For those in the Bizz...

I hope all of you are taking it easy now!...One day to go...

In my experience; Oak's Day is way worse than Derby Day... We are all on the downhill slide from here...

If you can Remember to put a smile on one person's face today...That's what makes it all worth while...

That's why we are in the Bizz..... So every one else can have a good time....

I hope all of you are taking it easy now!...One day to go...

In my experience; Oak's Day is way worse than Derby Day... We are all on the downhill slide from here...

If you can Remember to put a smile on one person's face today...That's what makes it all worth while...

That's why we are in the Bizz..... So every one else can have a good time....

I feel you man.

as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.




a fresh roll of printer paper, and as you see...
it took it all the way to the "red line" in one night.

150 on the books, 6 courses - plus amuse bouche and intermezzo - so technically 8 courses...

150 covers x 8 courses = 1200 plates.

tomorrow doesn't look to be as crazy (so far).





one.

more.

day.


...then mother's day next week.

Oh the memories....

It was a good experience and kinda fun but I have to say I am not missing it a whole lot haha!

Prost!

Blake

My heart and deep appreciation goes out to all the food servers, bus boys, chefs, cooks, bartenders and backs that endure the Derby or any other butt bustin' holiday so that the rest of us can have a good time. If I win the lottery I'm going to open up a private club just for folks in the biz so they'll have someplace to go and be pampered and waited on and cooked for. And I'll have people working there that do nothing but give foot and shoulder rubs while you sit a sip a cocktail with any kind of froo froo goo gah garnish or umbrella in it you want. And you'd be able to order off the menu or change any dish to suit your whim. Because you guys and gals have earned it in spades! Maybe I'll call it "Their Turn".
Thanks again for all your hard work, we love you for it even if we don't always show it enough.

I, for one, have already made appointments for both my chiropracter and massage therapist!

These days provide the best 'espresso moments'- that point at the end of the shift when the rush is done, the house held and the staff is celebrating a winning shift. It always reminds me of the commraderie scenes in 80's war movies.

I think "their turn" sounds like the best idea I've heard in a long time. Does anyone know where the industry parties are tomorrow? I've heard asiatique is hosting at 9pm, but is there anything special going on in the afternoon? Nice pictures Ethan- what a night. Order in, order in, order in, fire, fire, pick up, order in, fire.....

Carla! You need to patent that idea! It would be a smash! And don't forget to have a menu that just lists mise en place so i can have a fried egg/foie gras on ciobatta with a side of sauteed fresh morels!

Thanx Carla, It's nice to know that someone appreciates the efforts of professionals in the foodservice industry.

I think your idea sounds fabulous!!!

we have been closed on derby night for the past three years... do not miss it one iota!
the race goes off too late for ANYONE to mak their reservations on time.
four times the headaches, all of the costs... for 1/2 the revenue... too many no shows (not organized enough to send out contracts!), grumpy people ( be it from track losses, being over served, etc.), potential staff no-shows...
it will be a peaceful derby night for us. i know that palermo viejo has also decided to be closed.
hope everyone has a winner today.
andrew
p.s.
i did put a bunch of louisville originals (and city scoot!!!) info on our front door to maybe help folks find the locals.
p.p.s.
happy derby day!

I was really surprised to find some local places closed for lunch today. A friend and I set out to grab some Bar-B-Que sandwiches at Bourbon Brothers, but got thwarted. We went in only to be told they were closed for catering. So we headed to Cafe' Lou Lou, only to find a note on the door stating that they would not open until 4:00pm. Starving, we headed around the corner to Havana Rumba. Luckily, they fed us quite well!!! Thanks, HR, for feeding us on such a wacky food day!

we have been closed on derby night for the past three years... do not miss it one iota!
the race goes off too late for ANYONE to mak their reservations on time.
four times the headaches, all of the costs... for 1/2 the revenue... too many no shows (not organized enough to send out contracts!), grumpy people ( be it from track losses, being over served, etc.), potential staff no-shows...
it will be a peaceful derby night for us. i know that palermo viejo has also decided to be closed.
hope everyone has a winner today.
andrew
p.s.
i did put a bunch of louisville originals (and city scoot!!!) info on our front door to maybe help folks find the locals.
p.p.s.
happy derby day!

Good call Andrew! Most people are too f%#&%@ up to make it a worthy/profitable endeavor. I put Derby as running a close second to Mother's Day as my least favorite day to execute (damn, that's next week!). Hope everyone picked a winner and, as for the private club idea, I'm for it 100%. GREAT IDEA!!

Wow Hustborne places seem to have dove very well...full as usual....

Speaking of both Hurstbourne Lane and those in the hospitality industry The Melting Pot is hosting hospitality industry professional nights every Tuesday from May through August. Even if The Melting Pot isn't in your normal rotation 30% off both food and beverage might make it worth a visit or two this summer.

More info: http://www.consuminglouisville.com/2008/05/the-melting-pot-hosts-hospital.php

Thank you Carla, that would be great. We were closed for Oaks and Derby this year.

My family did what any other sane people that live near the Downs do during Derby weekend, we got the HE%% out of town.
I highly recomend Otter Creek Park for a wonderful weekend camping getaway. Slow cooked beans and Brats cooked over an open fire. Ice cold beverages from the cooler........

Cheers to all you cooks, servers and bartenders. I was able to watch the race with my honey for the first time since we've been together. I highly recommend getting a lunch-only job!

I took this picture right after the race. I am a julep purist. I only drink them once a year on the very day; must have crushed ice, must have mint muddled in simple syrup, must have a silver julep cup (mine is actually engraved with "best series handicap", as it's an old bowling trophy. Still totally serviceable as a julep vessel, though. Boy, is it ever.)