ago. It’s HUGE! It touches the ceiling, it’s gotta be at least 12 feet tall.
I was watching one of the cooks, standing on a ladder, fluffing out all the upper branches. He had to stand near the top of the ladder to do this. Then out came large boxes of ornaments. The hostess was standing on the floor, doing the bottom half of the tree, while a busboy was commandeered from his duties to climb the ladder to hang the ones that went on the top half. And they were told where to hang each one. Glad all I had to do was walk out in the lobby and say, ”Oh, that looks nice,” and walk away.
Seven more tress to go. At least these are of a more manageable size. Annnnnd, the wonderful woman who works in the kitchen takes charge of all of these. (Whew)
It might have been fun decorating the big tree in lobby, everyone could’ve helped out a little….but when all this decorating becomes a chore, and you have a deadline, it just takes all the fun out of it.
And then everyone talks about all the decorating they have to do at home, and all the shopping they have to do, all things everyone “has to have,” how much money they have to spend, how exhausted they are, they can’t wait until it’s over…. it makes me wonder, what’s the point in all this “busyness?”
Thursday, November 17, 2011
You Don't Work Here
When you’re having a banquet, really, sit back and relax….after all, isn’t that why you’re having your event at a restaurant instead of at your home?
First of all, when I’m serving the punch you ordered (One non-alcoholic and one with champagne) don’t walk up to me and tell that last time your were here, there were littlenapkins on the punch table. If people were helping themselves, then I would have put them there, but they’re not, I’m serving the punch as everyone is seated. There is a tablecloth on the table, little napkins aren’t necessary.
Next, don’t tell me that last time you were here, there were little signs saying “Non-Alcoholic” and “Alcoholic” in front of the punch bowls. Last time you had 50 people milling about helping themselves…..there are only 17 of you, I’ve got it handled.
Ah, the cake…..I was informed that last time they were here, they had a lot of cake left over, so be sure and cut large pieces. Here’s a thought, buy a smaller cake.
THENNNNNNNN…..you stop me in the middle of taking the orders to tell me that you think some bread should be served. I quietly tell you that the bread will be served when the salads are served. What I really wanted to say was, “For crying out loud lady! Take a chill pill! Quit bothering me! I’ve got it under control!”
Don’t even start to get in a conversation with me about how long after the salads are served, that I should turn the order in to the kitchen. It’s my job to time it out with the kitchen, not yours. Besides that, you have no idea what you’re talking about.
Every event has it’s head honcho who planned it. You can order your helpers around when it comes to decorating the tables, but don’t try that with us. We’re the professionals, we know how to run this, we do it every week.
First of all, when I’m serving the punch you ordered (One non-alcoholic and one with champagne) don’t walk up to me and tell that last time your were here, there were littlenapkins on the punch table. If people were helping themselves, then I would have put them there, but they’re not, I’m serving the punch as everyone is seated. There is a tablecloth on the table, little napkins aren’t necessary.
Next, don’t tell me that last time you were here, there were little signs saying “Non-Alcoholic” and “Alcoholic” in front of the punch bowls. Last time you had 50 people milling about helping themselves…..there are only 17 of you, I’ve got it handled.
Ah, the cake…..I was informed that last time they were here, they had a lot of cake left over, so be sure and cut large pieces. Here’s a thought, buy a smaller cake.
THENNNNNNNN…..you stop me in the middle of taking the orders to tell me that you think some bread should be served. I quietly tell you that the bread will be served when the salads are served. What I really wanted to say was, “For crying out loud lady! Take a chill pill! Quit bothering me! I’ve got it under control!”
Don’t even start to get in a conversation with me about how long after the salads are served, that I should turn the order in to the kitchen. It’s my job to time it out with the kitchen, not yours. Besides that, you have no idea what you’re talking about.
Every event has it’s head honcho who planned it. You can order your helpers around when it comes to decorating the tables, but don’t try that with us. We’re the professionals, we know how to run this, we do it every week.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
When people listen as well as cats.......
We had a group of about 15 come in for Happy Hour last Friday. They’ve been there before, but it’s usually been on a week night. During the week the lounge is slow, so it doesn’t matter where they sit or stand. There’s usually some that sit at the bar, many of them stand (totally blocking the aisle) and some work their way to whichever table they want. That’s fine during the week, but it’s a different story on Friday.
