For someone who claims to have thick skin, sometimes I let little things really get to me. Like today, I opened up eightyone to find my ad, which was right in the front in a great location (sometimes you really do get what you pay for). Then I went to the food section to read what their critic had to say. She hadn't reviewed me, nor anyone else for that matter, but I was mentioned-- "The new owners of the Tea Bazaar renamed it Darjeeling Cafe."
Just a little sentence. Nothing to upset me (except that I opened in July and this is the first mention that I get), but one little "s". "Owners." I know it sounds petty but there is only one "owner." Me. I'm the person who is here every damn day, I'm the person who has not gotten paid since I opened, I'm the person who, regardless of whether this does great or fails, is responsible for it.
In the past two weeks I have been set up by ABC (they sent in a kid who was under 21 until 2011, whom I IDed and refused to serve-- kudos to me for doing my job) and had a health inspection with zero violations. These two things are a reflection on me and my business. If they had not gone well I would have been the one who had to pay fines, face criticism in the newspaper, or, worst case scenario, close.
Also, I was talked down to by some good old boy in Lowe's that I almost punched in the nuts with a two by four. This was because I was a young woman in a pink coat who asked where to find hanging equipment. I figured out what I needed on my own, no thanks to Boss Hog, might I add. Being a young female entrepreneur I have to deal with people treating me like I don't know what I'm doing a lot. Don't get me wrong, sometimes they are right. And, sometimes, they are just sexist ageist assholes.
I have not had a complete day off since September 18. I know that this is all part of owning a restaurant and I did this to myself. I'm not complaining. I come in and cook and clean and make tea and smile at everyone that comes in and pay bills and sometimes-- a lot of times-- I spend too much time on the internet instead of actually working. Those are the perks of restaurant ownership.
And maybe I'm letting my narcissism get the way here, but I think I deserve the credit of being the sole owner, singular, of the Darjeeling Cafe.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Food, glorious food/ We're anxious to try it
I have tried most foods at least once and, in many instances, have ended up pleasantly surprised. Pigs cheek is bomb ass. Escargot is pretty much what you would expect, slimy and salty even when covered in a mountain of garlic. Rattlesnake tastes like a combination of chicken and clams.
Now, I admit, until I became a vegetarian again, that my palate was a bit broader than most and I do have a sense of adventure when it comes to food that would frighten a lot of people, most members of my family included. My brother is even more adventurous, being the world traveler and all. But I do have to laugh when I see adults shy away from foods in ways that mimic a four- year- olds reaction to brussel sprouts.
Today I made an awesome cream of potato soup that I sold like gang busters. I had a woman order that and a side salad. Simple request. I asked her if she would care for some apples or beets on the salad and, I swear, when I said "beets"I might as well have said, "Would you like some fetuses on that?" She crinkled up her nose and said, "Oh, no. No beets. No way."
Just to see her make that face again, I wanted to look at her and say "Seriously? What about some placenta? It's good for the complexion." But I showed a little restraint.
Speaking of showing restraint, none was shown last week at the Walrus Bonecock/ Smell of Death show. Brewtalitea was awesome as usual. The next one, on November 10, will feature iODIC and Rebirthing Candace. Also, be on the lookout for Brewtalitea T-shirts.
Coming up over the next couple of weeks will be Uncle Jemima, from Charlottesville (Oct. 24), Oktoberfest (Oct 25), and the best Halloween party in town (Oct. 31) with a gallery opening of Elliot Downs work and the Smell of Death and Pablo and the Dregs playing. Jonny Fritz, aka Corndawg, will be making an appearance Wednesday after a couple of months touring mid-western Moose Lodges.
Mark your calanders, bring an open mind and a willingness to expand your palate.
Now, I admit, until I became a vegetarian again, that my palate was a bit broader than most and I do have a sense of adventure when it comes to food that would frighten a lot of people, most members of my family included. My brother is even more adventurous, being the world traveler and all. But I do have to laugh when I see adults shy away from foods in ways that mimic a four- year- olds reaction to brussel sprouts.
Today I made an awesome cream of potato soup that I sold like gang busters. I had a woman order that and a side salad. Simple request. I asked her if she would care for some apples or beets on the salad and, I swear, when I said "beets"I might as well have said, "Would you like some fetuses on that?" She crinkled up her nose and said, "Oh, no. No beets. No way."
