Purple haired pink wine drinking Granny's

A few minutes before were open in walks a fifty-something woman looking for a table for five.. No problem. I'm thinking this is great I don't have a reservation for half an hour. I can move a five top through first courses at least before my first VIP table shows up. Well, it's two grandmothers and three kids. The oldest must have been five maybe six. Loud voices who immediately bring out their coloring books and crayons. This is normally a good thing except they didn't have enough 'orange' crayons. I heard all about it.

I had orders for kids pasta and appetizers for the grandmothers. Now, I wouldn't comment on one vodka on the rocks with a twist and two olives. I wouldn't even comment on two vodkas. But four? Each? they spent more on grey goose then they did on food. Somewhere along the way the kids were gone (more than likely to put their orange crayons in the toilets) and grandma was asking me for 'one more' as they were paying one of them dropped their credit card on the floor I immediately picked it up only to hear grandma #1 comment to grandma #2 about how the liquor is going to her head.. Uhh... duh.

As I'm presenting a bottle of Merlot to my VIP table (general manager of the resort) I hear a crash and spill. Grandma #2 had dropped her bucket glass on the floor. I hear my busser at the table so I say a 'thank you Carlos' in my head and pretend not to notice as I continue pouring wine. Before I can leave the table I hear the sound of a purse dumping out. Grandma #1 is telling the oldest kid to get on the floor and pick everything up. I hope that they were just going to their rooms and they weren't driving those kids anywhere.

The rest of my night went well. My VIP tables were easy. I had four new entrees out of the kitchen which just about doubled the menu. So the line was a little slower but it was to be expected on the first night. We're re-doing the wine list. Getting rid of things that aren't selling changing vintages on a couple of Bottles. I got my way on quite a few points.

The Syrah by the glass is history. The acidic local Chardonnay is going to be by the bottle instead of glass for the 'local' flavor. That's another problem with working in Idaho. Idaho wines aren't great. Kind of like watching a kindergarten Christmas pageant you don't necessarily think there's any talent to it. You're pretty bored but, it's cute that they're trying so hard. I got the Sonoma Cutrer and a promise for a couple of samples for an oaked Chardonay. But.... ok, I'll admit the Bordeaux Rose' isn't selling. I know it's not selling. But, do we really have to cater to purple haired pink wine drinking Granny's? The answer is yes. Of course. I'm sitting at the table. With our Beverage Director, assistant Beverage Director, Chef and Manager and they're all saying 'yes' to the Berringer White Zinfadel. I'm sneering my manager is saying "Come on Rose... it'll sell. Seven bucks on your ticket is a 1.40 tip." Okay whatever. That damn wine is like that song from the lamb chops cartoon remember that one?

This is the song that does not end.
For it goes on and on my friend.
Some people started singing it not knowing what it was.
But they'll continue singing it for ever just because...
This is the song that does not end....

I can never be free of White Zinfadel for longer than six months. So, it's back on my list. But I'm not pouring it at tables. Nope. I'm going to sneak the glass already full into the dining room and set it as far away from general view of other customers as possible.

I had a seven top reservation turn into a twelve. Not originally my table but as soon as my manager saw them I knew they were moving into my station. Went off without a hitch.

And the last table. I had already exceeded my share of covers by at least half a dozen more than everyone else. When I see the 'new guy' walking towards the almost empty dining room with a bottle of Silver Oak. I said... 'good for you. You sold that!!' His comment was to smile and nod. And then I hear from my manager "he was looking for Silver Oak in the white wine cooler go out there and make sure he doesn't mess it up". Good thing. He does his presentation and then I hear the guy ask for a decanter. I immediately take over because my new guy doesn't know how, but I walk him through the process as he smiles and nods and I catch him looking at his cell phone, really?

The table was great, from the same neighborhood in Seattle that I had lived in. We ended up debating French, Napa and Washington wines for a few minutes and he asks me to 'please help yourself to a glass'... goody for me!! I ended my night with half a glass of Silver Oak.

It was a good night. I had a good time. But, I'm starting to miss my buddy. I'm glad he got the promotion. I know he's happier with his own kitchen. But, I miss having him around. I have half a dozen anecdotes and jokes a night and nobody to tell them to. I miss having somebody who knows when I'm laughing at something by my facial expressions. Oh well, I miss my friend. Not the first time I've missed a friend certainly not going to be the last.