Came across this review after searching a restaurant that someone referred me to. I use Yelp to see what people say about restaurants, but the things that reviewers write are just so, for a lack of better words, stupid. Just thought I'd copy and paste this review...and give the restaurant some defense even though I've never even been there. The way people write reviews only goes to explain who they are and not too much about what actually matters. When reading keep in mind that the person hardly talks about the food or drinks, and only the service. While service is an important component for any dining experience, they call it "going out to eat" because you're doing just that-- going out to eat. We don't say "I'm going out to service", do we? My comments in bold =]:
The service and food here are worlds apart. The food is delicious. I ordered the crab cakes Benedict and they were fantastic. The potatoes and fruit served with them were unimaginative, yet tasty.
The service was odd. Our waiter was very nice. It seemed he had tables both inside and out, so I would recommend that to expedite service, the person handling the patio only handle the patio.
The manager, (I think she called herself the floor manager) provided some of the worst service I've seen in quite some time. Here's how our morning went.
9:50ish: first of the 6 shows up and seats herself on the patio. The restaurant doesn't open till 10, yet 3 other patio tables had already seated themselves. NEVER, ever, should a diner seat themselves. Explanation to follow.
9:58-10:05: three others show up and we seat ourselves with our friend. We're happy she's claimed a nice patio table for us. Monkey see, monkey do? Apparently so.
10:05: man in a beige button down comes out and asks if we are Hart. We say no. He says, ok, I think they have a reservation but let me figure things out.
10:08: menus are brought out and mimosas are ordered. Who has the time to record the time of all this shit?
10:35: Manager lady comes out. Tells us she is the floor manager, and we'll probably need to move since there's a reservation. People always seat themselves and it causes a problem all the time. (Her words). Because it does, Asswipe! Whether this restaurant or another, it does.
Our response? Have you ever thought about bringing in your host 30 minutes early to organize seating? Oh shut the fuck up. Have YOU ever worked in a restaurant?Or having the little "reserved" cards on the table right when the sugar packets are set out? Do YOU want to provide the "reserved" signs at every restaurant you dine at so that they can tell you that they're reserved? When you ASSume, you make an ass out of yourself.Or just locking the patio gate so patrons can't get in? Yeah, so that the next guest can complain that there isn't seating for before the restaurant opens? Complaint after complaint.
Her response: this never happens. I've been here 4 (omigod 4 months, you're such a veteran) months and haven't seen this. Plus it's restaurant week and we've been really busy! Restaurant Week is a great opportunity for people to dine on a budget. HOWEVER, since it is restaurant week restaurants are overbooked and overworked. Yes, it comes with the job, but the quality of just about everything goes down BECAUSE of the volume of customers and food they are putting out. Want quality service and food? Consider spending what it's actually worth, duh.
You're a restaurant manager. I would think you'd love to be busy. I certainly wouldn't think you'd complain about it to a table full of people anxious to spend money at your restaurant!
In the end, the "reservation" opted to eat indoors, away from the heat, and at 10:45AM, a full 45 minutes after opening, we were served our first mimosas. If a reservation requests to sit outside, they have priority of the table ESPECIALLY since you sat yourself. It's obvious that you didn't have a reservation requesting for outside, so shut up.
The manager woman never apologized and I actually thought the server was quite friendly and rather smart to just stay out of the whole mess. He comp'ed the beverages without a word and did a very nice job. Comping your drinks was an apology, so move on with your life.
The one woman (who we actually saw leaving less than 10 minutes after telling us we could stay on the patio) really set a bad taste for the restaurant.
I was hoping for a fantastic experience since I'd heard such great things, but it was mediocre at best.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Got Cha!
Someone called in to make a reservation and got my coworker real good. She didn't realize that she got doopt until she called to confirm and the phone number was wrong. We both sat in front of the computer laughing our asses off. Ahhh, that was a good one who ever you are. You got her and got her real good!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
10 Things I Think of at Work
1) If I say hi to you, say hi back. It's common courtesy you jerk. Don't shove your ugly fingers in my face to show me how many people are in your party. One day I'm going to wave a finger in your face-- and believe me you know which one that's going to be you rude bastid.
2) If I tell you there's a waitlist, I can assure you there is a waitlist. I was hired here for a reason and I know what I'm doing. So you either wait or leave. You choose. Refer to #3
3) I don't give a shit if you see open tables. It's called a 'Reservation'. TRY MAKING ONE SOMETIME! Refer to #2
4) The inevitable, "Can I make a reservation right now?" No, you dumb dumb. Reservations are for people who call in ahead of time. You can't make a reservation for 5 minutes from now AND you definitely cannot make a reservation as you stand in front of me at the host stand. That defeats the purpose of making a reservation. I believe you are what we call a 'Walk-In'.
