Sure, it looked like a glamorous position when you attended your friend's wedding last month. Watching the banquet manager, or maitre d’, escorting the bride & groom into the room, then directing his waiters in serving the food, then later even taking center stage during the cake cutting ceremony, seemed like a cool job. You even thought, hey, I would like to do that. Now it's time to tell you the truth!
Here's some of the Banquet Manager's favorite comments from readers in the month of October. Thanks for adding your voice to this blog and keep them coming.On "New York Bar Serves Up Wine in Baby Bottles"Manker said:"Gives new meaning to "bottle fed" ! :)On "What the F*%$ Did She Say" Purplegirl said: "Some corporate genius decided the hosts should tell you all that stuff instead of the servers, and the hosts get their asses reamed if they're caught not doing. They also get ... Read Full Story
It bears noting that restaurant people are not necessarily “people” people. Some are in it solely for the food, or for the money, and would rather be in the kitchen, or in the backroom counting cash, than out here dealing with all your nonsense. Others are just moody eccentrics.Kenny Shopsin, whose namesake Manhattan luncheonette—since closed—was the subject of a New Yorker tribute by Calvin Trillin, had, among many house rules, a ban on parties of five. (No splitting the group into two table... Read Full Story
On rude waitstaff, belligerent maître d’s, scowling chefs, cranky banquet managers and the people who love them.By Peter Jon Lindberg, Travel+LeisureThe stereotype of the surly Parisian maître d’ may be losing currency nowadays, but for the determined efforts of one man: Philippe Pinoteau, owner of Le Baratin, a bar à vin/bistro in the 20th Arrondissement.A skilled sommelier and manager, Pinoteau is even more adept at making his customers feel like so much terroir. A friend once showed up wit... Read Full Story
I wonder if my chef can do better than these scary foods...probably not!Octopus SaladWatermelon BrainScary Gingerbread ManCupcake EyeballsKiller Pop TartFingers-in-a-BlanketMashed Potato GhostsKiller Rat CakeCold Cut Skeleton HeadHappy Halloween... Share Like this story? Share it with your friends and family on Facebook. Share Read Full Story
That's what the complaint letter said. That's what she bitched about. That's what the "banquet manager" got his butt reamed out about. Only 1 problem...that's not what happened.There was a stupid little 30th surprise birthday party planned for our outside deck. They wanted a screen and projector setup so they could put on a slideshow of the birthday boy's baby photos. Give me a break!Anyway, it was getting cold and damp outside and we set everything up except the $2500 projector. We had... Read Full Story
I've been writing this blog for over 1 year and have finally come to realize something. Most of my readers are waiters. WTF! Where are all the banquet managers?Don't get me wrong, I sincerely appreciate all of you fellow road warrior waiters. Without all of you I wouldn't have a job. People think that it's easy to be a waiter but just let them try it for 1 month. They'll be running for the hills quicker than a long-tailed cat in a room full o' rocking chairs.But where the hell are all t... Read Full Story
As you know, I have posted a joke or two on this site. I like to lighten it up from time to time instead of just bitchin' and moanin'. I have tried to post jokes that are related to food, weddings, or waiters, etc. I hope you have liked them all.So now, I was curious as to which one was your favorite. Click on the links below to view them again. Then place your vote in the box on the left side of the page. Thanks.2 Doctors Having SexA 10 Year Olds Love StoryA Case of Miller LiteA Union... Read Full Story
Read all about it...So You Want To Be a Banquet Manager is now on Facebook...Only one problem...what the hell do I do with this thing?Is it a web site? Is it am email thing? Or just a place to eavesdrop on what other people are posting? Beats the hell out of me.How do I tweet with this thing, I don't know? I think I have the basics of this blog down but now with Facebook, I haven't the foggiest idea of what to do with it. Can I make any $$ with this bugger?All I know is this...I got my first ... Read Full Story
From "funny" pranks gone really wrong, to frisky bridal party members, to parents verbally inviting everyone they know, real-life brides reveal some of the worst guest behaviors they've ever encountered.It goes without saying: A wedding is a special time, but it's the family, friends, and crazy occurrences that can make it even more memorable ... not always for the better! Check out these horror stories from brides on TheKnot.com. We've left off the names to protect the innocent (and the guil... Read Full Story
There are 14 weekend days (Fri, Sat & Sun) in the month of October and we've got 18 weddings this month! WTF! 5 weddings a weekend for a couple of weeks with a double on Sat and then again on Sunday.I'm already exhausted and I'm not even half way done. Plus, I still have all the corporate groups here during the week! My loyal readers, say a prayer for the banquet manager to help me get through this month...In the meanwhile, enjoy some of these past wedding related stories:You Look Lik... Read Full Story
