Safe to say that whomever “scheduled” New Year’s Eve so close to Christmas didn’t run restaurants!
That said, every single year at Cobblestones, the phones “ramp up” in November, we decorate on the 1st of December, functions kick into high gear, we run at 50% busier than normal, squeeze in some personal parties, get some shopping done for our own a couple of days before Christmas, and finally take a day off to give and receive, enjoy family..catch a nap maybe…then…time to plan New Year’s Eve!!
5 days, to execute 150 special dinners, and throw a party that protects our reputation as “entertainment specialists!” And, this does not happen without the help and commitment and expertise of many.
Somehow, Chef Paul and his staff planned and executed an incredible menu on the heels of an incredibly busy December, in addition to party food, in addition to the kick ass “Chinese breakfast buffet” that closed out the night at 1AM leaving folks cooing about the scrambled eggs (don’t scoff, they’re special) and the boneless spare ribs. (oh man.)
And on Tuesday prior, we had 50 commitments and “props” on the way from California.
On Wednesday, 70 commitments, and a popcorn machine secured by Manager Kelli Robarge from cousin Mark Deschene of Dracut’s Future Stars.
On Thursday, closing in on 100, and an incredible commitment of “at least 8 paparazzi” photographers from our friends Maxine Farkas and the incredible folks at Western Ave Studios.
On Friday, “about 140 confirmed”, and projectors set up by our friends Suze and Brett Cromwell of Lowell Film Collaborative, who did an incredible job putting together a film montage of classic movie trailers to project on two floors, Velvet Rope from our great friends at Lowell Auditorium, and Yemen’s work by a staff of exhausted yet inspired folks, directed by our tireless GM Robin Dupell, who kicked ass from the beginning of the month, to the beginning of the New Year, all the while smiling, and appreciating and delivering to our guests. It was an incredible party, and an amazing way to begin a new year.
Here’s wishing all of them and all of you an amazing 2011!!
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