5) Blame the guy who made the large reservation. A lot of people think that it's ok to make a reservation for more people than are actually going to show up. And, then, there's that person who is waiting on a ridiculously long waitlist because we've run out of tables. Well, blame your fellow dining patron because they made a reservation for 15 people and there are only 9 people showed up. That's a whole 6 guests that we can seat, and that could be your table you waitlist people! C'mon, let's be realistic. You're mom who's across the country is clearly not going to make it. DON'T INCLUDE HER! Be considerate and realistic about your party size!
6) Dietary Restrictions. All I have to say is that if you're vegan or gluten-free by choice , get the fuhh outta here. *Slap the back of your head* I leave out vegetarians because the world has become a little more forgiving to you people. Dear Gluten-Free and Vegan customers: Do everyone a favor and stay home. You make me miserable. I mean, seriously, you claim to be gluten-free but you can have soy sauce? Do you know what's in soy sauce? That's right, WHEAT. Wait, I thought you said you were gluten-free. Ahhduhhhh.
7) The Complainer. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, yes. Complaining about a drink being to strong or the chicken being too dry is good to know. I'd be glad to get that comped for you. But, and this is a BIG BUT, if you seriously have the time to complain about how the host didn't ask you how your day is, that we don't have a particular tequila, that an item that you had a year ago is no longer on the menu, so on and so forth, GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE! No one is forcing you to dine with us! You claim to be classy, so show some class. Wipe that ugly snarl off your face or else it'll get stuck that way.
8) The Yelp! Elite Some of you I respect, others I feel like the world would be a better place without you. I am all for your honest opinion but when you start taking away 'stars' for not having a flatscreen in the bathroom that's when I know you're a joke. The thing that really erks me is when a customer has the audacity to personally attack an employee. Go ahead, mention the terrible service that they provided or whatever...but it's not your job to dampen an employees day by pointing out how you don't like their clothing, body type and/or ethnicity. That just goes to show that you're not all that and a bag of chips.
9) Sure, let me drop everything I'm doing to help you. Literally. Example: I was carrying a chair and a customer literally tried to hand me their water glass to get a refill. You've got to be kidding me. Apparently I'm a professional juggler. Thanks for helping me discover that talent...NOT.
10) I know what you're thinking: If you hate your job so much why don't you leave?. You're right, I do. I'm working on it.
2) If I tell you there's a waitlist, I can assure you there is a waitlist. I was hired here for a reason and I know what I'm doing. So you either wait or leave. You choose. Refer to #3
3) I don't give a shit if you see open tables. It's called a 'Reservation'. TRY MAKING ONE SOMETIME! Refer to #2
4) The inevitable, "Can I make a reservation right now?" No, you dumb dumb. Reservations are for people who call in ahead of time. You can't make a reservation for 5 minutes from now AND you definitely cannot make a reservation as you stand in front of me at the host stand. That defeats the purpose of making a reservation. I believe you are what we call a 'Walk-In'.
5) Blame the guy who made the large reservation. A lot of people think that it's ok to make a reservation for more people than are actually going to show up. And, then, there's that person who is waiting on a ridiculously long waitlist because we've run out of tables. Well, blame your fellow dining patron because they made a reservation for 15 people and there are only 9 people showed up. That's a whole 6 guests that we can seat, and that could be your table you waitlist people! C'mon, let's be realistic. You're mom who's across the country is clearly not going to make it. DON'T INCLUDE HER! Be considerate and realistic about your party size!
6) Dietary Restrictions. All I have to say is that if you're vegan or gluten-free by choice , get the fuhh outta here. *Slap the back of your head* I leave out vegetarians because the world has become a little more forgiving to you people. Dear Gluten-Free and Vegan customers: Do everyone a favor and stay home. You make me miserable. I mean, seriously, you claim to be gluten-free but you can have soy sauce? Do you know what's in soy sauce? That's right, WHEAT. Wait, I thought you said you were gluten-free. Ahhduhhhh.
7) The Complainer. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, yes. Complaining about a drink being to strong or the chicken being too dry is good to know. I'd be glad to get that comped for you. But, and this is a BIG BUT, if you seriously have the time to complain about how the host didn't ask you how your day is, that we don't have a particular tequila, that an item that you had a year ago is no longer on the menu, so on and so forth, GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE! No one is forcing you to dine with us! You claim to be classy, so show some class. Wipe that ugly snarl off your face or else it'll get stuck that way.
8) The Yelp! Elite Some of you I respect, others I feel like the world would be a better place without you. I am all for your honest opinion but when you start taking away 'stars' for not having a flatscreen in the bathroom that's when I know you're a joke. The thing that really erks me is when a customer has the audacity to personally attack an employee. Go ahead, mention the terrible service that they provided or whatever...but it's not your job to dampen an employees day by pointing out how you don't like their clothing, body type and/or ethnicity. That just goes to show that you're not all that and a bag of chips.
