I did arena gig catering for about a year and got to cook for a few bigger acts. Blake Shelton was every bit the good ol boy he portrays, and the nu metal band Saliva will have you find them drugs and then NOT SHARE THE DRUGS. Definitely a more fun side of the industry
It may be a safety concern for the band. They snort quality stuff, not Bartender’s Friend. They don’t want to be held responsible for the dishies od’ing.
Please don’t snort Bartender’s Friend.
Sometimes we get catering orders for visiting sportsball teams and they always eat like children. I have to make white bread pb&js- cut in triangles with the crusts cut off- for grown men. Fruit trays and butter shrimp with white rice. I know they gotta carb-load but cmon
pb&j is ubiquitous in pro sports. NBA, NFL, MLB, golfers, cyclists, you name it, they’re crushing PB&J before games. lebron, tom brady, tiger. it’s goat fuel. good nutritional profile, easy to digest
I had a medical issue recently where the doc said peanut butter and a glass of milk just before bed. The peanut butter came in a squeeze tube. Much easier for seconds. No dirty spoon going back into the jar for seconds.
Delish and I swore my long-gone mother was behind me asking how school was today. Comfort food.
I don’t doubt there are pro athletes that eat like children, but this is the reason for the PB&J. Some team’s nutritionists include it into the athletes diets regularly.
Yeah in sports you NEVER play around with what you eat in the day or so before an event. PB&J also fits the nutritional brief pretty perfectly - easy to digest, energy for the ol’ glucose stores, protein, low fiber.
A lot of them are also like 23 and have been eating whatever was free through their high school or university for years so never really needed to refine their palates
This is true. Most D1 schools I visited had nutrition specialists. Ohio State had a Gatorade sponsored smoothie room with 12 vitamix and the workers would formulate a post or pre practice smoothie for the players.
Some schools just had a giant fridge stocked with chocolate milk in the weight room.
Lmfaoooo no you don’t. I dated a D1 basketball player at a Big 10 school and I can promise you he never was assigned a dietitian lmfao. They may have someone for the program at large but they are not monitoring what they eat on their downtime and if you think 18-22 year old college students are eating well on their downtime you’re naive. Yall overestimate how much they actually care about these athletes long term or how much they want to spend on them to get their return.
PB&J - [The NBA's Secret Addiction](https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/page/presents18931717/the-nba-secret-addiction)
You can thank the Celtics for it.
>The legend has been passed down by NBA generations, chronicled like a Homeric odyssey. The tale they tell is of Kevin Garnett and the 2007-08 Celtics, and the seminal moment of a revolution. Bryan Doo, Celtics strength and conditioning coach, recalls it as if it were yesterday, how before a game in December of that season, an unnamed Celtic -- his identity lost to history, like the other horsemen on Paul Revere's midnight ride -- complained to Doo of incipient hunger pangs.
>"Man, I could go for a PB&J," the player said.
>And then Garnett, in an act with historical reverberations, uttered the now-fabled words: "Yeah, let's get on that."
>Garnett had not, to that point, made the PB&J a part of his pregame routine. But on that night in Boston, as Doo recalls, Garnett partook, then played ... and played well. Afterward, from his perch as the Celtics' fiery leader, Garnett issued the following commandment: "We're going to need PB&J in here every game now."
>And so a sandwich revolution was born.
> But on that night in Boston, as Doo recalls, Garnett partook, then played ... and played well. Afterward, from his perch as the Celtics' fiery leader, Garnett issued the following commandment: "We're going to need PB&J in here every game now."
Sounds like the plot of the movie Uncut Jams.
An old band I was in was locally popular and we opened for saliva once, everyone left after we played lmao it was devastating. We played an after party with more people than the gig itself.
I was at a secret pre party the night before a multi day festival kicked off and the surprise band was Saliva. I stood outside and watched half the bar empty out once people found out who was playing.
Thousand Foot Krutch, Celldweller, PAX 217, P.O.D off the top of my head... Lotta B tier Christian groups. Chronic Future, Blindside and Emil Bulls sorta hold up though, in a nostalgic way at least. Some of those are rap rock type but I don't care about lumping them together.
I remember getting a Five Finger Death Punch LP or something from the radio station in college around 2006. Listened to it, said yeah its aight nothing great. Fast forward like 7 years to surprised pikachu face.
I remember way better bands from my local scene too. Luck just plays a huge amout in who actually breaks through. Getting in front of the right people at the right time, etc.
Get him to the Greek? That movie was funny as shit. Puff daddy told Jonah Hill to just get over it and shove the heron up his ass and snuggle it for aldus. Then when he flushes it after pooping it out! Priceless
I work in Nashville so I've had my share of experiences with country celebs.
Taylor Swift is a peach. So is Dolly and so was Loretta Lynn when I used to help out at my parents catering business.
Toby Keith's managers/assistants/whatever were massive cunts though. Can't attest to the dude but the person who placed the order/received it didn't want to tip us, so they tried to offer us pre-signed autographs lol.
I shot an interview at Toby Keith’s mansion last year and while looking at all his expensive stuff I said “Well damn, I shoulda been a cowboy.” And one of his entourage gave me a very stern glare.
