If You are Rude...

Before going into the title subject, I'd like to give a brief update on weather:  It's freaking' 98'F!!! No end in sight.  WTF!  What happened to spring? Well, at least it's not tornadoes here.

And now for something completely different:  A tale from the restaurant: One of the rules listed in our menu says "If you are polite, we're polite. If you are  rude, we'll  politely ask you to leave."  It's been busy since the holiday and families with little ones not yet in school have been spending time at the beach. And at Dos Locos. At some point today we went to a waiting list because there was no room in the main dining room and not enough staff available to open the private dining room. There were quite a few reservations, so those tables could not be sat.

A family of 7 arrive and are not in the mood to wait for a table. A loud woman bickers with me, pointing to various empty tables and making seating suggestions that are outside of the fire codes.  I explain the reservation situation and she is not moved.  She wants to be seated and served. I tell her to calm down and I'll take care of everything. As she continues to point and demand I try to ignore her as I handle those on the waiting list and those with reservations arriving to be seated.

She is relentless and finally I throw up my arms and tell her again that the wait is 30 minutes.  Does she want to give me her name or go elsewhere. She is indignant, puffing herself up like an old hen, but finally gives me her name.  However, though her party goes out to sit on a bench, she remains - arms folded, eyes shooting daggers in my direction -  as she watches all those tables she wanted fill up. She is not having a pleasant time. She tries to interrupt me pointing to yet another empty table.  She just doesn't get it.

Meanwhile, servers were asked to come in early so the private dining room could be opened. Minutes later as I tell her we could seat her party, she bolts through the doors (almost knocking down incoming customers.)  She doesn't care.  As I led the party to a fine table and explained the menus, she stood, arms folded, as the rest of the party sat down.  She was not done.

"I want you to know that I am not happy that you were rude to me in front of my family." There were 3 other large parties already in the room, and she was playing to an audience. I asked how she thought my behavior rude.  She clucked her tongue and said that I had embarrassed her in front of her children.  I looked at the others seated and realized that they wanted to crawl into a hole and pretend they didn't know her. "No," I said, "if anyone is embarrassed at this table it is due to your behavior, not mine. If anything, you have shown your children how not to behave in public." I thought my response a bit harsh and that she would leave. She bristled, but made no move to leave.  "Well, what do you have to say for all this?" she asked.  She is beet red at this point and wants some sort of apology.  You know, the customer is always right.  Wrong. She ain't gonna get it.

"It seems clear to me at this point that you've made a fool of yourself, not only in front of your family, but the others in this dining room who don't give a fig for your attitude, either." I looked into her eyes and said in the most calm tone I could muster,  "If you choose to dine here again, you will be gracious and allow me to do my job unhindered by your hysterical, bullying nonsense. Enjoy you meal."  I smiled and walked away.

About 5 minutes later, the boss was at the station with me as a woman appeared (she was part of that awful party); she leaned over to touch my shoulder and attempted to shove a $20. bill into my hand.  The boss noticed. "What's all this about."  I ignored him.  The woman said that I deserved this for putting up with her friend's rant.  I told her that these things happen at times, and I'm not one to step down.  She (still trying to force the bill into my palm) said she appreciated my handling of the situation, my kindness and patience with that woman.  Now, the boss is beside himself with curiosity and wants a full report.  I am not about to give it. The woman gives him a brief history.  I am not going to take this woman's money,  The boss intervenes saying, we'll give it to your server.  After all, he has to deal with her from now on."  The woman put the bill in his hand, smiled, and gave me a kiss on the cheek. Under her breath, so  the boss couldn't hear, she whispered, "she deserved what you gave her, and then some.  Thank you."

The boss was not satisfied and insisted on details.  I refused to give any. He was not happy.  He'll get over it. I took care of a situation to the best of my ability and there was no reason to rehash, or relive it. Who would want to do that, anyway?

And so it goes.

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Safety Dance: We Can Dance

Just what I needed today.  Great fun tribute to dance in Hollywood films.



More later.
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Memorial Weekend: Drained and Over It.

