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Today Show!

July 30th, 2008 by Waiter

I’m going to be on The Today Show tomorrow morning! How about that? I’ll be on sometime during the eight o’clock hour! Tune in!

Posted in Uncategorized 101 Comments »

101 Responses to “Today Show!”

j wrote on 07/30/08 at 2:06 pm :

Movin’ on up, movin’ on up
Tara's Mom wrote on 07/30/08 at 2:18 pm :

Wow! Congrats!
Mary wrote on 07/30/08 at 2:32 pm :

I was going to go to the local farmers’ market, but I will wait! You’re getting the “first string” in the 8 o’clock hour, I think
K wrote on 07/30/08 at 2:41 pm :

I’m going to have set up my DVR to record your appearance. Huge congrats to you, it seems you are off and running now!!
Christa wrote on 07/30/08 at 2:49 pm :

I will be SO late for work. Who cares?

Congrats!
Nebuchadnezzar wrote on 07/30/08 at 2:53 pm :

waiter you are blowing up. congrats.
Patti wrote on 07/30/08 at 3:09 pm :

Woo Hoo!
I wonder if I can watch it online? Is Katy and Matt still hosting the show? Who’s doing the interview?
stephanie wrote on 07/30/08 at 3:11 pm :

Can’t wait to “see” you!
Tell Matt I said hi!
John wrote on 07/30/08 at 3:23 pm :

I’ll set up Tivo tonight.

I had pre-ordered the book via Amazon and it arrived yesterday. Looking forward to the weekend, sitting in a hammock and enjoying it.

Cheers to you, Steve!
Megan wrote on 07/30/08 at 3:30 pm :

DVR set! Congrats to you
gcbcman wrote on 07/30/08 at 3:34 pm :

I know I’ll get flamed for this, but here goes: Waiter has jumped the shark. The whole allure of the Waiter was that he was neck deep in the restaurant business, no one knew who he was, and his anonymity lent him a sense of invulnerability in commenting on the state of American fine dining. Now he is just one more talking head with an opinion. As he gets farther away from his actual experience, he will become less and less relevant. Waiter should have found a way to remain anonymous but make it more financially viable.
Case in point: Dilbert. When Scott Adams was actually in a cubicle farm he was funnier. Now, as he grows less and less familiar with the actual cubicle-dweller experience, he grows more and more cynical and less and less funny.
Waiter, you may be able to be more financially successful in some other iteration of your career than you were with the blog, but the hip, relevant, in-the-know, tell-it-like-it-is comrade-in-arms that we all knew and loved is dead. Long live Steve Dublanica.
Michael wrote on 07/30/08 at 3:38 pm :

Very cool. I wish I could see it (denmark) but I dont get the show here. Anyone knows of any websites were you can watch the tonight show (from outside US) online?
Michael wrote on 07/30/08 at 3:39 pm :

Today show – not Tonight Show. Do’h!
Kristina wrote on 07/30/08 at 3:58 pm :

How exciting! Congrats!
MHA wrote on 07/30/08 at 4:02 pm :

Huh. For anyone else who might try using TiVo.com to tell your TiVo to record the show, don’t look for “Today Show.” Look for “Today.” Or try this link.
barb wrote on 07/30/08 at 4:02 pm :

Dude! Congratulations!
anon wrote on 07/30/08 at 4:14 pm :

I knew that was coming. You’re really climbing up the press ladder
Jillian wrote on 07/30/08 at 4:18 pm :

Ah Waiter I’m eagerly awaiting your book arrival! Congrats on everything so far – pretty soon I can say I’ve been reading a blog since LONG before he became a famous author!
FLG wrote on 07/30/08 at 4:22 pm :

Dude, try get on Letterman. We actually get that in New Zealand
sadianne wrote on 07/30/08 at 4:25 pm :

Is that Eastern time?
duckytape wrote on 07/30/08 at 4:37 pm :

just finished the book, great stuff. Keep writing about the stories-you are very good at picking up on peoples “inner workings”
Anne wrote on 07/30/08 at 4:54 pm :

Just got your book (preordered) from Amazon. Looking forward to reading it. Should make my train rides to/from work a lot more entertaining.
Bob Dobbs wrote on 07/30/08 at 5:07 pm :

I’ll expect some good blog entries out of this, and your first book signing! Again, congratulations.
Janet wrote on 07/30/08 at 5:23 pm :

Whoohoo!!!!! An overnight success after decades
of paying those dues! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
I’m not sure, but I think encounters with the
media can be even more trying than exasperating
guests. Having been a waiter all those years,
I know you can think fast on your feet, so don’t bite that tongue. Can’t express how totally happy I am for you.
Geof F. Morris wrote on 07/30/08 at 5:45 pm :