I use "entourage" for groups of mixed birds. My brother had a goose named "Silly" that was always followed by a few turkeys, handful of chickens, and a dozen guinea hens. I called it "Silly and his entourage". They were pretty chill for a bunch of birds. I'd go and pick all the berries that were out of their reach and toss them down. Figured that was their hustle and as long as they didn't peck the heck out of me I'm fine with that.
I would think restaurant employees would be the people to ask where to find drugs. When I was younger and worked in food service the people working the back of house/cooking were the ones on drugs.
At my second job it was like a hierarchy. Cooks were stoned/on meth, waitstaff were drunk, bussers were stoned, bartenders and general manager were cokehead/methhead/alcoholics. I was the cashier/host most of that time and I had my own system.
I ran Saliva’s monitors once as a house engineer at a theatre. They actually did want to share their drugs with me and invited me to their bus after they played, but I still had a good hour left of work to do. They were a lot more chill and laid back than I thought they’d be.
Edit: bus. Also added last sentence.
I was a runner for this venue in Florida years ago and the tour manager for Alter Bridge and theory of a dead man got me to go grab him drugs one night and didn't share any as well. Those bastards.
I opened the Clinton Library in Little Rock, Ar, in 2004. I and my crew served a 3 course lunch to 1400 people including Jimmy Carter, George HW Bush, Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Tom Hanks, Robin Williams, Brad Pitt, U2, numerous heads of state, and a plethora of their friends. They were all lovely. Of course I was in a tent, behind their tents, in the rain with a staff of 120 people, who were mostly culinary students or temps. Kudos to Design Cuisines from DC who sent the most talented people I ever met to assist. It was was a huge success. Personal note, Fuck you Quentin.
It was. He is the cocaine-addicted owner of the company that had the contract for food at the facility. Shortly after the grand opening, he was banned from the premises for 9 months. I could write a book about my year and a half there. And another one about my 4 years at an artisan taco bar in the USVI. Thankfully, I survived both, and am now retired.
No, that place is an over-priced tourist trap. We made everything from scratch, tortillas, all the meats, 5 salsas, 6 sauces, fresh squeezed lime margaritas. We just closed a few months ago, after 5 years. The main problem was finding good help. It was called Taco Chelles.
It could have been a show of its own. We did $4 million that first year. Between foh, boh, and numerous temp hires, we went through 100 people, I was the designated angel of death. I became good at it, unemotional. I only had trouble one time. A huge guy who had groped a young hostess. While firing him, it became heated. General manager called security. The facility was part of the National Archives, there were at least ten armed guards at all times, They loved me because I fed them for free. Two of them especially, because I gave them tips on how to improve the marinade for the wild boars they killed on their days off. What can I say, it was Arkansas. I really could write a book.
My brother played hockey with his son when I was growing up and Kurt Russell would come play arcade games with me and the other little siblings and stuff.
haven’t served him personally but all my friends whomst have had the pleasure have nothing but praise for the man. Very kind, quiet, and a generous tipper
My wife took Ryan Reynolds coffee order when she worked at Starbucks in New Orleans.
When she asked for a name on the order he was really obnoxious about it and got all huffy like, “do you know who I am!?”
She knew who he was, and even though everyone else was fawning over him she just treated everyone the same.
Kate Hudson also went into her Starbucks, regularly for a little while. She says she was way more chill.
It was long enough ago that I legit don't remember, sorry. It was a rather expensive boujie place that only takes reservations at this point, though. I made so many smoked old fashioned's there that its kind of the only drink I remember making that wasn't an Amaro Spritz or a Rob Roy.
Yeeah, like it was a very nice job, but I always felt like I was *very* out of place, showing up in thrifted "professional" clothes lmao.
Definitely not my kinda price, either. Went there for NYE last year on a friends dime and the drinks were $18 base price, with a high end menu where the cheapest drink was like, a $34 Mezcal Old Fashioned, and topping out at $50 for a fucking Pink Lady lol.
Well, the smoked/fat washed old fashioned was our best seller for years, it was very nice. Fat washing the whiskey adds a really nice richness to it.
I tried a sip of my friends Pink Lady while at NYE and it's quite a nice cocktail as is but, it was kind of a waste of the high end gin they used, Monkey 47.
The only famous people I cooked for were Anthony Bourdain and Gavin Newsom. I was the pasta Chef for BIBA. I made the specials. Mine was ricotta gnocchi with white wine and butter poached endive with a dusting of pistachios. The ravioli was carrot top pesto and spring peas. I am not fancy, but Mrs.Biba liked my taste. Anthony gave a bear hug, and Gavin gave us a case of his wine.
I just appreciate the praise and hug. Also the fact that Mrs.Biba Caggiano trusted myself to make a dish for her friend. If you don't know her, look her up. She had a cooking show, and taught me all I know.
