Style Weekly
CCrews
Member since Apr 28, 2011
Recent Comments
Re: “Cuts Both Ways”
As someone who spent a looooong time in this business, I can see both sides. Sharing isn't such a big deal, but does impact a server who is trying to boost check average. More annoying is the customer who brings their personal dining habits into the restaurant, but fails to share them with the staff: "Where's my coffee? I always have coffee after my meal." (Real story) Don't like tomatoes? To the point that you won't eat anything that may have shared a plate with one? You need to share that. As for coupons, they have become so ingrained in consumer's minds that many won't do anything without one. The margin on a restaurant's product is already minimal, and many use a coupon or introductory offer to jump-start or infuse butts in seats. It costs up front, costs at the time of use, and costs in the end. When the offer ends, the consumer moves on to the next mailer. A better move is one like Avenue 805 (cheap date night) or regular specials that benefit both the diner and the business.
Re: “Go Richmond! Mayor Touts Tier-One Sports”
The Squirrels have been known to play games on Friday and Saturday evenings. Anyone else head to the Bottom on Friday or Saturday evenings?
Re: “Gassed”
So if you drive a gas guzzler you don't pay, but if you use no gas you pay for those who do. And if you choose to drive you have to pay for rail? I'm confused.
Re: “McDonnell: Arm Principals?”
Anonymous - The Oregon shooter was not "stopped" by a citizen. His gun jammed. And Rick James - You can cut a stick of butter with a knife, so it arguably has other purposes than killing. An Assault Weapon, on the other hand, makes a hot mess of a stick of butter.
Re: “Into the Outfield”
To Morgan: Agreed. The Squirrels are not Major League, though they have been maintaining a respectable attendance. The key, to me, is to make the site a "destination". Which brings me to Mayor Dwight: A proposal was floated a few years ago which would have brought mixed use activity/entertainment. Skatepark, Baseball, playground...The key would be to include activities that would carry throughout the year. Go to Carytown on a nice weekend and watch the families walking around. There are pockets of this all over the city. The same opportunity exists on the Boulevard. Think forward...CCrews
Re: “Into the Outfield”
There is a hardware store very close to the Diamond. It's called Pleasant's, and they've been serving Richmond for decades. I wonder what their opinion would be of this article?
I also think that part of the impetus for having the stadium in the city is to BRING PEOPLE TO THE CITY. By using the depot we would open almost 70 acres to stadium, Ashe-style arena, retail, mixed use, etc etc etc. When you look at successful models like Camden Yards or some of the better regional parks, they include attractions and activities for many types of people, and many times of year. The ballpark is but a piece of this sort of development. This would also allow us to invite local developers/entrepreneurs as opposed to sending our $ to a corporate office in goodness-knows-where.
It's called "local business", and I, for one, am a fan.
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Re: “Cuts Both Ways”
IMHO being in the restaurant business should be required - like Israelis and the military. It's a great lesson in character and humility. Sure, servers and chefs bitch. But many are true professionals, and truly passionate about what they do.
Real world? You sent your plate back because you don't like basil. You didn't hear me say basil when I took your order because you were texting.
Yes, your child is adorable, but not so much that I would wish to dispose of his diaper upon your departure. And no, your child does not belong in our kitchen. Barefoot. During service. It's your responsibility to watch him, not mine.
Just because you believe that a pork chop should be crunchy is no reason that ours will be. Granted, it will taste nothing like your mother's food, and while I'm certain she was a wonderful cook, she is not in our kitchen in a toque. And just to cut to the chase, our sweet tea and chocolate cake will taste nothing like hers.
If you don't like coconut, why did you order a coconut crusted shrimp? Just to try it? I wouldn't want you to pay for something that you didn't enjoy, but also don't want to pay to confirm your suspicion that you don't like coconut.
Chef has designed a delicious plate in a delicate cream sauce. Will he do it with a tomato sauce? Maybe. But would Gainsborough paint The Blue Boy red because red is your favorite color? Probably not.
These are real stories and indicative of what your chef and server go through every day. And for every story like this, there is one of a customer sitting back, inhaling slowly, and smiling as he or she savors the best lamb that they ever had. The chef saw that and it is going to make him or her strap on their apron tomorrow. Most servers will work a dozen horror tables for the redemption of the one who says "Thank You" with sincerity. I've often held that the best compliment that you could pay a server (aside from the obvious gratuity) is to request their service again.
If you think that restaurant people hate everyone you're wrong. They just hate you.