Just polished off your book, Waiter. Should you ever make your way to America’s Rocket City [that's Huntsville, not Houston; von Braun didn't live in Texas, y'all], dinner and drinks are on me.
eleanor wrote on 07/30/08 at 6:09 pm :

you deserve this! i can’t tell you how many long, empty hours i passed at work reading your blog
Jane wrote on 07/30/08 at 6:40 pm :

Congrats! I hope you have a wonderful time!
I’m so happy for your success…anyone who writes like you should get a backstage pass to everything awesome.
Stay healthy during the book promo whirlwind, and thank you for your terrific voice!
debbie3 wrote on 07/30/08 at 7:42 pm :

lov your blog,can’t wait to read the book. things are really taking off for you now. did you know they mentioned you and your book on the The View yesterday? i think Whoppie highly recommended it.
Zayrina wrote on 07/30/08 at 7:48 pm :

Thanks for keeping us updated!
pilotgirl210 wrote on 07/30/08 at 8:23 pm :

I am soooo TiVo-ing you tonight. Hopefully your book will have arrived from Amazon when I get home from work tonight. And tomorrow I will finally be able to put a face on you, Waiter. I am so very excited for you. Just remember, I knew you when………:–)
mykl wrote on 07/30/08 at 8:34 pm :

ugh. please get a video put on your site. ill be at work
wayno wrote on 07/30/08 at 8:39 pm :

so happy for your success…but,please,don’t denigrate the profession…keep your perspective …God’s speed

love,
wayno
new cook wrote on 07/30/08 at 8:45 pm :

anyone in the new york/long island area know what channel it is on? i am not usually up that early in the morning but im not missing the interview for the world
Dr. Electro wrote on 07/30/08 at 9:06 pm :

I’ll be looking for you for sure! See you in the morning!
Jeanne wrote on 07/30/08 at 9:29 pm :

Hi Waiter!
Just received a copy of your book from Amazon. Congrats on going on The Today Show. I’ll be watching.
gailsie wrote on 07/30/08 at 9:46 pm :

Waiter:
Congrats! Enjoy the long awaited ride.
longjohn720 wrote on 07/30/08 at 10:10 pm :

If anyone is able to record this interview and post it on YouTube, I will be in your debt forever.

Congrats, Waiter!
Jay wrote on 07/30/08 at 10:11 pm :

Ok, just read the latest update over at Powell. I’ve been reading your blog for almost three years. How have I missed the fact that you have a roommate? Seriously, is it mentioned in any posts?
Bryan wrote on 07/30/08 at 10:24 pm :

I got your book today, Waiter. Can’t wait to start digging into it.
paskyhawk wrote on 07/30/08 at 10:27 pm :

Should we still call you Waiter?
kethry wrote on 07/30/08 at 10:31 pm :

congratulations on the book I’m looking forward to getting my grubby mitts on it – and i have a birthday coming up!!

Just spotted on the BBC news by the way: the Government in the UK is to change the law so that it is now illegal for employers to use the tips that restaurant staff get to meet the minimum wage – in other words, staff should get at least minimum wage PLUS tips. – see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7533863.stm for details.

good news for our side of the pond at least!

keth
xx
Notmy Realname wrote on 07/30/08 at 10:32 pm :

oooh, I’m glad I checked out the blog tonight; I will set my alarm clock so that I don’t miss this! My copy of the book is supposed to arrive tomorrow, too–what a day!
coffeesnob wrote on 07/30/08 at 10:45 pm :

Holy Sh*t!
the Today Show!?
Awesome!
I’m wicked happy for you Waiter. I wish you bushels of success.
Kristin wrote on 07/30/08 at 10:55 pm :

Congrats! And being mentioned on Entertainment Tonight ..tonight!
briliantdonkey wrote on 07/31/08 at 12:03 am :

Looking forward to seeing the interview though I will have to tivo it. I am halfway through your book and so far am enjoying it quite a bit which surprises me not at all. Congrats on having all your very hard work pay off. Is your next one going to be mediarant or fan rant? I envy you I must say, but can’t imagine how unsettling taking the mask off has to be to some degree.

Congrats again

BD
Carmen wrote on 07/31/08 at 12:12 am :

No shit?????? That’s awesome! I am so happy that I logged onto you blog tonight so now I know to DVR the show tomorrow. I’m excited to see you on T.V. I’m a long time reader and I love your blog!!!!!
BeerPup wrote on 07/31/08 at 12:46 am :

Today Show! Wonderful! But you’ve REALLY made it when you’re on The Colbert Report. Is that in the works? Hope, hope!