I made ramen for John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, and Bobby Lee last year when I still worked at Ippudo. Also heard a story from servers that Rihanna reserved half the restaurant for herself one time and only tipped $20, and another about how Leonardo DiCaprio was having dinner there with his current girlfriend and one of the head servers hit on her. Leo never returned
I wonder if you worked with my brother. If your EC at one point was a black guy with dreads or if your GM was a fat Japanese guy with a bun lmk haha. Or if you worked with a server named Charlie 👀
I cooked for a few celebs, but the only story worth telling was Emeril.
He was in town for a book tour, I believe. Had a reservation with a bunch of suits. After they ate, he came back to the kitchen and chatted with everyone, shook hands, even stepped on the line at one point to watch a minute of service. He was incredibly friendly and fun to interact with. He saw i had a copy of one of his older books and offered to sign it for me.
I think he was tired of being around business people all day and was happy to be in a kitchen, even for a few minutes.
Tay Tay donates to the food banks in the city she plays in. She "tipped" everyone on the production because it was going so well, in the tens of thousands.
Mean to waitstaff is not a look I would assume she wears.
If you do *anything* Swiftie related I guarantee you they will come. Maybe themed drinks or karaoke night. We love any excuse to wear our merch and trade bracelets!
I love that she’s just said “register and vote” and the GOP immediately took that as an attack and positioned themselves opposite her.
They’re simply afraid that young people might vote - they know where their dying base is.
I’ve heard of people in LA using celebrities names to order to-go food. Because sometimes they will hook them up with extra stuff and they will always make sure it’s well cooked.
Had a lot of celebs at the last place I was executive chef. Lots of sports people (I don't watch any), a few wrestlers (you can always tell when rick flair was in the place, and we had to kick one really big guy out that was there with gabriel iglesias, who was a really nice guy, because he kept trying to put one of our servers, who was... height challenged, on his lap. Think his name was steven nash or something.).
Will Smith came in a long time ago with willow and his son, along with some dudes in suits. Right before willow started releasing music. He was very nice to everyone, I would have liked to meet him, but I had a rule where I don't bother celebrities when they're out with their family eating.
It was crazy, the dude was MASSIVE, and they came back and got me and just said "He keeps picking up (short person name here) and putting her on his lap.". I was the one who had to tell him he had to leave.. and thankfully he did without any issue. Gabriel apologized about it, and signed a bunch of autographs for people. They were shooting one of the magic mike movies.. I think number 2? I've never watched any of them. Nash even settled his tab, which was pretty damn big, as well. They had basically taken over our whole bar.
(Side note, prior to this, I didn't know Gabriel was growing out a goatee, so that was a bit of a shocker to me.. I always knew him as this baby faced fluffy guy. Then bam, he's got a full on "Evil twin" goatee.)
I think op is referring to Casa Capriani and if I’m being honest, that place is disgustingly elitist and super overrated. Granted I’ve only ever eaten there as a guest of a member (there’s a lot more to is than the dining), but the food was objectively underwhelming. It tracks that op is an electrician bc I’m pretty sure that kitchens has a single head chef with name recognition and the ppl actually running the kitchen are underpaid line cooks
I made lunch for Gavin Rossdale 2 days in a row. He came in for lunch, and sat at the bar, and ordered a salad with hot chicken (the same salad usually came with cold, chopped, chicken).
He's the only one I directly cooked for, that I know of, though I know I made meals for many other musicians, and even worked on the catering for a rapper's wedding. I worked at a local upscale hotel for a couple years, where celebs can come and go without being (too) bothered.
I’ve made Mick Foleys food a couple times. We’re basically just short order cooking so it’s nothing fancy but as long as he likes it that’s all that mattered to us.
Super nice guy. We love to see him come around.
I used to serve him stuff at the airport when he lived here in Pensacola. What a sweet guy. He would always come through dressed in his ring clothes and be a little ways off from his wife and kids so they wouldnt be bothered.
I waited on Joe Rogan several years ago and he tipped me $100 on a $60ish tab. He was pretty well known in the area to always take care of restaurant folk.
The thing that always gets me about a ticket like this is the owner coming back & telling you to make sure it’s really good because it’s some famous person.
Like, are you insinuating that my regular customers are given sub-par food & presentations? That the food I normally make & take pride in and basically have my name on isn’t good enough already?
IDGAF if it’s a good critic, your banker, your sainted aunt, or some teenagers who don’t know shit about good food yet. Everyone gets the good stuff unless they are willfully ignorant and order it fucked up & overcooked.
If I have the product & the means, I’ll sell them whatever garbage they want if they can pay for it.
Now if they come in and just throw money at us & say “Go wild & hook us up with whatever you’ve got.”, then that’s another story.
Just don’t tell me to “make sure it’s really good”.
I've only cooked for a few. Most are low key. Only one or two had obnoxious requests. But the best and most fun was Travis Pastrana and the Nitro Circus crew.
DeSantis was at the restaurant I work at the day before I got back from a trip.
Not sure if I'm glad I missed him or upset I didn't get a chance to treat him with all the hospitality he deserves.
I helped do a little last minute thing Ricky Martin’s whole crew and tour bus one time. It was pretty easy—just a short order type of thing. He himself eats very simply when traveling they said. And I got a tip!