Just to see her make that face again, I wanted to look at her and say "Seriously? What about some placenta? It's good for the complexion." But I showed a little restraint.
Speaking of showing restraint, none was shown last week at the Walrus Bonecock/ Smell of Death show. Brewtalitea was awesome as usual. The next one, on November 10, will feature iODIC and Rebirthing Candace. Also, be on the lookout for Brewtalitea T-shirts.
Coming up over the next couple of weeks will be Uncle Jemima, from Charlottesville (Oct. 24), Oktoberfest (Oct 25), and the best Halloween party in town (Oct. 31) with a gallery opening of Elliot Downs work and the Smell of Death and Pablo and the Dregs playing. Jonny Fritz, aka Corndawg, will be making an appearance Wednesday after a couple of months touring mid-western Moose Lodges.
Mark your calanders, bring an open mind and a willingness to expand your palate.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Control yourself/ take only what you need from them/ a family of trees wanting to be haunted-- Loving MGMT this week
So, September is done. Another month down. Not as dejecting as August, but not as cool as October is shaping up to be either. I'm really excited about October. I had a crazy busy Friday, a normal Saturday, and a nice Sunday brunch. Saturday's artist Matt Morrell, was so awesome that he has planned to have his CD release party here in December. Thanks, Matt.
Friday's band, Arctic Rose, was awesome, with a great opening act from Nelly Kate and Pablo. Arctic Rose was glam rocking at it's best and they have also booked another show at the Cafe, so I feel like I'm becoming a real music venue. FUN! The shop is shaping up to be the Cafe I always wanted it to be. I'm in the middle of picking out beers for the upcoming Oktoberfest. That's going to be awesome! Three bands and me in Liederhosen. It's going to be all sorts of rocking. I'm also working on the coolest, most evil Halloween party ever. Pablo and the Dregs will be back and I will also be hosting my first gallery opening with more of Elliot Downs' art on display here at the shop.
The second BREWTALITEA will be next Monday. The Walrus Bonecock Conspiracy will be playing with the Smell of Death. I don't know if I smell death, but I definitely get a wiff of something and it smells like METAL.
I just had my ABC agent stop by and tell me that they have been keeping an eye on me and so far so good. Wheew. I can finally breath a little better knowing that. Just stay dilligent. I have to keep telling myself that even when I just want to say, "Whatever. It's all good." It's not my house; it's my business. I have to make sure that I am always on my toes. The minute I let my guard down, I know that's when it's gonna hit the fan.
All in all, things are going really well. I'm so excited about all of the events that I have coming up this month and I'm getting even more excited about November. That's more for personal reasons, but I can say that in November, the Cafe is going to be even cooler than it was in October. And I plan to actually write myself my first paycheck by the middle of the month. Suh-weeet!
Friday's band, Arctic Rose, was awesome, with a great opening act from Nelly Kate and Pablo. Arctic Rose was glam rocking at it's best and they have also booked another show at the Cafe, so I feel like I'm becoming a real music venue. FUN! The shop is shaping up to be the Cafe I always wanted it to be. I'm in the middle of picking out beers for the upcoming Oktoberfest. That's going to be awesome! Three bands and me in Liederhosen. It's going to be all sorts of rocking. I'm also working on the coolest, most evil Halloween party ever. Pablo and the Dregs will be back and I will also be hosting my first gallery opening with more of Elliot Downs' art on display here at the shop.
The second BREWTALITEA will be next Monday. The Walrus Bonecock Conspiracy will be playing with the Smell of Death. I don't know if I smell death, but I definitely get a wiff of something and it smells like METAL.
I just had my ABC agent stop by and tell me that they have been keeping an eye on me and so far so good. Wheew. I can finally breath a little better knowing that. Just stay dilligent. I have to keep telling myself that even when I just want to say, "Whatever. It's all good." It's not my house; it's my business. I have to make sure that I am always on my toes. The minute I let my guard down, I know that's when it's gonna hit the fan.
All in all, things are going really well. I'm so excited about all of the events that I have coming up this month and I'm getting even more excited about November. That's more for personal reasons, but I can say that in November, the Cafe is going to be even cooler than it was in October. And I plan to actually write myself my first paycheck by the middle of the month. Suh-weeet!
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