They started arriving about 4:00 p.m. I asked how many they thought there would be, they weren’t sure. So I told them if they needed any tables, to let me know, and I would clear off a couple of tables for them, since it was Friday, we would be getting busy and would need the rest of the tables.
I may as well have been talking to my cat. They heard me, but gave it no mind. Next thing I know, they are putting their coats and jackets wherever they felt like it. (Now they have staked claim to three tables (there are only 10)…..they ordered some appetizers, we set them out one ONE table ….as the hostess is leading folks to tables behind them, they all have to squeeze in between other tables just to get by.
The singer arrives….had to go through a long series of “Excuse me, excuse me, excuse me,” just to get back to where her equipment is.
Okay, we’re getting busy…..I explained the table situation a couple of times, since this herd of cats chose not to listen, I didn’t feel any more conversation was necessary….so I walked out to the tables which were being used as coat depots, and started moving them all to one table. (Your coats aren't spending any money)
Finally the herd started shrinking and more folks needed tables for dinner, so I once again walked over to the last table, which had two coats left on the chairs, and hung them on the bar stools they were sitting on.
Oh, and then there’s the bar stools they were just standing next to, (with no intention of actually using them,) the other bartender and I started telling others to go ahead and sit there. The ones standing next to them started giving us sneery cat looks.
Sorry! Perhaps you should develop a little social awareness, after all, you’re not the only ones here.
They started arriving about 4:00 p.m. I asked how many they thought there would be, they weren’t sure. So I told them if they needed any tables, to let me know, and I would clear off a couple of tables for them, since it was Friday, we would be getting busy and would need the rest of the tables.
I may as well have been talking to my cat. They heard me, but gave it no mind. Next thing I know, they are putting their coats and jackets wherever they felt like it. (Now they have staked claim to three tables (there are only 10)…..they ordered some appetizers, we set them out one ONE table ….as the hostess is leading folks to tables behind them, they all have to squeeze in between other tables just to get by.
The singer arrives….had to go through a long series of “Excuse me, excuse me, excuse me,” just to get back to where her equipment is.
Okay, we’re getting busy…..I explained the table situation a couple of times, since this herd of cats chose not to listen, I didn’t feel any more conversation was necessary….so I walked out to the tables which were being used as coat depots, and started moving them all to one table. (Your coats aren't spending any money)
Finally the herd started shrinking and more folks needed tables for dinner, so I once again walked over to the last table, which had two coats left on the chairs, and hung them on the bar stools they were sitting on.
Oh, and then there’s the bar stools they were just standing next to, (with no intention of actually using them,) the other bartender and I started telling others to go ahead and sit there. The ones standing next to them started giving us sneery cat looks.
Sorry! Perhaps you should develop a little social awareness, after all, you’re not the only ones here.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!
We’re going to revisit this whole tipping thing again. (Only because we have to)
Yes, there are a ridiculous amount of coupons out there right now, and everyone can save some money. Some coupons even state that 20% gratuity will be added to the ORIGINAL amount of the tab. There are coupons that will save you up to $80.00! DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT go cheap on your server. Just because you have a coupon, doesn’t mean you are getting less service.
Let’s say your table runs up a $230.00 tab, you get $80.00 off, now your tab is $150.00. The general rule of thumb is that you should leave a $46.00 tip, since that’s 20% of your original tab. To leave a $15.00 tip (as one table did last night) is totally unacceptable! You just saved $80.00! Somewhere down the road….karma is gonna bite you in the ass. So when you’re in a situation where you feel you’ve been ripped off, don’t stand there like a deer in the headlights, you had it coming.
Let’s look at this from a different perspective……say you’re working in retail, the store you’re at has a huge sale….then the boss tells you, because everything was on sale, and the store didn’t pull in as much money, you now have to work for less. That wouldn’t sit too well with you, would it? After all, why should you suffer just because the store decides to have a sale.
Sure, there are some who will never understand this concept, but then, there’s a whole lotta stuff these people will never understand. Tell ya what…if you really want to save money, just go to the drive through of your local fast food restaurant.
Yes, there are a ridiculous amount of coupons out there right now, and everyone can save some money. Some coupons even state that 20% gratuity will be added to the ORIGINAL amount of the tab. There are coupons that will save you up to $80.00! DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT go cheap on your server. Just because you have a coupon, doesn’t mean you are getting less service.
