The Hurting Folk

The lunch rush has come and gone. I’m sitting in the back sipping espresso and reading the newspaper when Rolando, our fabulous Chileno busboy, interrupts me. “You got a table up front,” he says, unenthusiastically. “How many?” I ask,...

The Waiter Speaketh!

I was a guest on Evan Kleiman’s radio show Good Food, hosted by Southern California’s own 89.9FM KCRW. The link to the show is here. I’m on the later part of the program but please listen to all the guests, it’s a great program. My new restaurant job’s interesting....

Tipping the Bus

Rolando, our fabulous Chileno busboy, is so busy acting fabulous that he’s neglecting my tables. I’ve been fetching bread and butter, refilling waters, and clearing my tables all though lunch. I’m not above doing grunt work, but Rolando’s...

Counting Coup

“Hey maricon,” the sous chef yells. “You gonna pick up your food or what?” “Where”s the food runner?” I reply. “He’s sick.” “Goddammit,” I mutter. “I still don’t know what the food...

Valentine’s Day Disaster

For restaurants, Valentine’s Day ranks with New Year’s Eve as one of the busiest night of the year. The horrible weather the Northeast and Midwest experienced today meant many couples stayed home and had candlelight dinners and thats because they’re...