ULC Logbook, Friday, July 15th, 2022:
We started with 88 covers (50 inside, 38 outside). Three parties cancelled, for a total loss of 9 covers. We were joined by the following walk-in parties: 2 at 5:50PM (drinks and appetizers in Clubroom); 1 at 8PM (patio); 2 at 8:25PM (patio). We finished with 93 guests (49 inside, 44 outside).
We had one order for takeout, for BA Mr. B., placed by web.
For BA’s, we were joined by: D. S., Yale’s Sterling Professor of Computer Science (party of 4, tbl. 62); Mallory B. (party of 5, tbl. 76), celebrating 92nd birthday; Jeff S. (party of 2, tbl. 17), the couple first met at the ULC fireplace; Dr. B. B., a Professor of Medicine at Yale Cancer Center (party of 3, tbl. 63); Michael V., married at ULC in 2017 (party of 2, tbl. 64); Lois B., celebrating 90th birthday (party of 3, tbl. 26); Timothy H., regulars since Sherman’s Taverne days, celebrating 70th birthday (party of 6, tbl. 5); Kapil M. (party of 5, tbl. 79); Carlos G., married at ULC in 2011 (party of 2, tbl. 75).
Mallory B. (party of 5, tbl. 76, served by A.) has joined us the past three July’s in a row to celebrate the birthday of the B. family’s matriarch, who this year turned 92. The guests and I remembered each other from past celebrations; we got to chat when they were first seated and on two more occasions when members of the party came inside to use the washrooms. The first feedback I received from the B.’s was that their, “octopus was AMAZING.” The second time must have been after they had finished dinner, and I had the opportunity to take them on a little tour of the second floor (thank you to R. for assisting in getting everything ready!) The B.’s said that A.’s service was on point; two guests in their party had who journeyed all the way from Washington State to take part in tonight’s dinner had, “such a lovely time”; their dinner tonight was, “absolutely delicious,” and the birthday girl had, “such a wonderful, memorable evening”; the B.’s will definitely be back next year to celebrate again!
J. struggled very hard outside tonight, while 2 tables arrived within 8/10 minutes in between them, he had to set up 1 table for main courses that have been waiting for 3/4 minutes, then had to ‘rush’ get drinks order on 62, then order the food on 75, but unfortunately decided to not be prepared for his service.
-G.
On Wednesday, July 13, M. called out; on Thursday, July 14th, M. was called in but was unable to work.
On Friday, July 15th (today), E. and P. G. were cut.
Message sent to bussers: “Hello everybody, just a quick reminder about weekly busser sidework: Every Thursday, the busser assigned to the back station is responsible for counting all tea and coffee, and passing the inventory sheet in to management. Every Saturday, the busser assigned to the back station is responsible for counting all linen, and passing the inventory sheet in to management. Thank you guys!”
Saturday: cloudy; high of 83F; 10% chance of precipitation.
ULC Logbook, Saturday, July 16th, 2022:
We started with 114 covers (71 inside, 43 outside). There were more than usual last-minute cancellations / no-shows, which complicated the flow of seating inside. Eleven parties cancelled, for a total of 26 covers lost. We were joined by the following walk-in parties: 2 at 5:50PM (patio); 2 at 6PM (patio); 2 at 8PM (desserts only); 2 at 8:15 (desserts only); 1 at 8:40PM (bar). We finished with 126 guests (88 inside, 38 outside).
We had one order for takeout, placed by phone, for a guest named M. who is in quarantine, and was celebrating her girlfriend S.’s birthday.
For BA’s, we were joined by: the M.’s, celebrating their anniversary (party of 2, tbl. 1); the P., who had to leave early due to a babysitter issue (party of 2, tbl. 4); Salvatore C., who I guided on a brief tour of the second floor (party of 2, tbl. 6); Dr. P. O. (party of 2, tbl. 61); Dr. P. S. (party of 4, tbl. 3); Marie R. (party of 4, tbl. 77); friends of Chef G. and Liz, Elisabeth B. (party of 2, tbl. 66); Anne N., with her sister visiting from Dallas (party of 4, tbl. 29); Brigitte G. (party of 2, tbl. 27); the P.’s (party of 2, tbl. 1); Colleen M. (party of 2, tbl. 78).
Mark G. (party of 2, tbl. 14, served by R. I.) asked to speak with me in the vestibule following their dinner. I was not worried at all about this request, and did not feel any spike of panic / terror (I may have been slightly worried). In the vestibule, Mrs. G. commented: “I just have to tell you… tonight, every single thing we ate was absolutely DELICIOUS.” Mr. G. said: “As usual. You guys rock: keep up the great work!” Bravo to the G.’s for getting me good, R. I., Chef J., Chef T., and team!
Later, Rebecca S. (party of 2, tbl. 3, served by D.) also beckoned me into the vestibule to offer feedback: “You know what… EVERYTHING tonight was PHENOMENAL. The food was beyond delicious, our server was wonderful. We will definitely be back!” Bravo to D. J., Chef, and team!
James D. (party of 2, tbl. 15, served by A.) has on previous occasions developed something of a reputation for being a tough cookie to please. After their dinner, when I asked Mr. D. and his dining companion how their experience had been, Mr. D. answered: “Perfect. You guys are doing a great job.” Bravo to A., Chefs, R., and team!
J. called out sick.
An anonymous host who works at the front desk said that today’s all-male roster in the MDR engendered a shoutout (cry for help?) of appreciation to the ULC’s amazing women, who contribute so much every day (except for today) to balance the staff’s vibrational energy / testosterone level.
It was N.’s last night at ULC: we wish him all the best!
Gift Card policy has changed: when guests purchase a gift card in person, in the “Composition” notebook used for gift cards sold over the phone, we will now be recording the date of sale, name of the purchaser, purchaser’s phone number, and whenever possible, the name of the gift card recipient. On the page of the “Composition” notebook where this info is recorded, we will staple a copy of the receipt and the gift card authorization.
Sunday: partly cloudy; high of 84F. Monday: scattered thunderstorms; high of 82F.