Hi Neighbor!
Â
Every summer during college I worked at a swanky four-star restaurant in Baltimore. I started out bussing tables and was eventually âpromotedâ to lunchtime server. By my third summer I was also waiting tables two evenings a week, but only on slow nights (Sundays and Mondays). It was hard work, and I wasnât particularly good at it. The clientele was entitled and demanding, except for those celebrating anniversaries or using gift certificates. One diner found a bug in his water and asked if it came from my hair. Another accused me of going to Disneyland instead of bringing him a Manhattan. The manager yelled at me for forgetting to button my top button and tucking a strand of hair behind my ear while talking to diners. Some nights I went home in tears.
Â
And yet! I learned some valuable lessons during my time there (besides how to iron a tuxedo shirt in five minutes flat):
- Your co-workers will help you; you just need to ask. The maĂŽtre dâ reminded me of this after a particularly brutal night when I tried to handle everything myself and ended up botching multiple orders and dropping a tray of soups.
-
Donât auction off the food. Instead, remember who ordered each dish and place it down in front of him or her. Itâs still my biggest pet peeve when dining out.
- Stay in school. Several âlifersâ told me they never wanted to see me again after I graduated.
-
Mo money, mo problems. The people I served had gobs of money to spend on steak dinners and pricey wines and yet they were so miserable. Nothing made them happy. Some couples came in for a meal and never spoke a word to each another. Others enjoyed watching me squirm. The nice ones were there for special occasions. Go figure.
-
Sharing is caring. People are a lot more understanding if you share why things arenât going smoothly (e.g., the kitchen is slammed, half the waitstaff called out sick, the fish delivery never arrived). If that doesnât work, just keep bringing them drinks.
- Never try to show off by memorizing an order. It ALWAYS backfires.
Â
This is a tough time for the foodservice industry. Restaurants are dealing with staffing shortages, angry customers, health concerns and supply chain issues. Itâs a lot. My advice? Be patient and tip generously.
Â
Bon Appetit!
Kate
|
THANK YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS! We hope MainLine Neighbors keeps you connected to our community. đ Thanks to our local advertisers for sponsoring this week's newsletter. Please support our sponsors! Give them a click to learn more!Â
|
Saturday, February 26, 2022
1:00 â 4:00 pm
Valley Forge Educational Services
Activities Center
1777 North Valley Road
Malvern, PA 19355
Â
Donât miss our Special Kids Camp Expo! With 30+ local camps and summer programs for children and young adults with special needs, we have something for everyone!
Learn about:
⢠Day and Overnight Camps
⢠Academic Camps
⢠Extended School Year Programs
⢠Therapeutic Programs
⢠Career Exploration Programs
⢠Community Resources
The Special Kids Camp Expo is free and open to the community. No Registration is Required.
For more information, visit vfes.net/campexpo.
Â
Valley Forge Educational Services (VFES) offers a continuum of educational, recreational and employment-related services for people with disabilities. VFES is committed to helping students and participants develop a strong sense of self-worth to realize their value as contributing members of the community through its two signature programs: The Vanguard School and Adult and Recreation Services (ARS).
|
CALL OF THE WILD
Â
Winterfest Weekend
February 19th & 20th Â
11:00 AM â 4:00 PM
Elmwood Park Zoo     Â
Embrace the chilly weather with some winter-themed entertainment and activities, including an ice slide, chats with animal ambassadors, carousel rides, sâmores and drink specials. Details
Â
Winterfest for Wildlife
Saturday, February 5th Â
12:00 PM â 3:00 PM
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
The Schuylkill Centerâs Wildlife Clinic treats thousands of injured and sick animals each year. Featuring guided hikes, vendor tables, food trucks and more. Details
Â
Winter Wildlife
Saturday, February 19th
10:00 AM â 11:00 AM
Willows Park Preserve, Villanova
Discover how animals weather the winter months. Participants will also go on a scavenger hunt and make feeders for backyard birds. For ages 6-9. Preregistration required. Details
|
Winterfest
Saturday, February 26th  Â
600 S. Broad St., Kennett Square
Bundle up and enjoy winter brews from 65 unique craft breweries during Kennett Squareâs annual Winterfest. Food trucks, vendors and live music too. Details
|
SWEETHEART SPECIALS
Â
Valentineâs Tea
February 12th & 13th, Multiple seatings
A Taste of Britain, Wayne
Featuring a full menu of warm beverages, lunch selections and delicious treats, this event is perfect for sweethearts, âGalentines,â mommy-and-me dates, and more! To-go option available. Details
Â
Sweetheart Skate
Monday, February 14th
7:00 PM â 11:00 PM
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Treat your sweetheart to a special skate beneath the rinkâs twinkling lights. Enjoy flowers, live DJ entertainment, boardwalk games, cozy cabins, firepits and romantic movies in the Lodge. Details
Â
Galentine's Night Out
Saturday, February 12th
6:00 PM â 9:00 PM
AR Workshop, Malvern
Choose from an array of projects, such as plank wood or porch signs, bath trays, pillow covers or wall hangings. Details
Â
Valentineâs Day Brunch
February 12 & 13: 10:00 AM, 11:15 AM & 12:30 PM
Elwood Park Zoo Â
Savor a Valentineâs brunch in the zooâs Canopy Gardens Hall, complete with an animal meet and greet! Guests who prefer to dine alone can send their children (ages 4+) to an animal workshop during brunch. Ticket includes zoo admission. Details
|
Boards & Booze
Monday, February 14th
6:30 PM â 9:30 PM
Philadelphia Woodworks
In just one extremely fun session youâll enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and feel of a pro-grade woodshop, make a gorgeous cutting board you can use forever and enjoy whatever snacks and drinks you want to bring! Details
Â
Valentine's Day Date Night
Thursday, February 10th
6:30 PM â 8:30 PM
Wayne Art Center
Enjoy an evening of seasonal flavors with your sweetheart! During this hands-on cooking class, youâll prepare a delicious four-course dinner, including roasted asparagus with prosciutto and Parmesan wraps, micro greens with Seckel pears, beef stroganoff and strawberry tarts. Details
Â
Wine & Chocolate
Weekends in February
Three seatings: 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM
Chaddsford Winery
Tasting of five diverse wines paired with artisan selections from Ăclat Chocolate. Learn more about local grape-growing conditions and Chaddsfordâs unique winemaking process, from production to aging and bottling. Reservations required. Details
|
A.C. is a 10-month old boy born with an underdeveloped heart, coming to Philadelphia for his 3rd heart surgery.
