In describing moonstones 2nd Valentine’s Day dinner, I won’t use the word disaster because, after 6PM, things went great. AND, I am confident that the excellent food and service that we are building a reputation upon was evident. For the few people I had a chance to speak with, this notion was supported. The roses were beautiful, the harp…well…magical?…the food insanely delicious and photo worthy….our service is (generally) incredible.
BUT…prior to 6PM…another story! I am not sure where to begin, but here’s what I know;
~Thankfully, the gentleman with the nut allergy lived to write a letter. And what a letter it was! He even used the words “attempted homicide”! Seriously, he said that. I don’t make this shit up. But he had every right to be angry, as we brought him dishes with nuts in them numerous times, despite his warning. It must have seemed like we were out to get him! (And, what’s with Chef’s and the ubiquitous nuts!?) We are grateful the guest took the high road, and chose NOT to “cry to mama” (YELP) like so many we disappoint in our failure to be perfect.
~The GM (we call him Steve) did NOT have an anxiety attack despite his “smoldering” appearance (I suspect drugs played a role in that triumph!)
~Crowd favorite and beloved cook “Sally” found out it WASN’T a oncoming stroke…just stress…
~The Chef (who is incredible) did NOT quit as I demanded loudly, for a straight hour “I don’t care what the f**k it is, just get all the cooked food in the window…NOW!”
~I did not smack (metaphor) the one server who couldn’t help but mumble to other servers what a disaster the night was becoming (she was right, of course, but please…STFU!)
~No servers cried (we never take that fact for granted on such a night)
~Thankfully, the arrogant and pompous “That Guy” didn’t make his return visit. Or did he? We’ll have to keep an eye on (yuck, gulp) YELP!
~I never cursed the lame (ex) cook who quit the day before, by not showing up (drugs, of a different kind?) leaving the Chef 18 hours of prep and a line cook short…
~And, everyone returned to work this morning!
We made many mistakes. But after watching the incredibly smooth final 66.6% of the evening, after one of the all time shakiest beginnings, it lends great credibility to the words of a very (very) tired, humbled, incredibly sweet and talented Chef who said
“Boss man, We needed just one more hour of preparation”
(this, after he worked better than an 80 hour week, prepared until 3AM Sunday morning, slept at the Best Western so he could be back at 9AM Sunday morning, borrowed employees and pushed a staff to their limits!)
There are always going to be those kind of days. As long as they don’t become the norm then you will be OK. That is what “Mulligans” are for. Plus they help keep you on your toes.
We thoroughly enjoyed dinner at Moonstones on Valentines Day. Thanks for opening on Sunday when you’re normally closed. The food, roses, candlelight and harpist were truly wonderful. I agree that allergies are serious business and feel for the guy that had the ball dropped on him. If he is a regular as he states I’m assuming that his allergy has been addressed successfully with your staff in the past without problem. I read his review on Yelp (where everyone is a professional restaurant critic…lol)and he made it sound as if your staff were out to murder him. It seemed like there were many servers on as well as the support staff in orange shirts so I think he’s full of crap stating that waiters were nowhere to be found. Also wondering why he is a regular if he stated the food sucked. Sounds like a blowhard to me but hey, none of your staff attempted to “murder” me that evening.
Keep up the good work. We love your restaurants.