Let’s say your table runs up a $230.00 tab, you get $80.00 off, now your tab is $150.00. The general rule of thumb is that you should leave a $46.00 tip, since that’s 20% of your original tab. To leave a $15.00 tip (as one table did last night) is totally unacceptable! You just saved $80.00! Somewhere down the road….karma is gonna bite you in the ass. So when you’re in a situation where you feel you’ve been ripped off, don’t stand there like a deer in the headlights, you had it coming.
Let’s look at this from a different perspective……say you’re working in retail, the store you’re at has a huge sale….then the boss tells you, because everything was on sale, and the store didn’t pull in as much money, you now have to work for less. That wouldn’t sit too well with you, would it? After all, why should you suffer just because the store decides to have a sale.
Sure, there are some who will never understand this concept, but then, there’s a whole lotta stuff these people will never understand. Tell ya what…if you really want to save money, just go to the drive through of your local fast food restaurant.
Friday, November 11, 2011
They Drank THAT Much.....
We had a group of 54 last night, (98% of whom were women) in the large banquet rooms downstairs. They were a professional group of women, in a mostly male dominated industry. One of them was early and stopped at the bar for a drink…..she was telling me about their group, and how they were trying to find ways to promote women in their workplace, projects they wanted to put into motion and a bunch of other stuff, but hadn’t gotten too far yet. Sounded like they had some good ideas.
I can tell you one thing, quaffing down mass quantities of alcohol, really doesn’t promote anything. They drank like a bunch of sailors who had been out to sea for six months and were not gonna se another drop of alcohol for another six months. Yes, they drank THAT much!
For three solid hours, I barely had 30 seconds to step away from the service bar. There were three servers running drinks to them, non-stop. And I mean non-stop. We’re not that buy at the service bar on a Friday or Saturday night with a full restaurant.
Every now and then a couple of them would come upstairs to the bar and order from me, and ask if the servers had disappeared. “NO. They’re getting drinks for other people, and they haven’t stopped since you got here!” (Really, I know from three decades of experience that there is not one person down there who is gonna dry up and wither away if they don’t get another drink in the next ten seconds)
Then they had the nerve to ask the servers what was taking so long.
It would have been impossible to cut off some of the people…since someone else could order for them, and there were too many watch……so we gave them last call and told them the restaurant was closed.
I can understand why your projects aren’t getting off the ground. Why don’t you try staying even moderately sober and see what happens.
I can tell you one thing, quaffing down mass quantities of alcohol, really doesn’t promote anything. They drank like a bunch of sailors who had been out to sea for six months and were not gonna se another drop of alcohol for another six months. Yes, they drank THAT much!
For three solid hours, I barely had 30 seconds to step away from the service bar. There were three servers running drinks to them, non-stop. And I mean non-stop. We’re not that buy at the service bar on a Friday or Saturday night with a full restaurant.
Every now and then a couple of them would come upstairs to the bar and order from me, and ask if the servers had disappeared. “NO. They’re getting drinks for other people, and they haven’t stopped since you got here!” (Really, I know from three decades of experience that there is not one person down there who is gonna dry up and wither away if they don’t get another drink in the next ten seconds)
Then they had the nerve to ask the servers what was taking so long.
It would have been impossible to cut off some of the people…since someone else could order for them, and there were too many watch……so we gave them last call and told them the restaurant was closed.
I can understand why your projects aren’t getting off the ground. Why don’t you try staying even moderately sober and see what happens.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Familiarity breeds customers......
I stumbled across a little non-descript restaurant tucked away in the corner of an “L” shaped strip mall. Well, actually, I didn’t stumble across it, my sister and I took my brother there for breakfast. He’s been going there almost every day for a while now….. Until three and half weeks ago, when he had a stroke, and can no longer get there on his own.
If you were just driving through the strip mall, chances are pretty good you wouldn’t even notice it, or if you did, it wouldn’t be someplace you’d make a mental note of, “Hey, I gotta go and check that place out.”
When you walk in, you see a few rows of booths, not particularly large booths, just big enough to seat four, and you’re almost shoulder to shoulder. The décor is nothing to write home about……there’s a little counter with about six stools. You can get breakfast, lunch or dinner anytime of the day.
The food is good, it’s not spectacular, but good, plentiful and very reasonably priced. The few times that I have been there, and it was not during what I would call a peak time of the day…..there always seems to be a steady stream of people wandering in.
