THE HAPPY NEW YEAR CATCH UP BLOG

Written by  ,     January 2, 2014     Posted in Fun, Restaurant

Man, the holidays are so much like what else? You can’t wait for them to get here, and so happy to see them done! Full of spirit, and gifts, and cookies, and cocktails, and friends, and decisions, and stress, and expense, and family…whew!

I have notes to share with you…cocktail napkins, emails to self, cell phone note pad…

Both Stones had record years. The final numbers are not yet tallied, but, highest customer counts, highest check averages, highest sales, and, from where I sit–best performances by two incredible staffs. Stay tuned, as always, as to how we will be even better this year.

Someone I know who owns a restaurant not far away from here, is struggling, and asked that I stop by to see how she can improve things. I stopped by. Now, I struggle. Tell the truth and risk losing a friend, or, say, well, not-so-much? I wish I could say more good things…

Another guy I know is doing better, but not much. Tough one. Great history, great guy, lousy risotto.

Another guy I know wants us to open a restaurant in his building, not so far from here. Lots of potential. He even had a senator call us and offer his great support. Are Campaign promises akin to Champagne promises?

I love, after years of insecurities or giant egos or chemical dependencies or just bullshit, to have TWO head chefs who say “Yes.” No argument (perhaps discussion, and always welcome), no passive-aggressive cooperation, no behind the back-change of course, just a commitment to the guest, the owner, the team. Yes is a great word. Yes, yes, yes, even better.

A chef cubes, oils and salts the butternut squash, then bakes it. The bottom scorches. The unintended result? Squash Caramel. Like candy. “Step away from my squash Plath”

DBGB, NYC. My new favorite restaurant. And, the food is good, but not ALL THAT. Badass design..wait…did I blog about this already? Pink and tastes good…does that ring a bell? (Sparkling Rose)

I think, that Diner waitresses all go to Diner Finishing College, where they learn the perfetc and ubiquitous way to say “Honey.” Like, “Do you want more coffee, honey?” “Do you want some pie, honey?”, “Do you need some change, honey?” Seriously. It’s like, Ciao in Italy, Shalom in Israel, J’eet in Georgia. I wanted so bad to order tea….

Cobblestones count down to 20 years is underway, and please SAVE THE DATE, for a week-end long celebration in June–culminating on Father’s Day!

We were closed on New Year’s Day–so both Staffs could enjoy their holiday parties with each other, and, today, thanks to the snow!

Hopefully, back at it Friday night, for the first day of a new, “best ever” year, 2014!

Peace, and thank you all (so much) for making us special!

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