Really, congrats.
barb wrote on 07/31/08 at 1:04 am :

Just had to say I finished your book this evening & it’s awesome. I love your writing style & I’ve been a reader all my life. Loved the autobiographical details, they give a bit of background to reading your blog, which I am still working my way through avidly. Hope you keep writing; both blogging & another book. Hope you make the NY Times Bestseller list. You deserve it. Wonderful work!
Natalie wrote on 07/31/08 at 1:33 am :

I’m not going to be awake then, someone needs to upload this to youtube.
shelley wrote on 07/31/08 at 3:17 am :

Hey there! I just randomly came across your blog tonight! Who knew you were famous? Not me! Wow, you’re gonna be on the Today Show! I’ve just set my Tivo and I can’t wait to see it! I used to be a waitress…I’ve done some pretty bad stuff, but…wow! I’m impressed! Congrats on your sucess!!!
Shelley
shelley wrote on 07/31/08 at 3:20 am :

Sorry that I misspelled “success”! Oops!
calagal wrote on 07/31/08 at 5:02 am :

reading over all enties , makes me wonder whos a waiter.No waiter with pride would give it up. and this writer, no idea what said, but our code is bigger than cops . I just had to check it out ..because it was in paper. Any good waiter that works in a good place ,doesn;t talk. zi am the first to write about bad tippers, but we dont talk about our clients. ThATS A no _ no_!!bIG tIME! i GOT GREAT CLIENT STORIES!
CALAGAL1 wrote on 07/31/08 at 5:04 am :

reading over all enties , makes me wonder whos a waiter.No waiter with pride would give it up. and this writer, no idea what said, but our code is bigger than cops . I just had to check it out ..because it was in paper. Any good waiter that works in a good place ,doesn;t talk. zi am the first to write about bad tippers, but we dont talk about our clients. ThATS A no _ no_!!bIG tIME! i GOT GREAT CLIENT STORIES!
CALAGAL1 wrote on 07/31/08 at 5:05 am :

IS THIS A WAITERS BLOG? i AM CONFUSED?
CALAGAL1 wrote on 07/31/08 at 5:13 am :

WAIT TILL WE FIND OUT ABOUT YOU. lOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY WHEN i CAN FACE YOU IN FRONT OF MATT LAUER AND ASK YOU REAL QUESTIONS…ABOUT WAITING ON TABLES mr> , NO YOU HAVE nO IDEA WHAT GOES ON,.
CALAGAL1 wrote on 07/31/08 at 5:14 am :

….WAIT TILL WE FIND OUT ABOUT YOU. lOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY WHEN i CAN FACE YOU IN FRONT OF MATT LAUER AND ASK YOU REAL QUESTIONS…ABOUT WAITING ON TABLES mr> , NO YOU HAVE nO IDEA WHAT GOES ON,.
Anonymous wrote on 07/31/08 at 7:23 am :

started your book thank you for trying to explain to everyone what we go thru. This should be required reading for ever person on the planet. Congrats.

Stephanie,New Jersey
jocdat wrote on 07/31/08 at 8:27 am :

I just read about you this morning in USA Today and OMG! As a former waiter who last waited on tables back in 1995 still have waiter nightmares!!!

The most recent one was when I was a host, waiter and a cook all at the same time while new arrivals were piling up at the door and customers were impatiently waiting for their food or for my attention. Talk about night sweats!

Trust me, those dreams will never go away. (College exam nightmares never go away either.)

Looking forward to your book and reliving my waiter experiences!
Amberly wrote on 07/31/08 at 8:37 am :

I am watching you on the today show. It’s surreal to finally put a face and name to the ‘waiter’. I didn’t like how they described you as an angry waiter. You sure don’t look so angry, but I guess I wouldn’t be either if I were in your shoes. Look forward to reading your book. And congrats on your success thus far. I wish you the best.
JoeyfromVA wrote on 07/31/08 at 8:42 am :

Watching u on Today Show now! thanks for writing this book!

I agree about the cellphones! SO annoying!
becky in PA wrote on 07/31/08 at 8:43 am :

holy shit, !! your on tv!! with matt lauer!!

i am sitting here drinking my morning coffee and wow. there you are.

congratulations for you success.

(i left the biz after 15 yrs of insanity and now i just play with taxes….glad you are having more fun!)
sara wrote on 07/31/08 at 8:45 am :

just saw you on the show.
fantastic job!!
kathee wrote on 07/31/08 at 8:46 am :

nice interview. congratulations.
Notmy Realname wrote on 07/31/08 at 8:46 am :

I just caught you on the Today show–excellent job! Can’t wait for the postman to bring my copy of your book,,,,
Susan Johnston wrote on 07/31/08 at 8:46 am :

I just saw you on The Today Show! You did great. I was on the show last year with Ann Curry and know how much fun you had.

