Love Always, Chloe Jayne

Which of these could Chloe Jayne be?

Good morning Blogospherians!

Today is an awsome day, dispite the clouds and forecasts!

I’ve got my patterns cut, my materials together and today I get to spend an entire day just creating! What more could a gal ask for?

Watch for pics of the  new Urban Girl Messenger Bag by LA Chloe Jayne coming sometime this evening.

In the mean time, here’s something to get you off to a great Monday.

I love my job. I love my job. I love my job! At least, that’s what I tell myself.

Dear Blogosphere, although there are certain business practices that tell us to chant the mantra “the customer is always right”, sometimes, this just is not the case.

I was supposed to be assigned to the bar last night. I love working the bar. The patrons are friendly, the tips are good, and usually, the worst I have to put up with is some over-zealous college kid hitting on me after one too many.

I clocked in at 4 yesterday and started setting up my station. I figured it was going to be a busy night for two reasons: (1) Saturday night (okay that’s a no brain-er) and (2) there was a big Bon Jovi concert. But at 5:30, Mr. Floor Manager tells me that Molly called in sick and I am not only going to be covering bar area, but her station as well. The private dining room, or what we lovingly refer to as “The Seventh Level of Hell“.

We have the private dining room for larger parties, and although we ask that customers make a reservation, when we have no private parties, the private dining room is used for “over-flow” traffic from the main floor.

Around 8:30 the place was really moving. The bar was full, the main floor was full, tips were flowing and all was good - and then they walked in.  He was wearing what had to be a $1200 suite, all posh and polished, and she was wearing a stylish little black dress, dripping in garish gold and diamonds. I smelled trouble.

First, they were upset with the Maitre’ d when he informed them that because they hadn’t made a reservation, he’d have to seat them in the private dining area, because there were no tables on the main floor. They openly complained about “not being seen” as they were escorted to their table.

I told them what our special was, and asked them if they’d like to order a cocktail or a glass of wine while they looked over the menu.

“Oh, we’re having champagne, dear.” The woman smirked.

Very well, I said and went off to get their bucket of bubbly. When I came back, she complained about her silverware being “Spotted” - which it wasn’t, but the customer is always right, so I took it away and got them both a new set-up. Then she complained that her glass was spotty, so I took it away and got them each new glasses. 

Every time I returned, there was a new complaint, the last one being that she was “catching a chill” from their current seating and could they please move to a different table.”

Shhhurreee.. no problem! I got them, their new silverware and glasses and champagne completely moved and left them to look over their menus.

When I returned to their table, I asked if they were ready to order, and the said no, that they needed more time. No problem, I thought. I can check up on the bar, and come back.

Now, while we are open till midnight on weekends, our kitchen closes at 11:30. The bar stays open till 12 and then we lock the doors. We don’t rush customers out, by any means, but we do not put in a kitchen order after 11:30.

By 9:25 I had checked their table no less than six times and they still were not ready to order.

She was fussing about us not having a particular type of seafood, and he was indecisive about what cut of beef he’d prefer. I tried to offer suggestions and substitutions to no avail.

At 10:15 pm they were STILLnot ready to order, and had already been through two bottles of champagne.  The Floor Manager asked me if they’d placed their order yet, and I said no, that they couldn’t make up their minds.

“Well the next time you check the table, let them know that our kitchen closes at 11:30″ He said.

I returned to their table again, checking my watch, 10:34, and asked if they were ready to order.

After answering a battery of questions about this dish or that dish they said no, they still hadn’t decided, bring more champagne. (We’re three bottles in at this point, which is a pretty quick drink-to-brain ratio). I said I’d be happy to and told them that if they were going to order certain dishes they may want to go ahead and place the order because our kitchen closed at 11:30, and off I went to get their drinks.

They sat there, playing this cat and mouse game, consuming mass quantities of bubbly, until 11:20! THEN, they decided they wanted our special. I told them I’d have to check the kitchen to make sure we weren’t out of it, given the hour.  And they were not happy when I returned to tell them that it had indeed been eaten all up.

I got a major scolding by chef when I placed their order at 11:28, a seriously stern look from Maitre d, when he realized we probably were not going to be locking the doors at 12, and when I got their order to their table, both complained endlessly about the quality of the food.

I ended up returning her plate to the kitchen three times and when I brought it back the last time, she threw her napkin in her plate and said “Well, now I’ve just completely lost my appetite! I want to leave!”

Nooooo Problem!

I gave them their check and the man says, “I’d like to see the manager!” So, I retrieved the manager.

I’m not sure what all they discussed but I know that the man told the manger that I never informed them of the kitchen closing time, and that I hadn’t bothered to check on their table for over an hour at one point. LIAR! ARRGGG!

Finally, they left, without leaving a tip, I might add.

Dear fine blogospherians, please, I implore you - when you enter an establishment to enjoy a fine meal, be aware of the staff and the establishments hours of operation. Yes, we are there to serve, and are happy to do so, but we are people too.

Don’t let that skyline fool you ladies and gentlemen, its just damn cold outside!

We’re supposed to be up to a balmy 36° tomorrow before more snow sets in on Monday and Tuesday.

Went to brunch/lunch with the girls and am now getting ready to head off to work. Big concert downtown tonight so maybe I’ll get some good tippers in the bar area.

Great day to be alive!

Love always

Chloe Jayne

NO! Not because of that you cheeky monkies!

I smashed my hand but good last night at work, and wouldn’t you know it is my right hand? I so wanted to finish my Chloe Jayne bag today! I was hoping that copious amounts of Advil and warm compresses would ease the throbbing, but its no use.

A Note of Caution:  Never brace yourself against the door jam of a swining metal door.

Yes, Scott called. It was a good conversation that unfortunately will have to continue this afternoon as I simply couldn’t bear to hear him yawn. Bless his heart. He says he hasn’t slept much, and I can empathize. I haven’t either. I told him to take a nap and call me later.

And right now, I’m on my way out to meet Dani, Molly and Lynne for brunch!