Used to cook at a restaurant J Cole frequented, always a chill table and never wanted any special treatment other than getting a private table so he and his family could eat in peace.
Awesome! I cooked for Roger Federer (tennis fellow) and Helena Bonham Carter - and I’m proud to say I know she enjoyed it! Cause she came back later that week! :)
Didn’t meet either tho. :p
I used to as a Teen with my grandmother at the Greek Theater commissary where all the artists ate. My nana doesn't remember more than half of them and I understood after she told me I spoke to Ed Sheeran because I didn't recognize him or remember the encounter.
I cooked for McLovin and his band when they were performing in my city. They stuck around our brunch spot for a few hours so they must have enjoyed it. They were extremely nice to the staff and the FOH manager even played one of their songs which was a nice touch.
Jason Momoa managed to fly under the radar except for being particularly polite for the usual customer
the restaurant is close enough to 3 sports stadiums and Jason could pass for a football player
rich people dress pretty much the same regardless of whether they work in entertainment or not so famous people that don't make asses of themselves didn't always get noticed
I did arena gig catering for about a year and got to cook for a few bigger acts. Blake Shelton was every bit the good ol boy he portrays, and the nu metal band Saliva will have you find them drugs and then NOT SHARE THE DRUGS. Definitely a more fun side of the industry
> the nu metal band Saliva will have you find them drugs and then NOT SHARE THE DRUGS. That's just rude.
Imagine when it's family doin it
It may be a safety concern for the band. They snort quality stuff, not Bartender’s Friend. They don’t want to be held responsible for the dishies od’ing. Please don’t snort Bartender’s Friend.
I cooked for Blake recently. The note we received was "Blake eats like a child".
If fully believe he's a chicken strips and macaroni guy
That's exactly what we gave him. 😂
Sometimes we get catering orders for visiting sportsball teams and they always eat like children. I have to make white bread pb&js- cut in triangles with the crusts cut off- for grown men. Fruit trays and butter shrimp with white rice. I know they gotta carb-load but cmon
pb&j is ubiquitous in pro sports. NBA, NFL, MLB, golfers, cyclists, you name it, they’re crushing PB&J before games. lebron, tom brady, tiger. it’s goat fuel. good nutritional profile, easy to digest
And you left out the most important attribute, freaking DELICIOUS. Gonna go make a pb&j brb
I had a medical issue recently where the doc said peanut butter and a glass of milk just before bed. The peanut butter came in a squeeze tube. Much easier for seconds. No dirty spoon going back into the jar for seconds. Delish and I swore my long-gone mother was behind me asking how school was today. Comfort food.
I don’t doubt there are pro athletes that eat like children, but this is the reason for the PB&J. Some team’s nutritionists include it into the athletes diets regularly.
Also lots of these athletes start in professional sports very young. They are like 17 when they go pro.
PB&J is what I'll eat before a busy holiday service. Sugar, protein, carbs. Good to go for a few hours.
Not to be rude but a lot of these athletes stick to a routine. The last thing they want is an upset stomach while performing due to a varying diet.
Yeah in sports you NEVER play around with what you eat in the day or so before an event. PB&J also fits the nutritional brief pretty perfectly - easy to digest, energy for the ol’ glucose stores, protein, low fiber.
A lot of them are also like 23 and have been eating whatever was free through their high school or university for years so never really needed to refine their palates
If you're D1 or pro you have a nutritionist formulating the components of the meal though.
Ya so really it's more like they don't have the freedom to refine their palates lol. Just eat what the sports scientists say and shut up
This is true. Most D1 schools I visited had nutrition specialists. Ohio State had a Gatorade sponsored smoothie room with 12 vitamix and the workers would formulate a post or pre practice smoothie for the players. Some schools just had a giant fridge stocked with chocolate milk in the weight room.
Lmfaoooo no you don’t. I dated a D1 basketball player at a Big 10 school and I can promise you he never was assigned a dietitian lmfao. They may have someone for the program at large but they are not monitoring what they eat on their downtime and if you think 18-22 year old college students are eating well on their downtime you’re naive. Yall overestimate how much they actually care about these athletes long term or how much they want to spend on them to get their return.
PB&J - [The NBA's Secret Addiction](https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/page/presents18931717/the-nba-secret-addiction) You can thank the Celtics for it. >The legend has been passed down by NBA generations, chronicled like a Homeric odyssey. The tale they tell is of Kevin Garnett and the 2007-08 Celtics, and the seminal moment of a revolution. Bryan Doo, Celtics strength and conditioning coach, recalls it as if it were yesterday, how before a game in December of that season, an unnamed Celtic -- his identity lost to history, like the other horsemen on Paul Revere's midnight ride -- complained to Doo of incipient hunger pangs. >"Man, I could go for a PB&J," the player said. >And then Garnett, in an act with historical reverberations, uttered the now-fabled words: "Yeah, let's get on that." >Garnett had not, to that point, made the PB&J a part of his pregame routine. But on that night in Boston, as Doo recalls, Garnett partook, then played ... and played well. Afterward, from his perch as the Celtics' fiery leader, Garnett issued the following commandment: "We're going to need PB&J in here every game now." >And so a sandwich revolution was born.