There is not much to add to the title.   Yes, by any standards this was the best Memorial weekend in years. Mainly due to the misfortune of those areas still to recover from Hurricane Sandy last year. There were many more visitors from NY and NJ this weekend.  They seemed puzzled by the tiny size of RB: the short boardwalk, and small arcade and Funland rides.

Still, records were broken by many stores and restaurants over the past 4 days, so aside from myself - and other worker bees - the world is a happy place. Since Thursday I have logged more than 40 hours on the job. The usual is about 24 -26, tops. But, it was all good.

Sadly, I never did connect with the bloggers visiting for the holiday weekend. I hope they had a great time and very sorry I couldn't catch up and enjoy some down time with them. I sent a text message to Sassy Bear asking about any plans. I didn't receive a reply and that turned out to be just as well. It was so busy at the restaurant that I remained on site until rather late, which would have made it impossible to be a part of whatever plans, if any, were made. I just hope they enjoyed their visit and not put off by the madness that is summer at the beach.

Gratefully, today was a bit more low key with slightly less than 200 diners served  at lunch. My relief was a no-show (he was stuck in traffic having driven visiting family members to Phila Int'l Airport in the morning.) Poor guy. I was on auto-pilot for the last 3 hours on the job tonight.

Physically drained - have the bruises to prove it - and emotionally I just feel like so many nerve endings short circuiting all at once. If you could listen to my heart right now, you'd probably hear something like rice crispies - snap, crackle and pop - with no audible heartbeat to speak of.

The place was filling up again, so I didn't stay for my after shift drink. Walked home in quiet, peaceful surroundings and about to prepare a few olives for the evening. I am not hungry nor in the mood to prepare some dazzling recipe, anyway. Maybe after I come down, a bit of cheese and small salad would fill the bill.

I look forward to my one day off tomorrow. Errands to run, but by afternoon it will be chill-time around these parts.

The next book on the Kindle is "Slaughter House Five" which I haven't read in many years.  I hope I am up to the challenge.

And so it goes.
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Memorial Weekend: Two Down - Two to Go.

Yesterday was very busy, or so I thought, but today brought in twice the crazy and in spades. The weather was no help. Cold, windy, and while sunny, it was not a beach day.  They had to go somewhere, if you get my drift. My entire body is whimpering from the long day of handling the extremely high volume of daytime diners.  We served over 300 today alone. It wouldn't surprise me if they served double that tonight.  Seriously.

Two bartenders, double kitchen staff, a full compliment of servers, the GM, the bosses, and me did (I think) a miraculous job keeping things running smoothly. Chaos and disorder were held at bay, at least today.  Who knows what's in store for the evening, I dare not venture a guess.  At least I am not part of that.

Sassy Bear, his Honey and Ron (Retired in Delaware) showed up mid-afternoon at the height of the madness when we had a waiting list 2 pages long for tables in the dining room.  ( I warned Ron in advance about the tourists and traffic - not 2 of his faves, but he didn't listen.) They found themselves a table at the hi-tops in the bar and I had only a brief few seconds with them, damn it!  Sassy had sent a few texts about this evening's loose plans, but I was so busy I didn't have time to read any til I was wobbling home at 5:30, yes, almost 2 hours past my usual shift time.

I am too beat to join them tonight - I would be no fun.  So I sent a text asking that we meet for drinks/dinner tomorrow after my shift; I really want to see everyone and have a little personal time for myself. Tonight and tomorrow were both options, but I don't know their schedule.  They're staying with Mark (Tales of the Sissy) in Lewes (I'd love to see him and his honey, too.) so I am hoping that Sassy can come up with a solution. Of course, his most famous solution involves Vodka and is called a Cosmopolitan. Stay tuned.

Speaking of work, Sunday looks to be a duplicate of today, while Monday is usually a busy lunch tapering off by 7 or 8 pm as the weekenders head home to await the end of the school year. I will be grateful for the day of rest on Tuesday.

And so it goes.
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Scrabble Caturday

Best thing for a day like this one.

More later.
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Weather I'm Right, Whether I'm Wrong...

