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 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.
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
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!
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
Office Christmas parties should happen on a Thursday.
agree
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
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 gifted this mortadella dish towel last year and it was a huge hit, highly rec. https://www.mariannafierro.com/shop/p/mortadella