9) Sure, let me drop everything I'm doing to help you. Literally. Example: I was carrying a chair and a customer literally tried to hand me their water glass to get a refill. You've got to be kidding me. Apparently I'm a professional juggler. Thanks for helping me discover that talent...NOT.
10) I know what you're thinking: If you hate your job so much why don't you leave?. You're right, I do. I'm working on it.
86'n Myself.
Wassup y'all! Did you miss me? Fuhh, I know you did. To tell you the truth I've missed me, too. You know how the word on the street is that the restaurant/hospitality business sucks you in and you never get out. That's shit's true! NO JOKE! When I first started working in restaurants I was just doin' it as a gig to pay my way through college. Sounds familiar, right? We've all heard of the stripper who goes bare to pay her college tuition. I did the same thing minus the showin' my areolas and losing my dignity! Gotta make that money even if it takes blowin' a kiss here and there...or wearin' an extra low cut vneck top to show off the itty bitties that I got. No shame.
My point is, I worked in restaurants all throughout college, graduated and...ended up in restaurants again. Who the hell am I fooling? I gotta get out! I was really blessed to be promoted so quickly, but this industry is just a downwards spiral unless you're really ambitious to make your way up. I'm really over the vanity of the industry. I guess you can say that there are subgroups within the hospitality industry that promote a certain look. The places that I've worked at have always been the trendy, upscale looking restaurants. Everyone who works there has that image of being fashionably sound, clean cut and trendy...if you will. As much as I feel I fit that cookie cutter image, I think I'm just over it. I need to move on. The industry has been great to me and the instant gratification that I get for the work that I do is awesome. I've had guests who really respect what I do and handsomely reward me for that. However, I think I've hit a point in my life where that just isn't enough. I need to make a real impact in this crazy, unforgiving world. I gotta lot of good to do for this place, and restaurants just isn't where I can provide that service. A lot of people would say that you gotta whole lifetime to live to do the good. For me, I'm starting to think why waste time on things that just make you a pretty penny over making a noticeable difference in the world? Oh, the hippie in me is aching to come out.
Like I said, I've really lost myself this past year. Being a banquet coordinator is awesome. More like, the money is awesome. It's true, though. One look at that paycheck and that inkling of moving on with your life diminishes. I've been fooled for nearly an entire year. I've survived scapegoat parties, Yelp Elitists and the shitstorm of customers who literally want you to drop everything you got just to help them. My brown nosin' days will come to an end soon...probably a lot sooner than anyone anticipated.
My point is, I worked in restaurants all throughout college, graduated and...ended up in restaurants again. Who the hell am I fooling? I gotta get out! I was really blessed to be promoted so quickly, but this industry is just a downwards spiral unless you're really ambitious to make your way up. I'm really over the vanity of the industry. I guess you can say that there are subgroups within the hospitality industry that promote a certain look. The places that I've worked at have always been the trendy, upscale looking restaurants. Everyone who works there has that image of being fashionably sound, clean cut and trendy...if you will. As much as I feel I fit that cookie cutter image, I think I'm just over it. I need to move on. The industry has been great to me and the instant gratification that I get for the work that I do is awesome. I've had guests who really respect what I do and handsomely reward me for that. However, I think I've hit a point in my life where that just isn't enough. I need to make a real impact in this crazy, unforgiving world. I gotta lot of good to do for this place, and restaurants just isn't where I can provide that service. A lot of people would say that you gotta whole lifetime to live to do the good. For me, I'm starting to think why waste time on things that just make you a pretty penny over making a noticeable difference in the world? Oh, the hippie in me is aching to come out.
Like I said, I've really lost myself this past year. Being a banquet coordinator is awesome. More like, the money is awesome. It's true, though. One look at that paycheck and that inkling of moving on with your life diminishes. I've been fooled for nearly an entire year. I've survived scapegoat parties, Yelp Elitists and the shitstorm of customers who literally want you to drop everything you got just to help them. My brown nosin' days will come to an end soon...probably a lot sooner than anyone anticipated.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Ballinnnnnnnnnnnnn'
Ate at Le Bernadin-- a 3 Michelin Star rated restaurant in the heart of New York City. Just a sneak peak, y'all.
And this is just the first course =]
Had to...
And this is just the first course =]
Had to...
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Flowers, Chocolate and Reservations for Two
NOT.
I have this theory that Valentine's Day is the first "holiday" of the year to boost the economy. Doesn't it make perfect sense? In all seriousness, why do we need to specify ONE DAY to show your significant other how much you love them? It's ridiculous! That's what you should be doing in the first place.