I think I can safely say that this Winter/Spring weather has been f**king nuts! The kickoff of the holiday weekend was anything but what was forecast.  Temps didn't get above 55'F and the winds blew at a constant 25mph - all day.  It made traveling to the beaches a slow and tedious journey.

It didn't have an adverse effect here in Rehoboth; the regulars and tourists came as expected. We served more than 200 at lunch today and reservations are closed through Monday.

I believe that folks just felt the need to get away from where ever, get to the beach (even in dreary weather - a bad day at the beach is better than a good day anywhere else) and just chill.  That's what I experienced all day and it's bound to continue through the weekend. Sun or no Sun!  But I do hope the Sun makes an extended appearance by tomorrow.

I didn't hang around for my after-shift cocktail tonight; the bar was crowded and noisy. Met a few co-workers for Happy Hour nearby. Not loud and we had seats at the bar.  Sipped wine and munched on Crab dip with toasted French bread points, and a cheese platter while unwinding. Ran into a few regular customers there, too.  Seems the bar at DL was way too loud and crowded for them, as well. We enjoyed their company.

As luck would have it, the rain stopped briefly as I headed for home, then, as if on cue, began pouring again as I opened the door.  Oh, I had an umbrella, but believe me, that would have been of no use had I been caught in this deluge.

Home now, safe and dry. About to prepare stuffed mushrooms for supper. Will probably skip the cocktail and have another class of wine tonight, instead.

Cheers, anyway.

And so it goes.
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Incoming!!!

My stars! They've begun to arrive - already.

The amount of traffic on Route 1 (Coastal Highway)  more than doubled today. Getting an early start to the tan, partying, and summer seems to be the goal of everyone who walked through the doors of the restaurant today. I gather they are all shedding cabin fever from this most bizarre winter/spring.

Rental agents report a 30% rise in weekly rentals this year over last.  Seems the damage that Sandy left in New York and New Jersey will cause an influx of visitors from those states to Delaware. Many beaches in NJ are private or charge admission to sunbathe and swim. Not here.  In Rehoboth at least, they are also in for a real culture shock. Homophobes are not suffered gladly here. Welcome to Rehoboth Beach, where men are men and women, too!  Yes, it's still a family resort, but that means ALL families.

Never mind, we are ready for whatever comes our way. (I think I write that every year.)

The day off yesterday was less than productive - being thwarted at every turn in the hot, humid weather - so I decided not to pout or get pissy, and I took myself to an early dinner at Outback.  It was cool there, the two glasses of wine were buzz-inducing and relaxing, the Bloomin' Onion (cardiac alert!) was crispy heaven, and the filet & lobster tail with grilled asparagus was absolutely the best medicine for this tired ol' body - and mind.

Amazingly, the apartment was still cool when I arrived, so no need for the AC. Took a long shower and climbed into bed to read for about an hour.Fans moved the air around and as the outside temps went down, it was most comfortable for sleeping. Perfect ending to a less than stellar day.  But, I didn't care.  Everything will get done...eventually.

And so it goes.
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The Best Organ Solo Ever: Manzarek Live in Boston, 1970.

No words are necessary, they'd only get in the way.

I am feeling very young tonight.  Played a few "Doors" CDs and many events came back to life.

Alive with many memories of that time.

And so it goes.

R.I.P. Ray Manzarek Founding Member of The Doors

This is so sad. Ray was a true classic rock innovator of the 60s and gave The Doors their signature sound.
Some say he was the best keyboardist of the period. For me it's hard to say since they flamed out pretty early with Jim's death. But, no doubt about it, Ray was a unique and inventive musician. I loved his work.

