That and a Dollar Will Get Me On the Bus

In the 2006 California State Visitor's Guide and Travel Planner we're listed as one of 10 "Rising Stars on the Dining Scene". We had another glowing article in the SF Chronicle 3 weeks ago. We still did 20 covers last night. Granted the weather has not been on our side. Momentary blue skies followed by dumping rain in a 2 hour cycle doesn't spur people to go out to dinner. I haven't checked the mountain weather but usually when we're getting a lot of rain, they get a lot of snow which means both our local customers and our out-of-towners hit the slopes.

We have been extremely fortunate in getting press but piss-poor at capitalizing on our good fortune. We have all sorts of pop psychology reasons why, my unhealthy attitude to having money, our aversion to blowing our own horn, etc. At least part of the reality is we're in the middle of nowhere. A beautiful nowhere admittedly but nowhere nonetheless. I believe if we had this kind of press in a city, we'd have lines out the door every night. Perhaps this is just a way for me to feel better about doing 20 covers. Next time around I'll try to follow Debbie Harry's advice "I'll take the money, you can have the fame." She should know.

We're going to change the dessert menu, perhaps tonight. Candy cap creme brulee needs to give way to something more appropriate for the season, and it's time to retire the pecan tart with molasses gelato for a while.

I'm also catering a wedding this weekend. Small, 35 people, set menu. Should be easy money. I've got two of our former waiters serving and bringing one cook with me. The only hitch could be working in an unfamiliar kitchen. I did the site inspection and it looked well-appointed but you never know once you get there. I'm going to call a friend today who has a place in town to make sure I can borrow whatever I might forget.

Comments

[foodcrazee]

35 pax set menu would be an easy job for ya...times are bad eh ?

[cedichou]

I hadn't seen that other piece. Wow, that is a lot of chron love you're getting. Congrats on that one too. I gotta try that recipe. I'm sure there is a lag between the reviews and when it seeps in. Reviews only get some early adopters in the door, but it's word of mouth which will bring in the crowds.