Instead of making reservations at an expensive restaurant with prix fixe menus incorporating believed 'aphrodisiac' ingredients and complimentary champagne toasts (keep in mind, nothing is ever free in the hospitality industry...the charge is in there somewhere), my sweetheart and I decided to lay low. Get your mind out of the gutter, you! 'Lay low' as in 'low profile'; just him and I without the typical Valentine's Day hype. We shopped at the Berkeley Bowl, and being the gentleman that he is, he made dinner for two at home! He was so cute when he was sitting at the dinner table concocting up ways to use the ingredients that we bought. He totally had that game face on...equivalent to my concentration level when trying to study.
This is what he came up with...
He knows his stuff. I was very pleased with our choice to stay home. I mean, I'm really good at making dinner, too...really good at making dinner reservations. WOMP. We only spent $40 at the store and got a 4-course meal. I got a keeeeeeeper.
Like I was saying, I truly believe that Valentine's Day is meant to boost the economy. The way I see it is that if you want to show your partner a good time, you should be showing them affection 365. I think that it's way sweeter to get a bouquet of flowers on some random day of the year than on a day where there's some truck conveniently parked at a 76 gas station for you to grab some flowers for the lady while you pump. Now that's just cheating! Seriously, no real lady wants one of those $20 gift baskets that has a stuffed animal holding a plastic rose in its hand. The stuffed teddy-bear's eyes are crooked for God's sake!
If you wanna be a real sweetheart, show that special somebody who you really are without the hype. For a lot of guys out there, y'all really out-do yourselves on Valentine's Day. You just set the bar for yourself and she's going to expect a lot more out of you after Valentine's Day--now what? Give your girl something to brag about to her friends over the course of the year or else you'll be that loser boyfriend who needs an unofficial holiday to remind you that you need to get off your ass!
Listening to a lady's advice can go a long way. My boyfriend did what he would do for me on any day and it makes me feel like the luckiest gal alive. After buttering me up with the caramel whipped cream with strawberries and two cocktails we laid low...[insert sexual innuendo here]. Or, you might just turn out like this guy...
I have this theory that Valentine's Day is the first "holiday" of the year to boost the economy. Doesn't it make perfect sense? In all seriousness, why do we need to specify ONE DAY to show your significant other how much you love them? It's ridiculous! That's what you should be doing in the first place.
Instead of making reservations at an expensive restaurant with prix fixe menus incorporating believed 'aphrodisiac' ingredients and complimentary champagne toasts (keep in mind, nothing is ever free in the hospitality industry...the charge is in there somewhere), my sweetheart and I decided to lay low. Get your mind out of the gutter, you! 'Lay low' as in 'low profile'; just him and I without the typical Valentine's Day hype. We shopped at the Berkeley Bowl, and being the gentleman that he is, he made dinner for two at home! He was so cute when he was sitting at the dinner table concocting up ways to use the ingredients that we bought. He totally had that game face on...equivalent to my concentration level when trying to study.
This is what he came up with...
He knows his stuff. I was very pleased with our choice to stay home. I mean, I'm really good at making dinner, too...really good at making dinner reservations. WOMP. We only spent $40 at the store and got a 4-course meal. I got a keeeeeeeper.
Like I was saying, I truly believe that Valentine's Day is meant to boost the economy. The way I see it is that if you want to show your partner a good time, you should be showing them affection 365. I think that it's way sweeter to get a bouquet of flowers on some random day of the year than on a day where there's some truck conveniently parked at a 76 gas station for you to grab some flowers for the lady while you pump. Now that's just cheating! Seriously, no real lady wants one of those $20 gift baskets that has a stuffed animal holding a plastic rose in its hand. The stuffed teddy-bear's eyes are crooked for God's sake!
If you wanna be a real sweetheart, show that special somebody who you really are without the hype. For a lot of guys out there, y'all really out-do yourselves on Valentine's Day. You just set the bar for yourself and she's going to expect a lot more out of you after Valentine's Day--now what? Give your girl something to brag about to her friends over the course of the year or else you'll be that loser boyfriend who needs an unofficial holiday to remind you that you need to get off your ass!
Listening to a lady's advice can go a long way. My boyfriend did what he would do for me on any day and it makes me feel like the luckiest gal alive. After buttering me up with the caramel whipped cream with strawberries and two cocktails we laid low...[insert sexual innuendo here]. Or, you might just turn out like this guy...
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Ranting Jenny
I've become that girl. The coffee sippin', watch the news before work, one hour commute, laptop case slung over my shoulder workin' gal. My part-time job has literally taken over my life.
I hate it.
