Here is the Quiz

Last week I got a lot of interest in the espagnole sauce. This week I don't know what will happen but let's give it a whirl and test your knowledge again. I am going to stay clear of Larousse this week.

1. Omelet Rossini has what two ingredients mixed with the beaten eggs before the omelet is prepared? Also added is a small amount of Demi-glace poured over the bottom of the plate to complete the presentation.

2. A Mousseline sauce is a Hollandaise sauce to which what is added to it just before serving?

3. A Maltaise sauce is a Hollandaise sauce that has what added to it? It is a speciality for asparagus.

4. When you paner meat , fish , or potatoes , what are you doing? In other words what does the french word paner mean?

5. Okay for all you cooks and chefs out there here is a good one. At what temperature is most bacteria killed providing that the product has been held at this temperature for a sufficient length of time? Celsius or Farenheit is acceptable.

Okay these answers should be straightforward. Let's see how you do.

A Logical Answer

The other day someone asked me why we don't serve pasta or vegetarian dishes.
My response was that we are a steakhouse. Their reply was I guess you are right , this is a steakhouse.

Whenever someone ask you an obvious question give them the logical answer.

End of story.

What I Like About Where I Work That is Different

For most of my waiting days I have been a part of a small team. In fact sometimes where I have worked I have been the only guy working on the floor so I had to be there no matter what. Other times someone may have called in sick and I was the only other guy that could come in and replace that person on a short notice.

Well yesterday we were getting our windows replaced and workers were everywhere and the place was cold. The phone rings at 2PM and it is work. I let it ring and have a discussion with the wife about going in last night. I think I could make some extra money so I decide to call back I guess it was about 30 minutes later.

They already found someone to cover the shift. No I wasn't disappointed but I did feel an obligation to call back to see if they still needed someone. I would have come into work.

That is what I like. They found someone else to cover the shift. I guess that is the advantage of having many employees who work part time as opposed to full time. I didn't mind cause I will be starting tomorrow night on 6 in a row.

What about where you work? When they need someone does the buck stop with you and pretty much you have to go in no matter what or is there enough people on the payroll so that someone who wants to go in will cover the shift , taking the onus off you?

I Did Everything I Could Do To Walk Out With $70 Last Night

I upsold on the size of steak. I upsold to and sold again our big 9 oz glass of wine. I asked if people wanted a salad to go along with that and sold some of those. I made sure as many people drank coffee and ordered dessert as possible. I got some add-ons to what they already ordered to push higher the bill.

The only problem was I only had 4 tables the whole evening.........

Christmas Party

Well our windows are getting replaced today so I am off this computer shortly but here is a question for you.

We are having our Christmas party as a big buffet before we start work at 5 that evening on the 20th. It is a family thing with Santa there and everything. My wife however always has hers' after Christmas.

I prefer it before Christmas no matter how busy it is.

Assuming your employer holds a party for Christmas do you prefer it after the rush in January or in December when the holiday spirit is still around us?

20 Years Ago Already

I was talking with a young busser last night and he overheard me talking with a new waiter about my travels. Then I began to realize that it was 20 years ago that I was finishing up my second contract in Switzerland. It was a great time there as I got the chance to see Switzerland and take some side trips to neighbouring countries like Austria , Germany , France , and Italy.

In Austria I did some whitewater rafting in Innsbruck and saw beautiful Salzburg where Mozart was born. Experienced the fast train called the TGV between Lausanne and Paris. Also the train between Brig in Switzerland and Dommodosola in Italy that takes place mostly in a tunnel through a mountain between the two stops. The Glacier Express between St Moritz and Brig as well which is an all day rail excursion with beautiful scenery along the way.

One of my favourite places to visit in Germany was Munich as well as the mountain resort of Garmisch-Partinkirchen where one of the first Winter Olympics were held. That goes for St.Moritz as well.

There is a lot more and as I was talking to this busser who couldn't be 20 years old yet he was mentioning he had a passion to see New Zealand. Now there is a place along with Australia I would love to go someday. Maybe when the kids are a bit older.

But I said to him that now is the time to find out how he can get there. Maybe he can get a temporary visa and work there. Go to the embassy and find out more information. Nowadays with the internet it is so much easier to find out how you can do things quicker. I added that now when you are young is the time , not later when you have other responsibilities going on.

I hope he acts on his dream instead of letting it slip away. I know I acted on nearly all of mine. I really can't ask for anything else. Time moves on irregardless of what decisions we make. Putting off things till another day is still a decision.

I remember this book I read when I was in sales and it had a motivational thought that said , whatever you want to do, "Do It Now."

In fact I think I was about 18 when I gave my Dad this saying for a present in the form of a desk accessory. It wasn't so much like he needed to hear that but rather my enthusiasm for what I just learned on how my life was going to be lived. That saying has always been stuck in my mind even up to now.

Now obviously I cannot be as impulsive as I used to be. I have other people to consider. But for those of us who are on the verge of making some life decisions , consider doing it now rather than later or at least setting a deadline for getting it done. Then once you have done it whether it turns out good or bad you can cross it off your list.

What things are on your list no matter how wild they are that you would like to do? Love to hear what your thoughts are.

So Where is the Rush This Year?

I am sure it is going to happen but when? Last night I had 5 women sit in my section for close to 3 hours which didn't help things but what the heck after 8:30 no one was coming in anyway. I did a measly 17 covers and walked out of there with $82.

So I got home and checked last November and what a whopping difference. At the current rate at which I am making money this month it looks like I will be down about $700 and my wife another 3-$400 compared to last year at this time. A big difference when you consider this is supposed to be a busy time of year and with Christmas coming.......

You know like I mentioned a few posts ago about the average joe out there having less money , it was on the news the other day that there was an increase of 46% bankruptcies over last year this time. But there was only a 1.6% increase in business bankruptcies , the rest were personal.

Bingo there is the problem and I do not think it is getting better anytime soon. Throw in the fact that most people don't want to go out for fear someone will cough in their face and they will get the flu. It is like a double whammy.

You know if we want to cater to 95% of the masses and make a relatively good income from waitering in the future we will have to serve a 100 people a day. Just hang up our diplomas , certificates and degrees and start thinking of working in the soup and sandwich places. Forget the high end a la carte and fine dining places.

Will that be a BLT with the soup of the day and a coffee? Get them in and out in 15-25 minutes so they can get to their second job by 1pm. Then catch them for their burger and salad at 7PM before they head to their third job at 8.

Hey don't laugh , with prices going up , income going down , people retiring , there will be lots of low paying jobs out there for everyone to choose from. Soon the majority will have to work at many jobs just to make enough to get by or have a bit extra.

The people who have been living way beyond their means will have to cut back and that will not be easy. Marriages will crumble , society will become less empathetic , more grab and take without any thought for their fellow person. Children will be sent out to work earlier cause the family needs the money or they will just move out and forgo school.

Oh yeah fun times ahead! Let's see what December brings. I say the rush doesn't begin till December 10th this year and it will die again the 22nd when everyone heads off in different directions or the small office party takes place.

What do you think?