The Daily Grind

I realize it's been a few days since my last post and that makes me realize that life at BT is finally settling into a normal routine. It has only been since this 5th month of being open that we (I) have felt that work is not fraught with peril on a daily basis. Our crews are finally what we hoped for (for the most part...) and are working well together; we have started to recognize a pleasantly regular clientel at lunch and dinner; ordering has become easier - although I do have 3 bottles of Level as backup, for some unknown reason - and while every day/week still brings new challenges, we seemed to have reached a point where it's now just a job like any other. I say that because so many people comment to me how "Restaurant work is so Hard". My response is always the same - it's not that much different than any other job except maybe the hours. Plus, the advantage is that we generally see people when they are in a good mood - they are in our establishment because they want to be, not because they are in pain as in the dentist's chair or in trouble as in the law office or out of milk as in the grocery store. We get people when they are happy - usually - and our job is to to keep them that way. Sometimes that is not easy, but still, we have a head start when they choose to walk through our doors. Sure, we have to work on Saturday night - but that's when it is most exciting. I do miss having a social life, although now that we are back at it, I really don't want a social life on my days off anymore...I spend so much time being "social" in the workplace! I actually have the best job of all, since I spend the majority of service walking around listening to people tell me how great the food is!! I reap the benefits of the Kitchen's hard efforts!! (Although I also bear the brunt of the problems too, like complaints of underdone pork, overdressed salad, too slow service - all of which and more occurred last night.)

Anyway, it's 10:45. Time to get ready for lunch. It's still raining; it's Saturday of Hallowe'en weekend (I suppose they canceled the Parade in town); I think it will be quiet. But don't worry, we'll find something to do. There's always something to do.