I was a flight attendant for 18 years and YES-pls and thank you are HUGE!

Great job!
http://www.PrincessBubble.com
Leia wrote on 07/31/08 at 8:47 am :

OMG. The guy who was interviewing you was a total douche!

But great job .
Rebeka Allen wrote on 07/31/08 at 8:50 am :

Is it you or the people who are interviewing you that are directing the conversations toward waiter revenge? Your website and book are about so much more than that; it’s annoying and disappointing, Steve.
Steven wrote on 07/31/08 at 8:50 am :

Great showing! I just watched you on the show, and I’m simply adding to the great tirade of comments saying the same thing, but it was very strange to see a face to ‘The Waiter’. Also, you do not look anywhere near like the image I expected. Surprisingly kindly face for the 1000 yard stare to come out of. Have the UK copy on it’s way, can’t wait and I’m eager to see what sort of entries come up on the blog now that you will have passive income.
Donna wrote on 07/31/08 at 8:50 am :

Nice meeting you waiter! I just finished watching you and you did a great job.

Here’s to a bestselling book!
Jill Smith wrote on 07/31/08 at 8:50 am :

Hello! I just saw your segment on Today show. I was interested to hear your take on being a server. I was in the Food and Beverage industry for a long time and I have seen numerous rude customers. Most of the little things I could blow right off, cuz after all…It was my JOB to serve them. Now and again there was a real doozy that needed to be put in his place. Of course, I never had the guts to do any of the things you talk about! If your book scares one of them straight it was well worth the read! Congrats on your success!
brian wrote on 07/31/08 at 8:51 am :

New to the blog. Loved you on TV, you did great. Though I must say Matt Laurer outted himself as a jerk off customer. I say we call on all waiters to pass on some flatulence on the egotistical bastard. Smarmy prick that he is, he seemed to truly believe people would spit in his food. You should have asked him if he would like interviewing someone while they were using their cell phone!!!

Again, thanks for representing us. Run for congress.
Letha wrote on 07/31/08 at 8:56 am :

Waiter…I watched you on the Today Show this morning and I thought you were really cool. I had a roomate that worked for a very well-known restaurant for about ten years. She complained about all of the same things that you do. I love your attitude. I’m looking for a job right now. But I’m going to buy the book with my first paycheck…and I promise to stay clear of a job in the restaurant industry…lol. Thanks and good luck.
Maria wrote on 07/31/08 at 9:23 am :

Waiter, left late for work to catch you on the Today Show. You did great. Have been a fan for a long time. Congrats on your newest stage in life! All the best!
Suzanne wrote on 07/31/08 at 9:26 am :

OK so my husband texted me asking “are you related to a guy named Steve? I just saw him on the Today show!”….Dublanica is my maiden name, my dad grew up in Ridgefield Park NJ….and I too have been a used and abused waitperson…it’s in the blood!
Patti wrote on 07/31/08 at 9:30 am :

I just went to the today show site and found out that us UK fans can watch the Waiters interview after 11:00am eastern.. so add the 5 hours difference it should be 4:00pm over here. I can’t wait!
Be Rich wrote on 07/31/08 at 9:40 am :

YES!!! I was just about to comment that I missed the interview cause of the time zone difference, but it’s 8:00 in Chicago right now, and it’s about to come on!

Planning on running out and getting your book later today too! Thanks for the awesome reads in the past, and please keep it up for the future!
Carrie wrote on 07/31/08 at 9:46 am :

Great job!!!!! You seemed right at home with Matt! What a natural on TV. Here’s wishing you great success.
PS I work 3rd shift and stayed up an extra hour to catch you. Just happened to check your blog before I hit the sack. Time well spent!
MHA wrote on 07/31/08 at 9:47 am :

Five minutes on-screen with Matt Lauer! Terrific job… I really enjoyed seeing the real you, and you stayed in good form throughout the interview. Not everyone lasts that long on screen and comes across so well.

Hope it’s OK if I keep calling you “Waiter” instead of “Steve.”

