Do I ask too much?

November 18, 2009 by districtchatter

I talk a lot about being unhappy with service at restaurants I go to. I always seem to strike out at Busboys and Poets. :( I thought I would post a little bit about what I expect. There are 2 versions. The minimum expectation, because I have learned that good service around the DC metro area is not common. Also, the true expectation- what I think every good service person should strive for.

** To be fair to Busboys and Poets- a manager has reached out and offered to chat about how to make my experiences there better. That is a great thing.

I spent more than 15 years in the restaurant/hospitality industry. Based on that, here is the minimum I expect when I dine out.

1. Acknowledge me promptly – within a minute. You don’t have to take my order. Just let me know you see me and tell me when you can help me.

2. Pay attention when I order. – Get it right!

3. Check in on us regularly. Every 5-10 minutes max. Keep drinks full. Just look at the table and take action.

4. Bring us the check promptly and return to collect payment promptly. When people are done eating they are often ready to go.

If you can do these things, I would say that is pretty darn good service.

To make it stellar or excellent expand on the above.

1. Acknowledge me promptly – within a minute. Be sure someone gets us water or try to get a drink order if possible.

2. Pay attention when I order. – Repeat the order back and let me know you have it right.

3. Check in on us regularly. Every 5 max. Keep drinks full. Checking in does not always mean interrupting dinner, just be present in case a table needs you. Don’t hang out and talk to other servers and forget us. We can see you!

4. Bring us the check promptly and return to collect payment promptly.

5. If we are regular guests- remember us. People love to hear their name. We love to know you as well. It makes customers feel they have a connection or a “hook-up” if they know their servers or bartenders.

I really don’t think I am too picky. This is the service I would like to see everywhere. If I want to get my ass kissed, I can pay for that at a higher priced restaurant like The Inn at Little Washington. <— They know how ot do it right!

New Perspectives

November 16, 2009 by districtchatter

I was walking up 4th St. yesterday and noticed this view of the MVT and MV Square area that I had not noticed before.

L St. NW

Looking West down L St. NW from the corner of 4 & L NW.

Busboys and Poets

November 16, 2009 by districtchatter


Why do I do this? As much as Busboys and Poets at 5&K NW always finds a way to disappoint, I still end up coming back every 3 months or so.
Yesterday I was in the mood for something close and our kitchen is in the middle of a minor remodel. So, I came on down to try some eggs Benedict.
The food was ok. It actually came out faster than we ever get it when we got a table.
I had heard the bartenders here were great. Whoever the bartenders were on Sunday morning did not fit that bill. We had to flag them down to get waited on and they never checked in with us at all. I think we will probably try the bar again when different bartenders are working.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

National Portrait Gallery

November 15, 2009 by districtchatter
National Portrait Gallery

The courtyard at the NPG

Have you H1N1′d?

November 14, 2009 by districtchatter

About 2 weeks ago, I attended one of Washington, DC’s H1N1 vaccination clinics. The experience was pretty incredible. I had pretty low expectations for a flu clinic ran by this city. I was way off base. It was efficient, well-organized, and an overall good experience.

The shot itself was pretty harmless. My seasonal flu shot caused my arm to get pretty read and sore near the injection site. The H1N1 shot left no soreness. A few days after, I had a bit of fatigue and a cough that I can not be certain was because of the vaccination. It only lasted about a day and moved on.

I recommend the shot to all. Better safe than sorry.

Transfer of Power Imminent (Yale Steam Laundry)

November 13, 2009 by districtchatter

The Yale Steam Laundry is about 75% sold. In fact after 3 more contracts complete closing, that milestone will be reached. This will mean that the residents of the building will get 2 more board members. It will be time to start sorting out the budget, security, and maintenance of the buidling.

Cafe Atlantico’s Magic Mojito

October 26, 2009 by districtchatter

Jose Andres likes to deconstruct common fare and allow diners to enjoy a new take on old favorites. On a recent visit to Chef Andres’ Cafe Atlantico I had a surprise waiting for me in the form of the “Magic Mojito.” The Magic Mojito is billed as a cotton candy deconstruction of the classic mojito. The sugar in the Magic Mojito comes in the form of a piece of sugar cane nestled inside a cloud of sugary cotton candy in a martini glass. The mojito is poured over the cotton candy table side allowing you to watch the cotton candy dissolve as if you were caught in the rain at the county fair. Of course, this dissolved cotton candy becomes the sweet sugary magic in the Magic Mojito.

Candy Corn: Corn That Tastes Like Candy

October 9, 2009 by missbiscuit

I fucking love candy corn.  Specifically, I love Brach’s Autumn Mix bag with the pumpkin-shaped candy corn located conveniently inside.  Generic store brand candy corn can suck it because lord knows that every single one I’ve had is simply a cheap imitation of the Brach’s I so adore.

I’ve been looking for candy corn for a week.  That’s right, kids… one week of checking various CVS, Rite Aid and grocery store locations for non-generic brand candy.   One week of candy corn cravings unfulfilled.  No one carried Brach’s.

I was beginning to get desperate- the temperature is dropping, Halloween is approaching and I still hadn’t had the sickening sweet, toothachingly good, blessed ambrosia of the gods themselves: candy corn.   I think you can all get the sense of how non-obsessive and how extra-cool I am, given the priority of candy corn in my daily thoughts.

Well, I’m happy to report that the CVS above Farragut North Station has my business for eternity, for they are the bearers of Brach’s Autumn Mix goodness.   I’ve been at my desk for about 30 minutes and have already put a sizeable dent in the bag I purchased (don’t worry, I have 3 more bags in my desk).

Excelsior!

Sugar, Sugar – Life without extra sugar day 2

September 26, 2009 by districtchatter

So, I made it through Day one. I had a headache and got a bit cranky at the end of the day. We are on the Eastern Shore this morning at our regular weekend haunt. I open up the freezer and the first thing I see is ice cream sandwiches! AAGGGHHH!!!

I am going to the store to get fruit or something else I can eat.

Sugar Rehab Day 1

September 25, 2009 by districtchatter

As much as it pains me to say this – candy must go. Today’s goal is to eliminate any candy and sugary baked goods.
My office seems to always have an abundance of both. I am armed with my apples to help me avoid cravings. Here’s to inner strength.

– Posted from my iPhone