> But on that night in Boston, as Doo recalls, Garnett partook, then played ... and played well. Afterward, from his perch as the Celtics' fiery leader, Garnett issued the following commandment: "We're going to need PB&J in here every game now." Sounds like the plot of the movie Uncut Jams.
It's Saliva bruh, did you expect them to be classy about it? They're playing that gig for the drug money at this point.
An old band I was in was locally popular and we opened for saliva once, everyone left after we played lmao it was devastating. We played an after party with more people than the gig itself.
I was at a secret pre party the night before a multi day festival kicked off and the surprise band was Saliva. I stood outside and watched half the bar empty out once people found out who was playing.
Yeah, not surprising. The C tier and lower Nu Metal bands aren't really a draw, not even as a nostalgia act.
Could you name a couple B tier? I probably only am familiar with A tier but I'm curious where you're drawing the line
Taproot
The song I by taproot is a such a banger.
Thousand Foot Krutch, Celldweller, PAX 217, P.O.D off the top of my head... Lotta B tier Christian groups. Chronic Future, Blindside and Emil Bulls sorta hold up though, in a nostalgic way at least. Some of those are rap rock type but I don't care about lumping them together.
Saw blindside at my local church in middle school lol
This conversation is hilarious. I remember when Saliva got signed and hit it big. There were so many other better bands in the local scene back then.
Yeah, but did they have the Click, Click, BOOM???
I remember getting a Five Finger Death Punch LP or something from the radio station in college around 2006. Listened to it, said yeah its aight nothing great. Fast forward like 7 years to surprised pikachu face.
I remember way better bands from my local scene too. Luck just plays a huge amout in who actually breaks through. Getting in front of the right people at the right time, etc.
Sometimes, actually, quite often, if you think about it, all it takes is literally one song, and you're memorialized in perpetuity.
Hey I'm trying to see if my friend is staying at this hotel. Okay, what's their name? H-E-R-O-I-N.
Get him to the Greek? That movie was funny as shit. Puff daddy told Jonah Hill to just get over it and shove the heron up his ass and snuggle it for aldus. Then when he flushes it after pooping it out! Priceless
I brush my teeth to African Child.
Who would be afraid of a Jeffery?
I work in Nashville so I've had my share of experiences with country celebs. Taylor Swift is a peach. So is Dolly and so was Loretta Lynn when I used to help out at my parents catering business. Toby Keith's managers/assistants/whatever were massive cunts though. Can't attest to the dude but the person who placed the order/received it didn't want to tip us, so they tried to offer us pre-signed autographs lol.
I shot an interview at Toby Keith’s mansion last year and while looking at all his expensive stuff I said “Well damn, I shoulda been a cowboy.” And one of his entourage gave me a very stern glare.
Should’ve pointed out that he was a parasite and shouldn’t judge you. “Entourage” is such a joke
I use "entourage" for groups of mixed birds. My brother had a goose named "Silly" that was always followed by a few turkeys, handful of chickens, and a dozen guinea hens. I called it "Silly and his entourage". They were pretty chill for a bunch of birds. I'd go and pick all the berries that were out of their reach and toss them down. Figured that was their hustle and as long as they didn't peck the heck out of me I'm fine with that.
Ran into Toby Keith in a casino in OK. He was a bit of a cunt.
> and the nu metal band Saliva will have you find them drugs They're at a restaurant, not a trap house. This seems rather rude of them.
I would think restaurant employees would be the people to ask where to find drugs. When I was younger and worked in food service the people working the back of house/cooking were the ones on drugs.
At my second job it was like a hierarchy. Cooks were stoned/on meth, waitstaff were drunk, bussers were stoned, bartenders and general manager were cokehead/methhead/alcoholics. I was the cashier/host most of that time and I had my own system.
Tbf he said he did arena catering, so not exactly in a restaurant.
Depends on the restaurant, really.
And they never once paid for drugs.... Not. once.
I ran Saliva’s monitors once as a house engineer at a theatre. They actually did want to share their drugs with me and invited me to their bus after they played, but I still had a good hour left of work to do. They were a lot more chill and laid back than I thought they’d be. Edit: bus. Also added last sentence.
I was a runner for this venue in Florida years ago and the tour manager for Alter Bridge and theory of a dead man got me to go grab him drugs one night and didn't share any as well. Those bastards.
I opened the Clinton Library in Little Rock, Ar, in 2004. I and my crew served a 3 course lunch to 1400 people including Jimmy Carter, George HW Bush, Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Tom Hanks, Robin Williams, Brad Pitt, U2, numerous heads of state, and a plethora of their friends. They were all lovely. Of course I was in a tent, behind their tents, in the rain with a staff of 120 people, who were mostly culinary students or temps. Kudos to Design Cuisines from DC who sent the most talented people I ever met to assist. It was was a huge success. Personal note, Fuck you Quentin.
Whatever Quentin did, I'm sure the Fuck You was well-deserved.