My copy of the book showed up yesterday, too. Looking forward to thumbing through it. Best of luck with sales!
Valerie wrote on 07/31/08 at 9:48 am :

I just watched you on the show. Very professional!! I’m so excited about getting this book. I’m also telling all of my server friends about it!!
Big Sexy wrote on 07/31/08 at 10:14 am :

As I said in one of your previous posts, when does the movie come out? Well deserved Waiter. My darling husband is even going to break away from his mystery novels and read your book.
Elisse wrote on 07/31/08 at 11:09 am :

Just watched your interview on the Today show’s website! You were lovely! You really handled yourself well and answered Matt’s rather ungracious questions with poise, and you were very easy and natural! I was so impressed. It’s so nice to put a voice and a face with the name. Best of luck with the book sales!
Cisco wrote on 07/31/08 at 11:26 am :

Sitting here wating for the segment to start (West Coast Time).
Seeing your face brings the rality of your past job to all who thought you as “The ultimate waiter” someone who you see in movies, tall, well built, blonde, model looking. Not to say that you are not any of those things, but you look the average person that most waiters (waitresses) are. I was one of them too.
Anonymous wrote on 07/31/08 at 11:38 am :

I’ve been lurking here for a year +, enjoying your blog, and then anticipating the book release. Today was a real thrill, actually seeing the face & name belonging to the very funny, talented Waiter! Wishing you much success…and yes, I plan to buy your book.:o)
leesepea wrote on 07/31/08 at 11:42 am :

Watching you right now!

WOW!!!!
Ana wrote on 07/31/08 at 12:00 pm :

Great job on the today show, Waiter! Matt just wouldn’t get off the “are you going to spit on my food?” thing (idiot) and you handled it beautifully.
Patti wrote on 07/31/08 at 12:27 pm :

I just watched it and you were great.
Bruce Small wrote on 07/31/08 at 12:35 pm :

Graet job handling Matt’s inane questions. You were poised.
Natalie wrote on 07/31/08 at 12:38 pm :

Congratulations, Waiter…Steve…um, that’s gonna take some time getting used to.

I can’t wait till your book gets here!
Lee wrote on 07/31/08 at 12:39 pm :

Nice job on TODAY. Looking forward to reading your book. I have not watched TODAY in years and I was amazed at how much hair Matt has lost.
Food Service Ninja wrote on 07/31/08 at 12:46 pm :

I think you did good but WTF is Lauer’s obsession with spit. Its not like the stuff is toxic if it was french kissing wouldnt be a common practice -I know I have had to wait enough times for guests to disengage to offer em refills or desserts
Mary wrote on 07/31/08 at 1:03 pm :

Wow. Just went and watched. Very nice! Yeah, lauer has a strange obsession with reverting back to spitting in food.

The piece from the book in the article was absoloutely amazing. I cant wait to pick up this book.

Youre so awesome!
Shannon B. wrote on 07/31/08 at 1:21 pm :

IS THERE MORE THAN ONE TODAY SHOW??? :@

I tivo’d it, watched the whole thing, and there was NO Waiter. I am so so so bummed.

Crass.
Shannon B. wrote on 07/31/08 at 1:32 pm :

But I’m okay now because I just found it online on MSNBC.

Phew.

This is my second ever comment (second to the one above) and had to say that it’s great to have seen your face at long last.

Sigh.
C. S. wrote on 07/31/08 at 1:46 pm :

Loved watching you on The Today Show – you’re a living doll and multi-talented too!!! Way to go – congratulations!
Bec wrote on 08/1/08 at 12:23 am :

I just watched the segment on The Today Show. Am I the only one who thought you would look older? You talk like a sophisticated retired lawyer who you can usually find in a comfy chair in his library smoking a pipe. You look much younger than I imagined. Picking the book up today! Thanks for the entertainment, I hope you keep up the blog!
Rebeka Allen wrote on 08/1/08 at 1:22 am :

I’m going to have to agree with gcbcman
mimi wrote on 08/1/08 at 1:55 am :

I have been a waitress for over 20 years. Restaurant tales are all fine and good but they rarely translate to the masses. Talk of crop-dusting should remain within the walls of the establishment. I just caught the clip from the today show and was not impressed.
SGT Mac wrote on 08/1/08 at 2:42 am :

any chance you’ll be posting a copy of the interview on youtube for those of us who missed it?
Lacy wrote on 08/1/08 at 12:30 pm :

Hope there’s enough wait staff personnel to buy your book and pay your rent for awhile. Kind of like a one trick pony huh?
Oh PHULESSE wrote on 08/1/08 at 5:57 pm :

Something tells me Lacy is a writer who never got her book published! Hater!
Jim in Minn wrote on 08/2/08 at 11:37 pm :

If you missed the Today Show on TV, you can watch The Waiter’s interview online here:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/28933/nbc-today-show-server-dishes-on-revenge

or just search Google videos for “Dublanica” and there he is

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