So in these tough economic times of Michigan, where businesses are dying on the vine right and left, what keeps this little non-descript place busy? Plain and simple, it’s the staff. After being absent for three and half weeks, my brother had barely gotten in the door when everyone, the servers, the cooks, the owner, were shouting out greetings to him. The cook behind the counter was shouting hello, the cook who was in the back kitchen poked his head through a window to say hi….the servers ran over to greet him and see how he was. They ran to get his coffee. Very cool.
So I started watching everything around me. This is the quintessential neighborhood restaurant. The staff chatted with all who came in…retirees, for a late breakfast, folks who worked in the area came in for a quick lunch…most who came in were treated like they were long time friends, by people who cared.
There is a line from the theme song of the old television show “Cheers,” that sums up this little oasis in a strip mall…..”People like to go where everybody knows their name.”
I used to work in a place like that, but those days are long gone….it’s nice to know there are still some of these little neighborhood havens around.
If you were just driving through the strip mall, chances are pretty good you wouldn’t even notice it, or if you did, it wouldn’t be someplace you’d make a mental note of, “Hey, I gotta go and check that place out.”
When you walk in, you see a few rows of booths, not particularly large booths, just big enough to seat four, and you’re almost shoulder to shoulder. The décor is nothing to write home about……there’s a little counter with about six stools. You can get breakfast, lunch or dinner anytime of the day.
The food is good, it’s not spectacular, but good, plentiful and very reasonably priced. The few times that I have been there, and it was not during what I would call a peak time of the day…..there always seems to be a steady stream of people wandering in.
So in these tough economic times of Michigan, where businesses are dying on the vine right and left, what keeps this little non-descript place busy? Plain and simple, it’s the staff. After being absent for three and half weeks, my brother had barely gotten in the door when everyone, the servers, the cooks, the owner, were shouting out greetings to him. The cook behind the counter was shouting hello, the cook who was in the back kitchen poked his head through a window to say hi….the servers ran over to greet him and see how he was. They ran to get his coffee. Very cool.
So I started watching everything around me. This is the quintessential neighborhood restaurant. The staff chatted with all who came in…retirees, for a late breakfast, folks who worked in the area came in for a quick lunch…most who came in were treated like they were long time friends, by people who cared.
There is a line from the theme song of the old television show “Cheers,” that sums up this little oasis in a strip mall…..”People like to go where everybody knows their name.”
I used to work in a place like that, but those days are long gone….it’s nice to know there are still some of these little neighborhood havens around.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
14 Hours
Okay, so I told ya about Saturday night being busy……but actually, it was a 14 hour marathon day for me.
I’m half the Funeral Luncheon committee at church…..and we had a big one on Saturday. We planned for 180, and had over 200 people. Since we had to do all the set up and cook some food, I arrived at 8:30. Shortly thereafter, other folks started arriving to help. It was non-stop until 3:30, when I had to leave and go home and change for work. I had about 10 minutes to sit down. Didn’t have time to make some coffee, so I downed a Mountain Dew. Either way, it’s caffeine.
Off to work. As I told you yesterday, we were busy. About half way through the night, my right knee started aching. Walking normally, was not happening at this point. So when I realized I was walking with a pronounced limp….I thought, get over it, just walk in a normal manner. Okay. Step left, step right Oh shit that hurts! Back to limping. At least most of my walking was done behind the bar and I didn’t have to carry anything heavy.
By the end of the night, all I could think about was soaking in a hot bath with some Epsom Salt. By the time I got home, I was actually hobbling. ( I love that word, it’s very descriptive) BUT!!! It’s the night we turn back the clocks, and I’ll get an extra hour of sleep!
There was a time when getting a good night’s sleep (especially with the extra hour) would have been enough to get me up and going again the next day. That time was about 20 or 30 years ago. So getting out of bed was no easy task on Sunday morning. But I crawled out, put on a pot of coffee, had a cup and promptly went back to sleep.
I had to be back at work at noon, to work a banquet of 20. One plus, it was in a room on the main floor, and there would be no steps involved. So I wrapped my knee and dragged my ass in.
Luck of the draw, I had a really cool, pleasant, laid back group. It was a 90th birthday party. Ya know, you can tell a lot of folks by the drinks that they order. When you have 80 and 90 year old folks ordering Manhattans and Rob Roys ( a Manhattan made with scotch) and then switching to wine for dinner, you know they’re an easy going crowd, and no one is going to complain about anything…..they go with the flow.