The work that I do has nothing to with what my $16,000 in loans has paid for the past five years. This is the least intellectually stimulating time of my life and it sucks hard. If I'm gonna kiss someone's ass I would much rather it be a professor than any of these lowly bastards in the tech industry that wear those stupid retractable badges that hang from their belt loops. At least a professor has done some good in their life: taught. I really loved the hospitality industry before I got promoted. I wasn't able to see what was really happening behinds the scenes within the management team. Unconventional practices of discipline? If I wanted to be treated like a five year old I would have never moved out of my parent's house.
Anyway, I wish I were in still in college. Booze it up whenever I wanted, pull-off all-nighters, biking to school, traveling with friends. Everything used to be so damn peachy. I used to be able to grab a coffee while waiting for my next class, have endless conversations with my roommates about boys...everything. Now, I brew my own coffee before I go to work, eat lunch AT WORK and talk to my Chef boyfriend about us. Nothing wrong with all of that, but my lifestyle has changed so much in comparison to where I was at exactly a year ago. My life now is so damn...routine.
I was caught-up in things that actually mattered to me. Being a contributing writer to the Vagina Monologues, interning to raise visibility of minority women, researching the colonization of the Philippine education system and then finally coming to a realization that I don't really need to associate myself with the Filipino community. I got my first A+ at CAL in a business class. I really found who I was and how much potential I have in life. I've said this before and I'll say it again, but my job only contributes to my financial capital. I need something to stimulate my human capital. It's such a shame that our culture emphasizes on higher education so much, yet it isn't affordable to the masses and for those who actually have access to it become robots in their careers anyway. We've lost sight of what was important once someone has completed college.
Essentially, whoever you are and whatever walk of life you come from, there's a glass ceiling just waiting for you. You know how when you're a child you just can't wait to draw on the window in the car on a cold day. For a lot of us, that's exactly what we're doing-- we wait to draw what we want on that window and little do we realize, we're just drawing. We're drawing paths for our lives that we cannot accomplish because, fuck, people won't let us. And, believe me, I'm the type of person who's all about dreams...it's just damn impossible to go about this world where meritocracy is nothing. Can you believe that? Meritocracy doesn't mean anything nowadays. It's all about who you know, not what you know. Take a dose of your own medicine, America. What the hell happened to what you know?!?
And, that is the Jenny rant for the day. That's what I think about while seating snobs who are about to have a business meeting over lunch.
YouTube it: "Little Boxes, Weeds"
That's how I feel about life.
I hate it.
The work that I do has nothing to with what my $16,000 in loans has paid for the past five years. This is the least intellectually stimulating time of my life and it sucks hard. If I'm gonna kiss someone's ass I would much rather it be a professor than any of these lowly bastards in the tech industry that wear those stupid retractable badges that hang from their belt loops. At least a professor has done some good in their life: taught. I really loved the hospitality industry before I got promoted. I wasn't able to see what was really happening behinds the scenes within the management team. Unconventional practices of discipline? If I wanted to be treated like a five year old I would have never moved out of my parent's house.
Anyway, I wish I were in still in college. Booze it up whenever I wanted, pull-off all-nighters, biking to school, traveling with friends. Everything used to be so damn peachy. I used to be able to grab a coffee while waiting for my next class, have endless conversations with my roommates about boys...everything. Now, I brew my own coffee before I go to work, eat lunch AT WORK and talk to my Chef boyfriend about us. Nothing wrong with all of that, but my lifestyle has changed so much in comparison to where I was at exactly a year ago. My life now is so damn...routine.
I was caught-up in things that actually mattered to me. Being a contributing writer to the Vagina Monologues, interning to raise visibility of minority women, researching the colonization of the Philippine education system and then finally coming to a realization that I don't really need to associate myself with the Filipino community. I got my first A+ at CAL in a business class. I really found who I was and how much potential I have in life. I've said this before and I'll say it again, but my job only contributes to my financial capital. I need something to stimulate my human capital. It's such a shame that our culture emphasizes on higher education so much, yet it isn't affordable to the masses and for those who actually have access to it become robots in their careers anyway. We've lost sight of what was important once someone has completed college.
Essentially, whoever you are and whatever walk of life you come from, there's a glass ceiling just waiting for you. You know how when you're a child you just can't wait to draw on the window in the car on a cold day. For a lot of us, that's exactly what we're doing-- we wait to draw what we want on that window and little do we realize, we're just drawing. We're drawing paths for our lives that we cannot accomplish because, fuck, people won't let us. And, believe me, I'm the type of person who's all about dreams...it's just damn impossible to go about this world where meritocracy is nothing. Can you believe that? Meritocracy doesn't mean anything nowadays. It's all about who you know, not what you know. Take a dose of your own medicine, America. What the hell happened to what you know?!?