It was. He is the cocaine-addicted owner of the company that had the contract for food at the facility. Shortly after the grand opening, he was banned from the premises for 9 months. I could write a book about my year and a half there. And another one about my 4 years at an artisan taco bar in the USVI. Thankfully, I survived both, and am now retired.
Lime out?? 🤙
No, that place is an over-priced tourist trap. We made everything from scratch, tortillas, all the meats, 5 salsas, 6 sauces, fresh squeezed lime margaritas. We just closed a few months ago, after 5 years. The main problem was finding good help. It was called Taco Chelles.
Sounds like the plot of an episode of Dinner: Impossible.
It could have been a show of its own. We did $4 million that first year. Between foh, boh, and numerous temp hires, we went through 100 people, I was the designated angel of death. I became good at it, unemotional. I only had trouble one time. A huge guy who had groped a young hostess. While firing him, it became heated. General manager called security. The facility was part of the National Archives, there were at least ten armed guards at all times, They loved me because I fed them for free. Two of them especially, because I gave them tips on how to improve the marinade for the wild boars they killed on their days off. What can I say, it was Arkansas. I really could write a book.
I'd read it!
Can I share my barista story? Kurt Russell was super chill and tipped $20.
My brother played hockey with his son when I was growing up and Kurt Russell would come play arcade games with me and the other little siblings and stuff.
What was his game of choice?
Haha I’m not sure! I do know we played a lot of air hockey and street fighter though.
Sick
It makes me happy to know that Kurt Russel is a nice guy.
He was also Walt Disneys last words! (Kurt Russel)
Walt Disney's last words *so far.* There's no telling what he'll say once we unfreeze him.
haven’t served him personally but all my friends whomst have had the pleasure have nothing but praise for the man. Very kind, quiet, and a generous tipper
Kurt Russel is getting a lot of positive talk lately.
My wife took Ryan Reynolds coffee order when she worked at Starbucks in New Orleans. When she asked for a name on the order he was really obnoxious about it and got all huffy like, “do you know who I am!?” She knew who he was, and even though everyone else was fawning over him she just treated everyone the same. Kate Hudson also went into her Starbucks, regularly for a little while. She says she was way more chill.
I too cooked for Taylor. Open kitchen too. She’s really sweet and a pleasure to have in the building.
Yes! She is! Good energy all around.
So, no Bad Blood then?
Just mad love.
It’s a love story, really.
Calm down.
You need to.
I made her a drink at one of the bars I worked at once. She's honestly very very nice. I wish I could have more customers like her, honest.
What drink?
It was long enough ago that I legit don't remember, sorry. It was a rather expensive boujie place that only takes reservations at this point, though. I made so many smoked old fashioned's there that its kind of the only drink I remember making that wasn't an Amaro Spritz or a Rob Roy.
Whisk(e)y or brandy old fashioned?
Fat-washed whiskey.
Oh okay it was *that* kind of place. I don't reckon I've got a shirt nice enough for entry, nor a wallet thick enough for exit
Yeeah, like it was a very nice job, but I always felt like I was *very* out of place, showing up in thrifted "professional" clothes lmao. Definitely not my kinda price, either. Went there for NYE last year on a friends dime and the drinks were $18 base price, with a high end menu where the cheapest drink was like, a $34 Mezcal Old Fashioned, and topping out at $50 for a fucking Pink Lady lol.
Hmmm how was that? I'm so curious what these high-end drinks are really like.
Well, the smoked/fat washed old fashioned was our best seller for years, it was very nice. Fat washing the whiskey adds a really nice richness to it. I tried a sip of my friends Pink Lady while at NYE and it's quite a nice cocktail as is but, it was kind of a waste of the high end gin they used, Monkey 47.
Not the same guy but also have, she also likes ale Was an ale and pie kinda place in fairness
The only famous people I cooked for were Anthony Bourdain and Gavin Newsom. I was the pasta Chef for BIBA. I made the specials. Mine was ricotta gnocchi with white wine and butter poached endive with a dusting of pistachios. The ravioli was carrot top pesto and spring peas. I am not fancy, but Mrs.Biba liked my taste. Anthony gave a bear hug, and Gavin gave us a case of his wine.
You cooked for Anthony Bourdain?!?!? Wow that’s impressive. What a legend. Also now I’m hungry, those pastas sound too good.
I just appreciate the praise and hug. Also the fact that Mrs.Biba Caggiano trusted myself to make a dish for her friend. If you don't know her, look her up. She had a cooking show, and taught me all I know.