So the day was pleasant…even tough it was wrapped, the knee got sore again…..once more I was thinking about that hot soak in the tub.
I haven’t had a weekend that grueling in a long time. I don’t know what the recovery time is anymore, I just know it’s a lot longer than it used to be. (It’s Tuesday, and I’m still not sure)
I’m half the Funeral Luncheon committee at church…..and we had a big one on Saturday. We planned for 180, and had over 200 people. Since we had to do all the set up and cook some food, I arrived at 8:30. Shortly thereafter, other folks started arriving to help. It was non-stop until 3:30, when I had to leave and go home and change for work. I had about 10 minutes to sit down. Didn’t have time to make some coffee, so I downed a Mountain Dew. Either way, it’s caffeine.
Off to work. As I told you yesterday, we were busy. About half way through the night, my right knee started aching. Walking normally, was not happening at this point. So when I realized I was walking with a pronounced limp….I thought, get over it, just walk in a normal manner. Okay. Step left, step right Oh shit that hurts! Back to limping. At least most of my walking was done behind the bar and I didn’t have to carry anything heavy.
By the end of the night, all I could think about was soaking in a hot bath with some Epsom Salt. By the time I got home, I was actually hobbling. ( I love that word, it’s very descriptive) BUT!!! It’s the night we turn back the clocks, and I’ll get an extra hour of sleep!
There was a time when getting a good night’s sleep (especially with the extra hour) would have been enough to get me up and going again the next day. That time was about 20 or 30 years ago. So getting out of bed was no easy task on Sunday morning. But I crawled out, put on a pot of coffee, had a cup and promptly went back to sleep.
I had to be back at work at noon, to work a banquet of 20. One plus, it was in a room on the main floor, and there would be no steps involved. So I wrapped my knee and dragged my ass in.
Luck of the draw, I had a really cool, pleasant, laid back group. It was a 90th birthday party. Ya know, you can tell a lot of folks by the drinks that they order. When you have 80 and 90 year old folks ordering Manhattans and Rob Roys ( a Manhattan made with scotch) and then switching to wine for dinner, you know they’re an easy going crowd, and no one is going to complain about anything…..they go with the flow.
So the day was pleasant…even tough it was wrapped, the knee got sore again…..once more I was thinking about that hot soak in the tub.
I haven’t had a weekend that grueling in a long time. I don’t know what the recovery time is anymore, I just know it’s a lot longer than it used to be. (It’s Tuesday, and I’m still not sure)
Monday, November 7, 2011
No need to kill time.....
Saturday was VERY busy! I didn’t have a minute to spare…what a difference from Halloween night. We had a line at the door for a couple of hours. A lot of folks were coming to the bar to have a drink while waiting. Most were pretty good natured about it….just relaxing, sipping on a cocktail….listening to the singer. But there are always those who completely loose their ability to tell time while waiting.
One couple was grumbling about having to wait. Then they got even more indignant when a couple (that they perceived as coming in after them) was seated before them. Guess what? They had a reservation, the grumbling couple did not. So Mr. and Mrs. Grumbler start talking about how long they’ve been waiting. “What did they tell us? About 15 minutes? We’ve been sitting here for at least 20 minutes…no wait….we’ve been here longer than that….we’ve been waiting for 40 minutes!”
I don’t know where they pulled that number from…..we’re using the same clock….unless in their world 30 seconds equals a minute. I know how long they’d been there, because one of our regulars was in earlier, said he had to leave at 7:00, and so he did….then the Grumblers came in and sat down right after he had left, and it was now 7:20.
Then they noticed there were a couple of empty tables in the lounge….why are they empty? Why can’t we sit there? Everyone is asked when they first come in the door if they would prefer to sit in the dining room or the lounge. The Grumblers had chosen the dining room, and it was full. We also explained that people don’t always leave as soon as they are done, they sit and talk. Sometimes there is no placating the Grumblers. They are bound and determined to be mad. After you give them the reasons why the wait is longer, they puff up their chest sand pull tired old sayings out of their ass….”Well, we’re good customers!” “We’ve seen you before.” (I’ve never seen them before) And so on and so forth.
