re resy report - as a former fine dining server in college, tableside stuff was a nightmare. i can't remember exactly what dishes we had to prepare tableside, but when we were extremely busy, getting a tableside order would usually get me teary-eyed and keep me backed up for what felt like forever. and the guests were always super awkward about it, or worse, a table of old business guys trying to flirt or patronize me. even though its been over 10 years since i've waited tables and a lot of my dining behavior has shifted, i will never order a tableside dish
i have a site dedicated to watching restaurants in my city. my bet is more happy hours, food promotions, and similar in 2026, even from restaurants who never offer deals. in my area, most people don't want to go out because of the bill, and i think restaurants are feeling that pandering to the top 10% of earners isn't working anymore. i am here for more happy hours. people need to get out of the house more, including me
re jewelers - yes, more platinum. even silver is extremely expensive right now compared to last year. i have been experimenting with bronze and white bronze when i cast my jewelry. it shines up very nicely, you just have to polish it and care for it a bit more. i think we'll see more bronze, brass, and pewter from independent shops and metalsmiths in 2026
What kind of dishes would you do tableside? I really love a few of the tableside stunts at The Grill (the duck press, the baked alaska) but I've wondered if the people doing those stunts get paid more because it really does involve PERFORMANCE and engagement
there was def something with scallop crudo and a dessert. i can't remember exactly. i would bet nyc restaurants have their shit together and have dedicated people working on tableside stuff, so they can practice and work without neglecting other tables. it is so hard to be animated and talkative while people ogle you, hats off to them!
please do! i hope they get paid more to do it. but i do know most nyc restaurants use a tip pool. i wonder how many points doing tableside stuff gets you in the pool
The purpose of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday holiday parties is specifically to keep people from overindulging and creating HR problems! It’s intentional.
i think everyone has different interest levels in their coworkers..... because I've had jobs where i've been like lets be together all weekend, and i've had jobs where i've been like i don't even wanna go to dinner with you
The best hangover remedy is not just drinking water, but warm water WITH LEMON JUICE. It gives your liver some help in clearing out the alcohol. Grapefruit juice works too, and is actually even better, but check if it interferes with any medications. If you do this you will wake up fresh and clear.
I find it very British to be upset about a non-Friday holiday party. Those have never been a thing in NY and I think most people would be annoyed to give up a prime December Friday to a work party no matter how luxe. The English still have a much looser attitude towards alcohol and work then we do, and consider it a badge of honor to do something really regrettable at a work party. That feels very retro (and not yet back) to me.
Not good for you (has codeine) and only for extreme hangover emergencies, but I once had a boss who brought Solpadeine back from the UK pharmacies and it is a near instant hangover cure.
Last night, my boyfriend asked if any of "my substacks" are writing about Olivia Nuzzi, so I have circled back to show him this one. I think Feed Me is where I have gotten all my recent news about her (the move to Vanity Fair, etc.), in fact. Thank you for covering the news that matters.
I need to try Teddy's, but I fully endorse ZBiotics. Never believed it until trying it for a brutal bachelor party earlier this year. It just got me through a three day wedding. I find it helps with most everything and then need caffeine for the headache. A coffee and coconut water (nuun if i have to) and I'm good to go.
The (paywalled) locker room article just screams trans rights, men in women locker rooms. Fake news, resume nudity immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
Office Christmas parties should happen on a Thursday.
agree
With zero meetings permitted on Friday
HOLIDAY parties. Sorry!
The KGB seriously using something for a hangover is one of the best sales pitches I've ever read
We take our sources incredibly seriously
This is true
re resy report - as a former fine dining server in college, tableside stuff was a nightmare. i can't remember exactly what dishes we had to prepare tableside, but when we were extremely busy, getting a tableside order would usually get me teary-eyed and keep me backed up for what felt like forever. and the guests were always super awkward about it, or worse, a table of old business guys trying to flirt or patronize me. even though its been over 10 years since i've waited tables and a lot of my dining behavior has shifted, i will never order a tableside dish
i have a site dedicated to watching restaurants in my city. my bet is more happy hours, food promotions, and similar in 2026, even from restaurants who never offer deals. in my area, most people don't want to go out because of the bill, and i think restaurants are feeling that pandering to the top 10% of earners isn't working anymore. i am here for more happy hours. people need to get out of the house more, including me
re jewelers - yes, more platinum. even silver is extremely expensive right now compared to last year. i have been experimenting with bronze and white bronze when i cast my jewelry. it shines up very nicely, you just have to polish it and care for it a bit more. i think we'll see more bronze, brass, and pewter from independent shops and metalsmiths in 2026
What kind of dishes would you do tableside? I really love a few of the tableside stunts at The Grill (the duck press, the baked alaska) but I've wondered if the people doing those stunts get paid more because it really does involve PERFORMANCE and engagement
there was def something with scallop crudo and a dessert. i can't remember exactly. i would bet nyc restaurants have their shit together and have dedicated people working on tableside stuff, so they can practice and work without neglecting other tables. it is so hard to be animated and talkative while people ogle you, hats off to them!
I agree. I like this conversation..... going to continue looking into it.
please do! i hope they get paid more to do it. but i do know most nyc restaurants use a tip pool. i wonder how many points doing tableside stuff gets you in the pool
The fact that you can prepare a tableside dish AND you cast your own jewelry is very impressive.
To be fair I wouldn’t last 20 minutes waiting tables today, and I didn’t know how to cast jewelry 10 years ago!
The purpose of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday holiday parties is specifically to keep people from overindulging and creating HR problems! It’s intentional.
Wait I would never hang out with my coworkers on a Friday...
i think everyone has different interest levels in their coworkers..... because I've had jobs where i've been like lets be together all weekend, and i've had jobs where i've been like i don't even wanna go to dinner with you
Ha I also like an excuse to party on a weeknight
My hangover cure is the morning debrief and a beer in the shower
The best hangover remedy is not just drinking water, but warm water WITH LEMON JUICE. It gives your liver some help in clearing out the alcohol. Grapefruit juice works too, and is actually even better, but check if it interferes with any medications. If you do this you will wake up fresh and clear.
I find it very British to be upset about a non-Friday holiday party. Those have never been a thing in NY and I think most people would be annoyed to give up a prime December Friday to a work party no matter how luxe. The English still have a much looser attitude towards alcohol and work then we do, and consider it a badge of honor to do something really regrettable at a work party. That feels very retro (and not yet back) to me.
Re Ashwin’s advice - no coffee?? But then, they’re getting coffee?? Please tell me what I need to do!!
Not good for you (has codeine) and only for extreme hangover emergencies, but I once had a boss who brought Solpadeine back from the UK pharmacies and it is a near instant hangover cure.
Ive taken this in extremely dire circumstances (prescribed for migraines) and all I can say is YES
I gifted this mortadella dish towel last year and it was a huge hit, highly rec. https://www.mariannafierro.com/shop/p/mortadella
Last night, my boyfriend asked if any of "my substacks" are writing about Olivia Nuzzi, so I have circled back to show him this one. I think Feed Me is where I have gotten all my recent news about her (the move to Vanity Fair, etc.), in fact. Thank you for covering the news that matters.
Spotify and Apple request complete. Can I call it a day now?
I need to try Teddy's, but I fully endorse ZBiotics. Never believed it until trying it for a brutal bachelor party earlier this year. It just got me through a three day wedding. I find it helps with most everything and then need caffeine for the headache. A coffee and coconut water (nuun if i have to) and I'm good to go.
The (paywalled) locker room article just screams trans rights, men in women locker rooms. Fake news, resume nudity immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter!