Is there anything in the world better than a wonderful meal expertly prepared and served with care? Ok, I can think of at least one thing that is better, but seriously, that aside, I can’t think of a nicer experience than sharing good food and drink with a loved one. Hard to come by That is definitely…
How to Hit a Curveball
It’s actually not that hard. It starts with a lot of preparation. In the restaurant business, we call that mise en place. https://tabletalkpdx.com/2013/08/11 Every single night in the life of your restaurant, and every single day if you are open for lunch, you will be handed a bucketful of curveballs. The toilet in the women’s…
Don’t Forget, You Still Have Customers
My wife and I walked in to a place the other day, a full hour before they close, still at least half-filled with customers. We had a bit of difficulty getting the attention of the bartender, because he was busy wiping down the liquor bottles. I appreciate the need to do that, it does bring…
Charge What you Can
My wife will never believe that I am publishing this post. I know I have a reputation for complaining about the ridiculous prices that places charge these days–in that sense, I am truly a crabby old man. https://tabletalkpdx.com/2013/04/21/ However, I have seen the light. Somewhat. I have had my frustrations in the past with restaurants…
It’s Hard Being Me
After many years in this business, I have a few rules to live by. It’s a blessing and a curse: I don’t eat out on St. Valentine’s Day The reasons seem somewhat obvious to me, but to those who are not in the business, there is no way to know what you are potentially getting…
Customer Contempt
I never really understood this one. You work in the hospitality business, depend on the generosity of others to make your living, and yet you have nothing but contempt for those you serve. Those who pay your bills. I see it often when I walk in to places. That look on the face. “Oh no,…
Jager and Red Bull?
My wife often has to remind me when we go out that we are not the target market of many of these places. It can be difficult to keep that in mind when I watch someone saddle up to the bar and order something like Jägermeister and Red Bull. With a straight face. Usually I am reminded under the table…
Are You the Owner?
I remember my father coming to Los Angeles on business once when I was a server at an upscale place in Beverly Hills. He came in to lunch with some clients on a day that I was working. After his meal I was walking him to his car and I was eager to find out if…
Tipping
Once in a while I like to put a post out there directed at the customer. This is one of those. There always seems to be so much confusion out there about tipping. I actually had a friend the other day ask me if 10% was still the norm. Maybe when Roosevelt was president Seriously? 10%? …
Lock the Door
I took a road trip recently to visit my mother on the Oregon coast. After driving for six hours, and getting into town late–too late to surprise my mom–I decided to have a little Irish whisky and celebrate St. Patrick’s day before checking in at my motel and hitting the hay. I walked into a restaurant/bar that I had taken…
Help me
I probably won’t ever be accused of being a generous guy, but occasionally, I have my moments. From time to time I like to surprise friends and loved ones by calling ahead to restaurants and arranging to buy dinner, or dessert, or a bottle of wine to recognize and help celebrate a special occasion. Make…
Tip the Dishwasher
I have mentioned on many occasions that I am fortunate to live in a neighborhood with many eating options. I am lucky. On any given night, I can eat Italian, Mexican, Japanese, Thai (3 choices there, actually), Indian, American, etc. If I am not feeling like any of those, I can just decide to get some…
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