Give it rest guy! Relax! You’ve got a drink and you’ve got entertainment. This is not a personal affront towards you. If you choose to be mad, you’re only ruining your own evening….and that is mostly due to your inability to tell time.
One couple was grumbling about having to wait. Then they got even more indignant when a couple (that they perceived as coming in after them) was seated before them. Guess what? They had a reservation, the grumbling couple did not. So Mr. and Mrs. Grumbler start talking about how long they’ve been waiting. “What did they tell us? About 15 minutes? We’ve been sitting here for at least 20 minutes…no wait….we’ve been here longer than that….we’ve been waiting for 40 minutes!”
I don’t know where they pulled that number from…..we’re using the same clock….unless in their world 30 seconds equals a minute. I know how long they’d been there, because one of our regulars was in earlier, said he had to leave at 7:00, and so he did….then the Grumblers came in and sat down right after he had left, and it was now 7:20.
Then they noticed there were a couple of empty tables in the lounge….why are they empty? Why can’t we sit there? Everyone is asked when they first come in the door if they would prefer to sit in the dining room or the lounge. The Grumblers had chosen the dining room, and it was full. We also explained that people don’t always leave as soon as they are done, they sit and talk. Sometimes there is no placating the Grumblers. They are bound and determined to be mad. After you give them the reasons why the wait is longer, they puff up their chest sand pull tired old sayings out of their ass….”Well, we’re good customers!” “We’ve seen you before.” (I’ve never seen them before) And so on and so forth.
Give it rest guy! Relax! You’ve got a drink and you’ve got entertainment. This is not a personal affront towards you. If you choose to be mad, you’re only ruining your own evening….and that is mostly due to your inability to tell time.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Creative Time Killing 101
I went in to work last Sunday at 1:00 p.m. There were no parties going on and the Detroit Lions game didn’t start until 4:00 p.m……..so I had some time to kill. You can always spend the time cleaning this or that, but I was getting bored with cleaning, so I started looking around for a new project.
Aha! Above the liquor bottles on the back bar, is a space about 18 inches high, that runs along the entire length of the back bar. There are boards that dissect this space, that are placed at 45 degree angles, so you have a series of triangular spaces. In the upside down triangles, (or “V’s”) we store wine bottles…in the triangles with the flat bottoms, we have displays of glasses and old liquor bottles. Well, I got tired of looking at these displays, which to me seemed like afterthoughts of how to fill the space.
My original idea was to use these flat bottomed triangles as more wine storage, since we have way too many wine bottles sitting around…however, the wine bottles didn’t fit in there very well, since the space was a couple of inches too wide….tried shoving a piece of plastic tubing in there as a spacer….but when I took down one bottle, the rest shifted, sent one flying towards me…oh shit!….I was fortunate in that when it landed on the liquor bottles, nothing broke.
Okay, on to Plan B. I decided to make drink displays….of drinks we actually serve. I took down the old empty bottle of Japanese whiskey (which we will never have again) emptied out all the glasses that were collecting dust and started from scratch.
One cubby has some Kahlua and Bailey’s and a few glasses we serve coffee drinks in. Another has a bottle of Amaretto, Cointreau and Grand Marnier, a snifter and a couple of small rock glasses. And then there’s the Martini display and the sangria display.
Now it’s Monday, Halloween, and one of the deadest nights of the year. As I am staring up at my displays, I realize something is missing….the glasses would look much better if there was something in them. Getting carried away? Maybe. But I was having fun. I brewed some tea…used weak tea for a light amber tequila in a shot glass, water for clear tequila, added a salt shaker and a lemon. Moved on to the after dinner drink display, used stronger tea for Amaretto in a snifter….then decided it would look cool if I had Amaretto on the rocks. For the ice? Crumpled up cellophane.
Next was the coffee drink display…..used some coffee, put cellophane over the rim of the glass and topped it off with whipped cream made of cotton balls. For the Appletini and Razzbatini…colored water. For the cherry….I grabbed a plastic red grape I had sitting around the house. Still looking for fake fruit for the Sangria display.
Next time I decide to change the displays, we’ll call it “Creative Time Killing 102.” (Hey! There are worse ways to kill time!)
Aha! Above the liquor bottles on the back bar, is a space about 18 inches high, that runs along the entire length of the back bar. There are boards that dissect this space, that are placed at 45 degree angles, so you have a series of triangular spaces. In the upside down triangles, (or “V’s”) we store wine bottles…in the triangles with the flat bottoms, we have displays of glasses and old liquor bottles. Well, I got tired of looking at these displays, which to me seemed like afterthoughts of how to fill the space.
