The Bitter Bistro

There is no greater karma than for a customer who has been nothing but rude, give me their credit card to pay for their bill, I swipe it, and then these sweet words appear on the computer screen: DECLINED It's one of the few things that is completely out-of-your-server's hands, but so gratifying when it does happen.  And let me repeat what I said in the fourth sentence of this post, "It's one of the few things that is completely out-of-the-server's hands."  Which means, that we (the servers) don't have any control of whether or not your credit card is approved, or not approved, for the transaction. Remember when you forgot to deposit your paycheck, and then the automatic payment for your credit card went through on the 5th of the month from your bank.  But wait... there were insufficient funds due to the lack of your paycheck deposit.  Therefore leading to an NSF fee from your bank, and now a late charge on your credit card has been assessed.  What

This episode, I welcome Chris Smith  to the podcast.  Chris has worked in many aspects of the service industry, but most impressive to me, he has managed to find his way out of it. Find out how Chris did it on Ep 212. Find Chris and his "Community of Healthy Friends" on Facebook . Listen to the podcast on iTunes , and on Stitcher . Until next time... Server's don't pay their rent with compliments. "Bitter.  Party of 1?  Your table is ready." The Bitter Bistro  FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER  CLICK HERE "LIKE" ME ON FACEBOOK CLICK HERE

It's Valentine's Day!  Otherwise known as "Overcrowded Restaurant Day."  Couples from everywhere cramming themselves into restaurants, ordering overpriced (red) drinks, and enjoying a pre-fixed menu that screams love just because it has the words, "truffles." I can't think of a better way to say "I Love You," than by being shoulder-to-shoulder to other couples, in a place that's understaffed, overworked, and stressed out because every guy thinks they are the most romantic and are trying to make this the best Valentine's Day ever by making what probably was a last minute reservation, demanded a romantic table, and some flowers to be placed there before they arrived. THAT'S AMORE!!! Thank-you Hallmark, expensive roses, Rose Champagne, Black Truffles, Oysters, Yelp, Micros, and those candy hearts for making me hate this holiday.  Not a personal hate, but having to watch other people, in my section, complain about all of these t

The conclusion of my two-part podcast with Jen Kodros, and Kendra Thomas. Find out what happens when Woman's Day Magazine writes an article about how to dine-out on a budget, what celebrity conveniently kept forgetting his wallet whenever he went out to eat, and the new game I introduce, "The Daily Specials." Find the girls on Twitter:  Jen: @jkodros  Kendra: @kendrakthomas Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes . Until next time... Server's don't pay their rent with compliments. "Bitter.  Party of 1?  Your table is ready." The Bitter Bistro  FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER  CLICK HERE "LIKE" ME ON FACEBOOK CLICK HERE

There seems to be a bit of confusion when it comes to customers and alcohol.  One cannot exist without the other, it's a love/hate relationship, and one makes the other more tolerable.  However, when it comes to paying for the alcohol, many customers don't understand why it costs more for some drinks over others. There's no complaining when you get your drink.  Most customers see a glass full of booze and melt.  But just so you know, If you order a vodka-martini, you are going to get a martini glass with 3 ounces of vodka in it.  When you order a vodka on-the-rocks, I am going to bring you a rocks glass, with ice, and 2 ounces of vodka. But when you get the bill, the look of confusion and contempt is price-less.  So I'm just guessing that most people don't understand the concept of up-charging.  If you order a vodka-soda, or a drink like that, you are getting 1 1/2 ounces of alcohol.  Granted some bars and (bartenders) are going to vary the amounts, but that i

Another great episode, and a two-parter, (again!)  My guests are the funny, pretty, and insightful Jen Kodros, and Kendra Thomas.  If you learn nothing from this podcast other than the correct spelling of bouillabaisse, then we have succeeded.  That, and you CANNOT decant a bottle of Chardonnay.  Enjoy! Until next time... Server's don't pay their rent with compliments. "Bitter.  Party of 1?  Your table is ready." The Bitter Bistro FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER  CLICK HERE "LIKE" ME ON FACEBOOK CLICK HERE