Category: First course

Is there such a thing as too much Vegas? In a word, yes. In a couple of words, yes; but it’s so crazy, you gotta love it. Highlights of the week: My best-sister friend feeling flush enough to book a hotel room we never used at Caesar’s, just so we could access the incredible pool…

The Gal admits it–she needs a vacation. Happily, I take a break around this time every year to meet a girlfriend I’ve known forever. We call each other best sister-friends, because we go back so far (pre getting our driver’s licenses) and have shared some spectacular experiences. Working together in restaurants has definitely cemented our…

“Hey, Restaurant Gal, could you pretend to be a manager and ask this guy who is begging money from my customers to get out?” This from one of the female bartenders. Um, sure. I know just how intimidating I can seem in my peach-colored DKNY pleated skirt and coordinating cute jewelry. I’m on it. Adorable…

When the low-fare airfare gods present a last-minute opportunity, I am the first to take advantage of it. Thus, I headed west on Saturday, fully prepared to return on Sunday, to visit RestaurantGal Son in the best college town in Ohio. He’s there for the summer doing a cool research project with a professor, and…

I tread softly to the other side today. I was welcomed as I exited the taxi, the front door was held open for me, and all who saw my drenched countenance smiled and greeted me as if my drowned-rat look was perfectly acceptable in such posh surroundings. World Cup soccer was showing on the flat…

…you come to work sick, and no one else on the staff cares if you are sick, because they’ve had whatever you have or are getting whatever you have. In an office, when you call out sick, it’s just fine. You work a little from home, and everyone thanks you for not sharing the bug.…

Friday was insane–500-and-counting covers, and we were short by two hosts. Managers were on a tear to make everyone tow the line. I had my PA–Performance Appraisal–in the afternoon. It was fine, but just the idea of one is nerve-wracking. I finally headed home, walking my usual walk. The parrots were out again on their…

Restaurant Gal Daughter was supposed to work today. Then she spiked a 102-degree temp overnight and garnered a paste-white complexion and fevered glisten to her eyes. She knew she couldn’t call out (not allowed in The Gal family), and we had no clue who else to call to cover for her. I don’t really know…

Monday: A challenging customer thrust her empty Dasani bottle a tad too close to my face and said, “I assume you have a place to throw this away?” Tuesday: During a walk home, I cut through the lobby of a five-star hotel and wondered, “Are the customers nicer in a place where a harpist plucks…

True, I am tired after work. My feet hurt. I want to hop on the subway at the stop a few blocks from my restaurant. I usually don’t. Why not? I like to walk. But Restaurant Gal, you are on your feet all day? Why would you want to walk after work? * To keep…