|
ORDINARY PEOPLE PERFORMING
EXTRAORDINARY ACTS OF KINDNESS!
Â
Imagine your child needs to come to The Childrenâs Hospital of Philadelphia for urgent medical care, but has no place to stay?
Â
The nonprofit HOSTS for HOSPITALS provides housing solutions to patient-families, whether the patient be a child or an adult:
⢠At private residences (when Hosts & Guests are vaccinated)
⢠At vacant housing, such as in-law suites, cottage houses, corporate apartments, AirBnBs or other rentals, and residences where owners are away
Â
The need for help is urgent, as there is a great shortage of other housing resources!
Â
Please contact us if you, or someone you know, may be able to offer housing at any time now and through the summer, for any length of time:
Â
Lodging@HostsForHospitals.org
484-380-2999
HostsForHospitals.org/HelpNow
|
WHATâS COOKING
Â
Run Porky, Run!
Tuesday, February 15th
6:00 PM â 9:00 PM
The Kitchen Workshop, Paoli
When people cook pork, they often complain about it being dry or flavorless. These issues and more will be addressed as you learn to prepare company-worthy chops and loins. Details
Â
Cooking with Wine
Thursday, February 24th, 7:00 PM
Sur La Table, King of Prussia Mall
Wondering what to do with an uncorked bottle of wine? Cook with it! Learn how to incorporate wine into everything from poultry to salad to dessert. Details
Â
West Chester Restaurant Week
Sunday, February 27th â Sunday, March 6th
Many of the townâs culinary masters will create multi-course prix fixe menus for the week. Details
Â
Chocolate, Wine/Whiskey Festival
January 29th Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, Philadelphia
Included in the ticket price is a tasting glass to enjoy unlimited wine and whiskey â and a selection of craft beers, ciders and non-alcoholic beverages as well. Enjoy Chocolate in a multitude of decadent presentations. Exclusively 21+. Details
|
CONNECT THE DOTS
Â
Trail Hike
Thursday, February 10th Â
9:30 AM â 12:00 PM
Tyler Arboretum, Media
Explore up to seven miles of the arboretumâs connecting trails, covering meadows, forests and streams. Preregistration required. Rain or shine. Details
Â
Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Workshop
Thursday, February 10th Â
6:00 PM â 9:00 PM
City Kitchen, Reading Terminal Market
Wine specialist Hailey Lawler from Wines Your Way Co. will guide participants through a tasting of fine wines, delectable cheeses and savory chocolates. Adults only. Â Details
Â
The Effects of Mental Illness on Family Members (virtual)
Sunday, February 6th
2:00 PM â 4:00 PM
Join NAMI Main Line PA for a panel discussion on mental illness and its effects on families. Panelists will include spouses, siblings, parents and children of those with mental illness. Details
|
SORT and Succeed with Clutter Control Strategies; Take Care of You in 2022 through Organizing
January 31st @ 7:00 PM Hosted by the Haverford Township Free Library
Darla DeMorrow plans to participate in the national public awareness initiative to help start the new year off right by leading with change as a precursor to getting organized and increasing productivity. Registration is free and open to all.
|
Chestnut Hill on Ice Friday & Saturday, January 28th & 29th Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill
Ice-themed attractions, including ice sculptures, an iceless skating rink, live music, a yurt village, restaurant and retail specials, meet & greet with the snow queens and more. Details
|
| At Mathnasium we are changing lives through math!Â
All students were harmed by covid. We will help build their confidence in math and beyond.
Learning centers in Paoli, West Chester and Glen MillsÂ
|
Overcome your addiction in 2022. RCA is a leading provider of drug & alcohol addiction treatment in the Delaware Valley.
Let us help you today
TheDevonDifference.com
Â
|
Enhance your outdoor space using pathway lighting, accent and uplighting, patio and entertainment space outdoor lighting from Illuminate Landscape lighting.
illuminatelandscapelighting.com
|
Curious about the value of your collection?
Â
Freemanâs offers complimentary valuations of luxury accessories and fine jewelry for upcoming auctions.
Freemans
|
Lionville Natural Pharmacy provides custom medications, nutritional supplements and professional consultations for you and your family, serving our community for 40 years.
Expedited Shipping.
Learn More
Schedule A ConsultationÂ
|
Looking for a fun, active, stress-relieving winter activity? Try dancing! Small class sizes. Couples and singles welcome.
amdancestudio.com
Narberth (610) 668-8870
Paoli (610) 993-9305
|
đ WHO WE ARE!
MainLine Neighbors, a women-owned company, has been delivering local information to the community for over 15 years.
We partner with the many community organizations and have been producing relevant content to meet the needs of our neighbors.
Â
Do you want to advertise or sponsor MainLine Neighbors? Hit us up! Are you interested in producing stories for MainLine Neighbors? Weâre into that too! Have any other questions? Send us an email at info@mainlineneighbors.com.
|
|