And, that is the Jenny rant for the day. That's what I think about while seating snobs who are about to have a business meeting over lunch.
YouTube it: "Little Boxes, Weeds"
That's how I feel about life.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Y'all Got Some Silly Names.
For the sake of my job, I think I'll hold back for a little bit on the real names that I have come by in the recent days. The entire time I've worked in the hospitality industry, I have never come across so many odd, g'damn hilarious names in such a short amount of time. Day-by-day I am recording names into my notebook to someday list all of these names...but I feel like if my boss ever Google'd (<--OMG, the spell check doesn't even underline that. "Google'd" as a verb. Holy shit this world is crazy!) me this blog may show up and they'd put two and two together. I don't want to lose customers or lose my job based off of one silly blog that I posted. Let's just wait for a more appropriate time.
In the meantime, I saw something extremely funny today on TV and I it totally reminded me of the funny names that I deal with on a daily basis. Then, I decided to YouTube "funny names", and this OLD CLASSIC showed up.
I know, sit tight, kids. You're gonna have to wait for the names that I've come across for another day. I think this'll suit you well in the meantime.
Completely racist? I don't know. But I still lol'd. Bet you five bucks you laughed a little, too. Don't lie!
I love weddings. I hope that I'm blessed enough to marry a man whose last name wont make me commit social suicide.
Alright, I gotta throw in one real name.
So, this guy calls in to ask our owner a few questions. I told him that they weren't around and that I'll take a message.
=]
In the meantime, I saw something extremely funny today on TV and I it totally reminded me of the funny names that I deal with on a daily basis. Then, I decided to YouTube "funny names", and this OLD CLASSIC showed up.
I know, sit tight, kids. You're gonna have to wait for the names that I've come across for another day. I think this'll suit you well in the meantime.
Completely racist? I don't know. But I still lol'd. Bet you five bucks you laughed a little, too. Don't lie!
I love weddings. I hope that I'm blessed enough to marry a man whose last name wont make me commit social suicide.
Alright, I gotta throw in one real name.
So, this guy calls in to ask our owner a few questions. I told him that they weren't around and that I'll take a message.
Me: Your phone number please.
He gives me the number.
Me: And what is this in regards to?
Guy: Their business account.
Me: And your name?
Guy: Nimrod. N as in Nancy, I as in Igloo, M as in Mary, R as in Ryan, O as in Oscar, D as in David.
Me: Thank you, Nimrod. I'll be sure to pass this message on to them.
Me: [Hanging up the phone] Nimrod. *Chuckle*
=]
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Valentine's Day Romance
If only White Castle was around here in the Bay Area, I would BEG chef to take me there for Valentine's Day. I hear they do a prix fixe menu and spazz up the place. Shits on any Michelin star worthy restaurant around, DUH.
Think I'm playin'? I aint.
Think I'm playin'? I aint.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Table for 1
Y'know, I just don't get how some people can't eat alone. Don't get me wrong, I love good company over a nice meal and a few drinks, but damn I don't need to be smothered with it all the damn time. I'm the type of person who doesn't mind going behind her boyfriend's back (Not really, Babe. It's just an example) to grab something eat at the cost of their joint account. After a long day at work I don't want to talk to anyone. I talk to people all day. I feel so alive when I'm by myself. Everyone else is so involved with their dinner/cocktail socializing that it just makes me appreciate the fact that I have the confidence to go out on my own.
--Existential Funk Thought: Do you ever go throughout your entire day without saying one word? Like, go for hours and realized that you haven't talked to anyone...not even sung a song aloud? If you don't ever say anything, do you even exist? Does your existence only mean something if you have other people reaffirm your thoughts, ideas, anything? Yeah, that's the kind of shit I think about when I dine alone.--
Usually I'll go ahead and prop myself up at bar extra solo. I intentionally isolate myself from anyone else at the bar because I want to keep it solo. If I want to make friends, I'll find something to talk about with the bartender. That's what they're there for right? They get paid to mix up something that will make you feel extra sassy and continue on with whatever small talk you please.
Last time I went out to eat at a bar by myself was at the Paragon Restaurant and Cafe at the Claremont Resort in Berkeley. I went after a long day at work. A much needed glass of wine, Ferrari martini, and samples of a grapefruit infused vodka and lemonade cocktail followed short after...I may have missed a drink or two in there somewhere. The bartender was super nice. Everything that he was mixing up I eagerly asked what was in it. I find myself to be a better mixologist than a cook, hence my interest. I'm sure my boyfriend can vouch for that one. The bartender wasn't busy, and it seemed like he needed some help getting the old man to my left to get off his back who was ranting about nonsense politics that I'm sure was going in one ear and out the other. It's funny how far just asking a few questions can go. I asked how they infuse their vodka, and he instructed me how. The bartender poured my red zin in a bordeaux glass to make me look important. You know, as an indicator that I bought myself the most expensive glass of wine on the wine list when in reality it was their house zin. Oh, it's the small details that can make someone feel like they matter. The slight gesture definitely made me feel a little more at home...and made me look like I knew what I was doing.