Here's the obit from the Band's Face Book page:

Ray Manzarek, keyboardist and founding member of The Doors, passed away Monday at 3:31 p.m. EST at the age of 74 after a lengthy battle with bile duct cancer.
At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his wife Dorothy Manzarek, and his brothers Rick and James Manczarek.Manzarek is best known for his work with The Doors who formed in 1965 when Manzarek had a chance encounter on Venice Beach with poet Jim Morrison. The Doors went on to become one of the most controversial rock acts of the 1960s, selling more than 100-million albums worldwide, and receiving 19 Gold, 14 Platinum and five multi-Platinum albums in the U.S. alone. “L.A.Woman,” “Break On Through to the Other Side,” “The End,” “Hello, I Love You,” and “Light My Fire” were just some of the band’s iconic and ground-breaking songs. After Morrison’s death in 1971, Manzarek went on to become a best-selling author, and a Grammy-nominated recording artist in his own right. In 2002, he revitalized his touring career with Doors’ guitarist and long-time collaborator, Robby Krieger.“I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and bandmate Ray Manzarek today,” said Krieger. “I’m just glad to have been able to have played Doors songs with him for the last decade. Ray was a huge part of my life and I will always miss him.”Manzarek is survived by his wife Dorothy, brothers Rick and James Manczarek, son Pablo Manzarek, Pablo’s wife Sharmin and their three children Noah, Apollo and Camille. Funeral arrangements are pending. The family asks that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.

Another genius gone.

And so it goes.

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Summer Staff: Always a Surprise

If you've visited here before, you know that I work with a veritable United Nations at the restaurant.  Every year new students arrive from just about any country that allows them to visit the US. This year is no different, though the level of proficient English speakers is a bit lower than past years.  Still, these young'uns are ready to work hard and get to know more English, and in the process get to know their co-workers.  In fact, it's been a whirlwind of 20 questions this week as many began their work schedules and training.

It's always a joy for me to meet these new folks and get to know them.  They are amazed that I attempt to learn to pronounce their names properly, just as in their own countries. It's something very important to me. They're in a strange country (in more ways than one) and many employers "Americanize" their names.  I won't do that, though the locosguys sometimes start out doing that, they eventually follow my lead and attempt to wrap their American tongues around the original version.

Example:  Miruslav is a newbie from Ukraine and has been working with us for 2 weeks. The Americanization of his name became "Marcel"  and don't ask, I have no idea why.  On his first day I asked what he was called at home (since many from these countries have at least 2 nicknames) and he smiled and said, "Miru" so I've called him Miru (Mee-Roo) from the get-go.  This weekend, the locosguys finally got the memo and are now calling him Miru, as well.  He noticed the change and gave me a wink and big smile when he first heard his proper name for the first time.

All Russian & Ukrainian staff past and present call me Waynechik.  It's a name of endearment and I treasure its use.  I am still in touch with some of them via Face Book and they always use that name when writing to me.

Now this weekend two new servers arrived.  One from Mexico, the other from Guatemala.   They are Carlos and Jorge-Solomon (he prefers Solomon so that's what he's called) and as usual, I was peppered with questions about everything - both job-related and personal - which was quite challenging. Why?  They asked if I had a wife and kids, grand-kids  etc.  Calmly and quietly I said no, and that I was a gay man.  Without missing a beat, they asked if I had a "partner" or "lover" ... now this threw me off for a few seconds until I realized these kids "got-it"  and they only wanted to know if I was happy.  

When I answered that I had been in a relationship for 30 years, they looked sad and said they were sorry (assuming that my partner had passed away) and that threw me, too.  When I corrected their assumption and explained the break-up, they became wide-eyed and almost angry. At least that's the impression they left with me. It took the better part of an hour after our shift to explain what all that meant.  They are now very protective of me.

Perhaps they think of me as a sort of father or grandfather figure. It's hard to tell since I don't know their cultures and customs regarding older people.  I call them kids here, never to their face.  They are all over 21 and good students or they wouldn't be allowed to come here for the summer.

If you're wondering why there are so few American students on our schedule it's because most American young'uns have no work ethic and in the past 5 years I've worked at the restaurant, almost every American hired was a disaster. If it was a good beach day, they almost always called in "well" and left the rest of the staff (and me) in the lurch. I think word has gotten out; this year not one American student applied for work.  

I am hungry and in need of an adult beverage, so bye!

And so it goes.

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Catmaflage Caturday

Can you see me?

Protecting one another. Great strategy. Click to embiggen.

And so it goes.
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X Caturday

Kitteh not impressed by Wolverine - or his claws.

YAWN...
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