My original idea was to use these flat bottomed triangles as more wine storage, since we have way too many wine bottles sitting around…however, the wine bottles didn’t fit in there very well, since the space was a couple of inches too wide….tried shoving a piece of plastic tubing in there as a spacer….but when I took down one bottle, the rest shifted, sent one flying towards me…oh shit!….I was fortunate in that when it landed on the liquor bottles, nothing broke.
Okay, on to Plan B. I decided to make drink displays….of drinks we actually serve. I took down the old empty bottle of Japanese whiskey (which we will never have again) emptied out all the glasses that were collecting dust and started from scratch.
One cubby has some Kahlua and Bailey’s and a few glasses we serve coffee drinks in. Another has a bottle of Amaretto, Cointreau and Grand Marnier, a snifter and a couple of small rock glasses. And then there’s the Martini display and the sangria display.
Now it’s Monday, Halloween, and one of the deadest nights of the year. As I am staring up at my displays, I realize something is missing….the glasses would look much better if there was something in them. Getting carried away? Maybe. But I was having fun. I brewed some tea…used weak tea for a light amber tequila in a shot glass, water for clear tequila, added a salt shaker and a lemon. Moved on to the after dinner drink display, used stronger tea for Amaretto in a snifter….then decided it would look cool if I had Amaretto on the rocks. For the ice? Crumpled up cellophane.
Next was the coffee drink display…..used some coffee, put cellophane over the rim of the glass and topped it off with whipped cream made of cotton balls. For the Appletini and Razzbatini…colored water. For the cherry….I grabbed a plastic red grape I had sitting around the house. Still looking for fake fruit for the Sangria display.
Next time I decide to change the displays, we’ll call it “Creative Time Killing 102.” (Hey! There are worse ways to kill time!)
Thursday, November 3, 2011
For those lacking spatial awareness...........
How are we supposed to set up tables, when you don’t give us an accurate count on the number of people in your group?
The other night we had (what we were told) was going to be about 7 to 10 people. So, we set up a table for 10, and then they asked for a separate table for appetizers. Okay, we can do that. This was to be an informal gathering of just drinks and appetizers. As people start meandering in, (there ends up being 25) they are all milling about the lounge, blocking the aisles (again)….and when some decide to have a seat, they sit at all but the large table we had set up for them. They shove the water glasses and bread and butter plates aside, sometimes moving them to yet another table. They’re powers of observation suck. Only 3 sat at the large table. We could easily have accommodated them, but they chose to take over the lounge with no regard to any of the other diners in there. Perhaps we should come to your home and start rearranging all the furniture to our liking, with no intention of putting it back.
A few days later, we get another drink and appetizer group, again, they cannot give us an accurate count…so we set up some large tables. This time they actually sat at the designated tables, but decided they needed more….so once again with no thought of anyone else, they start dragging more tables together. This time their plan was to completely block any passage way, (by turning their table into and “L” shape), making it impossible to get to any of the folks along the back of the table. This time we had to step in and say “No.”
Is the general public really that ignorant? Are they truly not aware of anything past a six inch perimeter around themselves? Sure, someone at the back of the table may notice when they need to use the restroom, and finally see there is no way for them to get out of their seat….or become irritated because they have to keep passing drinks to those at the back.
What’s the big deal about moving in another table? Nothing! But when people are so totally NOT cognizant of their surroundings, its best to leave it up to the professionals. The general public has proven time and time again, they are not capable of this.
The other night we had (what we were told) was going to be about 7 to 10 people. So, we set up a table for 10, and then they asked for a separate table for appetizers. Okay, we can do that. This was to be an informal gathering of just drinks and appetizers. As people start meandering in, (there ends up being 25) they are all milling about the lounge, blocking the aisles (again)….and when some decide to have a seat, they sit at all but the large table we had set up for them. They shove the water glasses and bread and butter plates aside, sometimes moving them to yet another table. They’re powers of observation suck. Only 3 sat at the large table. We could easily have accommodated them, but they chose to take over the lounge with no regard to any of the other diners in there. Perhaps we should come to your home and start rearranging all the furniture to our liking, with no intention of putting it back.