The food was great. Their San Jose location, which doesn't exist anymore, had some of the best apps ever. So, at the demand of my taste buds I ordered what I was familiar with from the South Bay. Their tuna tartare with taro root chips followed by the bread budding. I didn't even really eat that much because I have a tiny tummy, but what I did have was great. I won't lie to you, the Paragon in San Jose had the BEST tuna tartare ever. This particular one was interesting because it had pumpkin seeds in it. Really interesting contrast with the tartare itself. Ok, if you ever go to Paragon in Berkeley you must order the Banana Bread Pudding. It is seriously amazing. The warm bourbon caramel sauce over the bread pudding is for those who have the sweetest of the sweet tooths. Ordering it a la mode truly makes it heaven on earth.
Overall, I say sitting at the bar by yourself if a real treat. No awkward pauses and no real obligation to talk to anyone that you don't want to talk to. It feels good to do things on your own. For me at least, every time that I've sat at the bar to have dinner and drink by myself, the bartender has been real sweet and has let me taste a few drinks for free. It's either I'm really cute or they're just trying to make me feel a little more at home...I like to think both. At the end of my meal I found that the bartender had given me the employee discount on food, two free drinks and a jar to take home and infuse my own vodka. Shit, goin' out on your own can be real treat. So, if I may advise, take yourself out alone one day. Sit at a table by yourself or find a seat at the bar. You might end up going home with more than you bargained for.
If you really need some help on how to eat out on your own, read this article--
How To Not Feel Humiliated When Dining Alone.
Or, if you really dread eating out on your own, feel free to give me a buzz and I'll keep you company. Dinner on you?
--Existential Funk Thought: Do you ever go throughout your entire day without saying one word? Like, go for hours and realized that you haven't talked to anyone...not even sung a song aloud? If you don't ever say anything, do you even exist? Does your existence only mean something if you have other people reaffirm your thoughts, ideas, anything? Yeah, that's the kind of shit I think about when I dine alone.--
Usually I'll go ahead and prop myself up at bar extra solo. I intentionally isolate myself from anyone else at the bar because I want to keep it solo. If I want to make friends, I'll find something to talk about with the bartender. That's what they're there for right? They get paid to mix up something that will make you feel extra sassy and continue on with whatever small talk you please.
Last time I went out to eat at a bar by myself was at the Paragon Restaurant and Cafe at the Claremont Resort in Berkeley. I went after a long day at work. A much needed glass of wine, Ferrari martini, and samples of a grapefruit infused vodka and lemonade cocktail followed short after...I may have missed a drink or two in there somewhere. The bartender was super nice. Everything that he was mixing up I eagerly asked what was in it. I find myself to be a better mixologist than a cook, hence my interest. I'm sure my boyfriend can vouch for that one. The bartender wasn't busy, and it seemed like he needed some help getting the old man to my left to get off his back who was ranting about nonsense politics that I'm sure was going in one ear and out the other. It's funny how far just asking a few questions can go. I asked how they infuse their vodka, and he instructed me how. The bartender poured my red zin in a bordeaux glass to make me look important. You know, as an indicator that I bought myself the most expensive glass of wine on the wine list when in reality it was their house zin. Oh, it's the small details that can make someone feel like they matter. The slight gesture definitely made me feel a little more at home...and made me look like I knew what I was doing.
The food was great. Their San Jose location, which doesn't exist anymore, had some of the best apps ever. So, at the demand of my taste buds I ordered what I was familiar with from the South Bay. Their tuna tartare with taro root chips followed by the bread budding. I didn't even really eat that much because I have a tiny tummy, but what I did have was great. I won't lie to you, the Paragon in San Jose had the BEST tuna tartare ever. This particular one was interesting because it had pumpkin seeds in it. Really interesting contrast with the tartare itself. Ok, if you ever go to Paragon in Berkeley you must order the Banana Bread Pudding. It is seriously amazing. The warm bourbon caramel sauce over the bread pudding is for those who have the sweetest of the sweet tooths. Ordering it a la mode truly makes it heaven on earth.