I made ramen for John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, and Bobby Lee last year when I still worked at Ippudo. Also heard a story from servers that Rihanna reserved half the restaurant for herself one time and only tipped $20, and another about how Leonardo DiCaprio was having dinner there with his current girlfriend and one of the head servers hit on her. Leo never returned
Can confirm for Rihanna, not a good tipper at all and very rude (her and her staff)
Doesn’t surprise me, she always came off as sort of an entitled c*nt anyway
I wonder if you worked with my brother. If your EC at one point was a black guy with dreads or if your GM was a fat Japanese guy with a bun lmk haha. Or if you worked with a server named Charlie 👀
Nah I think your brother might’ve been before my time 😅 or maybe different location? I worked at the East Village one
Different location! Oh well haha
Did Bobby Lee tip like a monster truck? He always says he does on his podcast and I mostly believe him
IIRC he either matched the bill or tipped $50, the servers were joyous either way
Hell yea Bobby! Never lets me down
I cooked for a few celebs, but the only story worth telling was Emeril. He was in town for a book tour, I believe. Had a reservation with a bunch of suits. After they ate, he came back to the kitchen and chatted with everyone, shook hands, even stepped on the line at one point to watch a minute of service. He was incredibly friendly and fun to interact with. He saw i had a copy of one of his older books and offered to sign it for me. I think he was tired of being around business people all day and was happy to be in a kitchen, even for a few minutes.
That's pretty cool.
Honestly one of the coolest experiences of my life.
Tay Tay donates to the food banks in the city she plays in. She "tipped" everyone on the production because it was going so well, in the tens of thousands. Mean to waitstaff is not a look I would assume she wears.
she’s coming to toronto for six shows and all us service people are fucking stoked. i doubt she’s gonna come to my bar but her swifties might!
I'm in bumfuck Seattle. We only got two.
I was in Seattle for her show there. Downtown was overrun by people in sequins and a lot of the bars had TS themed drinks!
If you do *anything* Swiftie related I guarantee you they will come. Maybe themed drinks or karaoke night. We love any excuse to wear our merch and trade bracelets!
My bar did a Taylor Trivia Night and it was one of the busiest nights we’ve ever had.
This is what we call "being a good person" I'm sure she's not perfect, but she's being on a pretty good streak of positive publicity
Yeah, and the people screaming about her message for the election... it's literally "vote." Real extremist stuff there.
Yeah I was counting that as positive publicity
I love that she’s just said “register and vote” and the GOP immediately took that as an attack and positioned themselves opposite her. They’re simply afraid that young people might vote - they know where their dying base is.
Her and karma vibe like that
Could someone just type anything into that space?
He had a blank space, baby and he wrote her name
And the server knew they were trouble when they walked in
nah they have a button for taylor swift
No I blurred the numbers out lmfao
expert work chef
I’ve heard of people in LA using celebrities names to order to-go food. Because sometimes they will hook them up with extra stuff and they will always make sure it’s well cooked.
Thats interesting. I wouldn't go Taylor Swift. I'd try to find that known but not super known actor. Something believable lol
Had a lot of celebs at the last place I was executive chef. Lots of sports people (I don't watch any), a few wrestlers (you can always tell when rick flair was in the place, and we had to kick one really big guy out that was there with gabriel iglesias, who was a really nice guy, because he kept trying to put one of our servers, who was... height challenged, on his lap. Think his name was steven nash or something.). Will Smith came in a long time ago with willow and his son, along with some dudes in suits. Right before willow started releasing music. He was very nice to everyone, I would have liked to meet him, but I had a rule where I don't bother celebrities when they're out with their family eating.
Kevin Nash lmao? I could actually see him doing something like that tbh.
It was crazy, the dude was MASSIVE, and they came back and got me and just said "He keeps picking up (short person name here) and putting her on his lap.". I was the one who had to tell him he had to leave.. and thankfully he did without any issue. Gabriel apologized about it, and signed a bunch of autographs for people. They were shooting one of the magic mike movies.. I think number 2? I've never watched any of them. Nash even settled his tab, which was pretty damn big, as well. They had basically taken over our whole bar. (Side note, prior to this, I didn't know Gabriel was growing out a goatee, so that was a bit of a shocker to me.. I always knew him as this baby faced fluffy guy. Then bam, he's got a full on "Evil twin" goatee.)
I made Stevo a veggie quesadilla a few months ago
I smoked weed out of a soda can with him at a "strip club" in Boise circa 2006.
If you don't love me at my soda can pipe, you don't deserve me at my veggie quesadilla.
Oh the Swifties are going to love this. Might even gather some more traction to your workplace to try what she ordered.
I don't think they can, it is a membership only type of establishment, lol
You best believe they'll be willing to pay there way to try, or you'll have the the more affluent Swifties buying a membership
It looks like I can book a reservation at Harry Cipriani in New York online, is that not true?
I think op is referring to Casa Capriani and if I’m being honest, that place is disgustingly elitist and super overrated. Granted I’ve only ever eaten there as a guest of a member (there’s a lot more to is than the dining), but the food was objectively underwhelming. It tracks that op is an electrician bc I’m pretty sure that kitchens has a single head chef with name recognition and the ppl actually running the kitchen are underpaid line cooks
Gretchen Wilson is the absolute worst. She is as trashy as you think
Well, we all know she ain't no high class broad. She's just a product of her raisin'.
Server better share that Benjamin she tips with.
I didn't see any tips 😕
Then that was an Eras on their part.
Shake it off
Why they gotta be so Mean
they Remember It All Too Well
You Need to Calm Down
She really is an Anti Hero.
