The Young Turk Managers

In our conversations, we sometimes talk about the up-n-coming chefs or bartenders, yet tend to pass over management. They are comfortable in this, in that they get thier props by, well, managing the whole system. Ahh, but this position is an art- the juggling act that can not be called-off. I want to call attention to one fella, in particular, that you need to keep your eye on...

I don't know how Majiid does it, but he draws FOH talent. And they tend to stay. And they're good, really good. The foodie-server I was talking about 2 years ago? Still there. Christina, the pastry chef-turned bartender. She moved to Texas, for love (but is coming back to visit- man I hope I don't miss that.) That brigade stays strong. Oh! I almost forgot Terrick (because I know I just misspelled the name- It's pronounced 'Derrick,' but with a 't') Never mind Kerry, the Bar Manager- one of the best we have here. Look at his wine list: clean, concise selections that move (and I saw a Silver Oak go out.) Oh! And they have an Absinthe drip, now. For lack of a better word, 'Dope.'



Back on point:

They have a new manager that struck me. His name is Michael. He came via Proof and I met him first at last year's Mint Julep Contest. Now, you know me and I definately look deeper than the 'whoopity-woop.'

Well...

Oh! And they have an Absinthe drip, now.

Who? Where?

It was obvious to me that he was asked to run by the foodie table (it's how they train, believe me.) And they aren't scared of guests, even the ones that know a little something. You know, the restaurants where the sheepish manager comes to the table and says the same thing to you that they just did to the table next to you? Not here.

Ahh... better yet, he walked casualy by, let our Arracini app draw his 'visual attention' and then asked us how we liked it. Really well done- this broke the ice.

Then he has us, for just 3 minutes. But these 3 minutes sell it, everyday. It makes lifers out of occasional diners.

We ran our mouths about whatever. In September, he received his level 1 certification at the COMS at Sullivan. Wine Geeky thing, I noticed his pin.

His dress: Formal/Casual. You never outdress the guest. He wore a coat and tie, yet it was unassuming, unflashy. I'd be a bit ticked if, on the first date, she fell for the FOH manager instead of me, lol. Dude, that's what I pay you for!



He was comfortable. He knew who we were, yet it didn't phase him one bit. He spoke with us as he would have spoken with his own family. That's the beauty of being part of a house, as a guest. They know you and you, them. The questions raised... well, you find out together (we were all trying to figure out what the translation of 'Fernet Branca' is.)

The use of hands was important. I can sum it up by saying 'Bill Clinton vs. Bob Dole.' He was fluid in his expression, chose the right point to point. Get me?

He's better at this than me. I kinda go wild, at times. I could learn something from this chap.

Seriously, there are like 15 other things I could put my finger upon, but just trust me...

Michael is one to watch.

Oh! And they have an Absinthe drip, now.

Who? Where?

Volare. Basa has one too...

I'd be a bit ticked if, on the first date, she fell for the FOH manager instead of me, lol. Dude, that's what I pay you for!

Best not to introduce him to Josh the chef. If she doesn't go for Kerry she will for Josh. My dear departed Sandy would have dumped me in a minute for him.

Haha! Steve.

Let me invoke the universal language of men for this response. Dudes know what I am talking about here...



Josh would freak me out. He's a sexy beast. If your lady decided to be interested by his advances, you're screwed.

He may not be the tallest kid on the block, but his heft more than makes up for it. What're you gonna do if that bull decides to lower his head for a charge? Seriously, he's about the perfect stock to be a pro linebacker (my favorite athletes, ever.)

But I am totally playing around here. Josh is such a kind soul, he'd never even consider hitting on another man's love. Quite the opposite- he stikes me as the kinda guy that would set so you can spike. Just like Michael.