Overall, I say sitting at the bar by yourself if a real treat. No awkward pauses and no real obligation to talk to anyone that you don't want to talk to. It feels good to do things on your own. For me at least, every time that I've sat at the bar to have dinner and drink by myself, the bartender has been real sweet and has let me taste a few drinks for free. It's either I'm really cute or they're just trying to make me feel a little more at home...I like to think both. At the end of my meal I found that the bartender had given me the employee discount on food, two free drinks and a jar to take home and infuse my own vodka. Shit, goin' out on your own can be real treat. So, if I may advise, take yourself out alone one day. Sit at a table by yourself or find a seat at the bar. You might end up going home with more than you bargained for.
If you really need some help on how to eat out on your own, read this article--
How To Not Feel Humiliated When Dining Alone.
Or, if you really dread eating out on your own, feel free to give me a buzz and I'll keep you company. Dinner on you?
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Spoon + Chef = Jenny
Seems as though I talk a lot about my Chef boyfriend. I mean, if you were absolutely, positively in love, you would do the same...right? Well, I suppose I update my status enough that my face pops up in someone's mind when they hear the word 'Chef'. My cousin sent me this picture from Home Goods (a store which I love, by the way) earlier today. This might just be the status update that reminded him of me...
It's not the work week that bugs me. It's the fact that my love doesn't get home til 1am. I just wanna get my spoon on.
Friendly responses:
Haley likes this.
Ryan: Lol
Dorsey: Are you the spoo-nee or the spoo-ner?
Ryan: Spooning leads to forking.
Jenny: hopefully. hahah, ryan. that was a good one. you extra silly.
teresa: LOL.
Spoon. Chef. Get it? It kinda makes me wanna laugh like this...
Saturday, January 30, 2010
I'm Still Jenny from the Block
Haha. I'm Still Jenny from the Block. Hear that BeatNuts in the background? Damn, throwback.
Damn, guys. I'm totally sorry for holdin' out on you. I promise I got some stories to tell. It's just that this promotion, falling in love and relocating my life for the 2nd time within the year has really caught up to my every day lifestyle! I haven't had the time to actually sit down for myself and throw in some creative writing...if that's what I can even call it.
I won't lie; I've missed you guys! There are so many times throughout my day where I think that y'all would love to read what I just witnessed with my own eyes, but once I've completed my hour commute home back from work I'm effin' exhausted. You can't blame me, can you?
It's true. I've relocated my life back to my natural habitat in Berkeley. Something about the smells of the streets, homeless neighbors (real life contradiction. haha) and crawling distance to my favorite bar that is SO DAMN appealing! The commute to work every day really sucks, but I really don't mind it since it means that I'm out of my parents house and doing my own thing.
The only thing that sucks is that the love of my life and I have conflicting work-week schedules. Dating within the industry really does take a toll on the heart. But if I can say so myself, I'd rather have him get off work really late and only have real quality time with him over the weekends than not being able to communicate or see him at all...people actually do that and thank goodness I'm not one of them.
I'm dating a chef. He's pretty fuckin' awesome. He wakes up with me every morning before my commute, brews my coffee and cooks me breakfast at my request. Sometimes he'll walk me out to my car and see me goodbye. Others, he'll stand out on the balcony and wave me farewell as I pull out of the garage. I start work in the morning and Chef starts by the time I get off. This inevitably means that he gets off work ridiculously late. Luckily, we've both managed to have schedules that allow us to spend ENTIRE weekends together. Now that's an extremely rare work schedule for two people in hospitality business to have...let alone one person in the industry to have.
Living in the East Bay. Forreal, the South Bay was a great place to grow up, but living there for my entire life would be the death of me. My hippy-like personality really draws me to Berkeley and I cannot help but relish in how liberal this damn town is. I rode my bicycle on the streets for the first time in months just last week, and fuck, I have not felt so ALIVE in a long time. The sound of my tires crushing the leaves and bringing up water from the puddles on the ground is like a muddler grinding up mint in a Boston Shaker; the smells and sounds are so subtle, but unmistakable.
So, why am I back? Let's just say that I'm on an extra withdrawal to write something that actually means something to me...I mean, writing contracts for my big clients means something to my financial capital, but what about my HUMAN CAPITAL! I need something that translates what I'm feeling in my heart. That legal, schemeegal contractual jargon only means so much. Yuck. Throughout the course of my undergraduate career I wrote and wrote and wrote. From research papers to published works, I probably wrote about 2000 pages of original work. Since then, it's sad to say, but this blog has been my only outlet to write anything for anything. So, feel g'damn privileged to be reading something that I hold near and dear to me.
Welcome Back to the craziness and hodgepodge of food reviews, customer and employer complaints, and the stupid things that people say.
Eat your fuckin' food there are people who are starving in Africa.
Well, don't eat all of it. It's phrases like those that promote obesity. I'm not playin'.
More to come. Thoughts on: FIVE [Berkeley, CA], PARAGON Bar and Cafe [Berkeley Hills, CA], Mirepoix [Windsor, CA]
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