A few days later, we get another drink and appetizer group, again, they cannot give us an accurate count…so we set up some large tables. This time they actually sat at the designated tables, but decided they needed more….so once again with no thought of anyone else, they start dragging more tables together. This time their plan was to completely block any passage way, (by turning their table into and “L” shape), making it impossible to get to any of the folks along the back of the table. This time we had to step in and say “No.”
Is the general public really that ignorant? Are they truly not aware of anything past a six inch perimeter around themselves? Sure, someone at the back of the table may notice when they need to use the restroom, and finally see there is no way for them to get out of their seat….or become irritated because they have to keep passing drinks to those at the back.
What’s the big deal about moving in another table? Nothing! But when people are so totally NOT cognizant of their surroundings, its best to leave it up to the professionals. The general public has proven time and time again, they are not capable of this.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
You're too old to play dumb......
Sometimes it feels like we’re gonna be stuck on this “Coupon-Go-Round” forever…..and the stupid things people do to try and get even more of a discount. Please, we’ve heard it all so don’t think you’re being super clever by playing dumb.
“Where would you like to sit?” “Wherever we can get Happy Hour.” “Okay, that would be in the lounge.” So now you’re seated at the bar, and ask what the Happy Hour specials are…..then as you’re looking over the menu, you suddenly remember, “Oh yeah, we’ve got this coupon”…..like it’s an after thought. Bull shit! That thing is burning a hole in your pocket. Everyone knows how coupons work, mostly because its printed on the coupon. “One coupon per table, not to be combined with any other offers.” It’s pretty standard language.
So why do people act surprised when they are told, “You can have Happy Hour prices, OR you can use the coupon, but you can’t have both.” “OH! We didn’t know that!” Yes you did. And you’ve heard the same thing at every restaurant at which you tried to redeem a coupon. Quit trying to bend all the rules! (We’re getting bored with this game.)
Another couple sits at a table and asks if there are any specials tonight. “Yes there is, on Monday’s, if you order two entrees of a certain price, or higher, you can get a bottle of wine for half price.” So they order a bottle of wine. About ten minutes later, they suddenly realize they have a coupon with them…..”Oh gosh, we have this coupon, can we use it?” Again, quit with the innocent dumb act! Do you really think we’re going to fall all over ourselves so you can get your tab down to nothing? “Well, since we already gave you the special on the wine, (which, once done, you think is written in stone) and you seem to have forgotten about your coupon, sure we can do that.” NOT! Then you tell the server to work it out with the owner, you’re sure something can be done. Yes! Something can be done! You can use the coupon or pay full price for the bottle of wine!
QUIT PLAYING DUMB!!!!!! And don’t get mad at us when your stupid little scheme doesn’t work!
“Where would you like to sit?” “Wherever we can get Happy Hour.” “Okay, that would be in the lounge.” So now you’re seated at the bar, and ask what the Happy Hour specials are…..then as you’re looking over the menu, you suddenly remember, “Oh yeah, we’ve got this coupon”…..like it’s an after thought. Bull shit! That thing is burning a hole in your pocket. Everyone knows how coupons work, mostly because its printed on the coupon. “One coupon per table, not to be combined with any other offers.” It’s pretty standard language.
So why do people act surprised when they are told, “You can have Happy Hour prices, OR you can use the coupon, but you can’t have both.” “OH! We didn’t know that!” Yes you did. And you’ve heard the same thing at every restaurant at which you tried to redeem a coupon. Quit trying to bend all the rules! (We’re getting bored with this game.)
Another couple sits at a table and asks if there are any specials tonight. “Yes there is, on Monday’s, if you order two entrees of a certain price, or higher, you can get a bottle of wine for half price.” So they order a bottle of wine. About ten minutes later, they suddenly realize they have a coupon with them…..”Oh gosh, we have this coupon, can we use it?” Again, quit with the innocent dumb act! Do you really think we’re going to fall all over ourselves so you can get your tab down to nothing? “Well, since we already gave you the special on the wine, (which, once done, you think is written in stone) and you seem to have forgotten about your coupon, sure we can do that.” NOT! Then you tell the server to work it out with the owner, you’re sure something can be done. Yes! Something can be done! You can use the coupon or pay full price for the bottle of wine!
QUIT PLAYING DUMB!!!!!! And don’t get mad at us when your stupid little scheme doesn’t work!
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