This has been a couple of incredible weeks–months really.
For the first time in awhile, we have TWO complete and excellent head chefs in our restaurants… simultaneously.
Don’t get me wrong…we have almost always had capable folks in charge, with rare exception. (No names.) We have actually been blessed that in (32) years of combined business between “The Stones”, about (28) of those years have been manned by (5) chefs–nearly 20 owned by Chef’s Eddie, Manny and Paul! We have had a handful of “one offs” (less than a year and yer outta here) between finding the right “next”–but all in all, we have remained rock solid. The original, Chef Z, has sadly passed, (2) are no longer chefs, (1) is the corporate chef for the Miami Dolphins after winning Chopped, (2) now have their own places and are doing well, (2) tried to have their own places, (2) now work together in the same restaurant, and, of all the staff I have helped out when they needed me through those 32 years, only one still owes me money….Just sayin’ 🙂
Onward!
Two months ago, Chef Bill took the reins at COBBLESTONES–The best guy for the job in a few years; Great human being, kind to others, former owner who knows the value of, well, everything, great food, great cost management, cooperative, endless stamina….and sober! (Tee hee) And, two weeks ago, probably the best culinary talent we have had in those 32 combined years–and a really great guy and 4 years our executive sous, (who has actually carried the last couple of “hopefuls” through transitions) has finally stepped into the head position. Hallelujah! (It maybe should have happened a year ago, but hey…we don’t look backwards!!)
The “vibe” at moonstones is quickly back to amazing–and it dialed even higher two nights ago when Chef Adam led his staff through a wine dinner that some guests nearly moaning! (And Linda feeling up my leg under the table… 🙂 Thanks for that. ) We are back to having fun.
“Best duck I have ever had.” “How did you make that scallop chowder taste so incredible?” etc. An also-shout out to managers Sadi and Luiz, who led two of our best servers through flawless choreography–perfect pacing of courses–each plate delivered in rapid succession each and every course, including the (28) immaculate Beef Carpaccio’s, with perfectly slow-soft-boiled eggs–and never an empty wine glass! Flawless.
One of the greatest attributes to an excellent restaurant–IMHO–is the harmony of the staff; the dynamic where all move together to deliver excellent results, because that’s the only way excellent results are consistently delivered. We have (6) managers between us–who lead with passion and positivity–and now, both chefs on board. If we can sustain like this for what, 6 consecutive seasons (?), we might actually know what it feels like to be the Patriots! Team. Consistent. Excellence.
We are looking forward to a great 2017! So should you.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.