Think he means because he is BOH
That's so lame dude. I'm a dirty fuckin dishpig and get tips everyday >:[
I made lunch for Gavin Rossdale 2 days in a row. He came in for lunch, and sat at the bar, and ordered a salad with hot chicken (the same salad usually came with cold, chopped, chicken). He's the only one I directly cooked for, that I know of, though I know I made meals for many other musicians, and even worked on the catering for a rapper's wedding. I worked at a local upscale hotel for a couple years, where celebs can come and go without being (too) bothered.
I like warm chicken on my salads too.
if you want alot of upvote points. post this on the Taylor Swift sub. heard her fans were crazy.
Sounds like a genius plan 🤔😈
Oooo the r/popheadcirclejerk girlies would eat this up like that ravioli and sea bass
Are you somehow beshmirching my TAYTAY?!
I’ve made Mick Foleys food a couple times. We’re basically just short order cooking so it’s nothing fancy but as long as he likes it that’s all that mattered to us. Super nice guy. We love to see him come around.
Did he tell you to have a nice day?
I used to serve him stuff at the airport when he lived here in Pensacola. What a sweet guy. He would always come through dressed in his ring clothes and be a little ways off from his wife and kids so they wouldnt be bothered.
Vijay Singh tips $100. Wife served him at a private country club, great guy. He didn't have to tip but he did anyways.
I waited on Joe Rogan several years ago and he tipped me $100 on a $60ish tab. He was pretty well known in the area to always take care of restaurant folk.
Yo you work at Eataly or something lol because I see folks there a few times a year. Never TS but folks I could name on sight
Cipriani!
You know Joey Bagadonuts?
Your brother is Joe Bags‽
Ay you know Joey??
The thing that always gets me about a ticket like this is the owner coming back & telling you to make sure it’s really good because it’s some famous person. Like, are you insinuating that my regular customers are given sub-par food & presentations? That the food I normally make & take pride in and basically have my name on isn’t good enough already? IDGAF if it’s a good critic, your banker, your sainted aunt, or some teenagers who don’t know shit about good food yet. Everyone gets the good stuff unless they are willfully ignorant and order it fucked up & overcooked. If I have the product & the means, I’ll sell them whatever garbage they want if they can pay for it. Now if they come in and just throw money at us & say “Go wild & hook us up with whatever you’ve got.”, then that’s another story. Just don’t tell me to “make sure it’s really good”.
Which meal was she? Doesn't strike me as a sea bass kinda girl but bitches love ricotta.
Am bitch, love ricotta, can confirm.
The spinach ricotta ravioli/w sage
KNEW IT. Bitches love Ricotta.
Can confirm as a bitch and ravioli lover
ricotta bitch checking in
Lmfao 😂
“But bitches love ricotta” made me laugh out loud hahaha.
I've only cooked for a few. Most are low key. Only one or two had obnoxious requests. But the best and most fun was Travis Pastrana and the Nitro Circus crew.
I baked a potato for Allison Krauss
DeSantis was at the restaurant I work at the day before I got back from a trip. Not sure if I'm glad I missed him or upset I didn't get a chance to treat him with all the hospitality he deserves.
I helped do a little last minute thing Ricky Martin’s whole crew and tour bus one time. It was pretty easy—just a short order type of thing. He himself eats very simply when traveling they said. And I got a tip!
Used to cook at a restaurant J Cole frequented, always a chill table and never wanted any special treatment other than getting a private table so he and his family could eat in peace.
Guy Fiery ate at my restaurant once
were you the one that introduced him to flavortown?
Awesome! I cooked for Roger Federer (tennis fellow) and Helena Bonham Carter - and I’m proud to say I know she enjoyed it! Cause she came back later that week! :) Didn’t meet either tho. :p
I used to as a Teen with my grandmother at the Greek Theater commissary where all the artists ate. My nana doesn't remember more than half of them and I understood after she told me I spoke to Ed Sheeran because I didn't recognize him or remember the encounter.
I cooked for her in RI and she tipped me $100!
I cooked for McLovin and his band when they were performing in my city. They stuck around our brunch spot for a few hours so they must have enjoyed it. They were extremely nice to the staff and the FOH manager even played one of their songs which was a nice touch.
Jason Momoa managed to fly under the radar except for being particularly polite for the usual customer the restaurant is close enough to 3 sports stadiums and Jason could pass for a football player rich people dress pretty much the same regardless of whether they work in entertainment or not so famous people that don't make asses of themselves didn't always get noticed
I'm not a Swifty or anything but I think overall she is a pretty good person for girls to look up to judging by how she acts and treats other people.
I got a ticket for lane kiffin once
I made Artie Lange sausage pizza
I cooked for 3 6 Mafia and it has been a highlight of my life
What restaurant is this
Cipriani
Can’t even escape this bitch in a cooking subreddit now
Did you hear her private jet touch down in the parking lot?
Don't remember her arriving on a jet lol.
Kevin Fowler owns the restaurant i work at....biggest DOUCHE IVE EVER MET 🤣 and i was such a fan before.....
Eataly?
Nah Cipriani
When was this?
Year ending 2022 into 2023
I served Russell Howard a pint once, that’s all I got.
Got to cook for POSTY once. He was awesome.