Hospitality Business Golden Globes

I love talking to peers in the industry. After a hard week, I went into Catalan for a late lunch ... exhausted with Scotty. Feeling pooped and fiesty with work, I vented to Chris Shepherd about the business. Granted he just ended his hard lunch shift, who cares right? it's all about Jenni. Talking to Chris satisfied me for the rest of the day. This was over two weeks ago and I still have a feeling of satisfaction from that conversation. Thank you Chris for putting things in perspective for me. I learned that day that sucessful people in this industry take it to heart the very meaning of hospitality: the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers. Ofcourse I am not a trained chef nor attended any hospitality program, however, I will say, some days I can pass as one: Other days, don't try me.

I just wanted to share my thoughts to the noodle fans and show credit where credit is due...this time to Chris Shepherd at Catalan (on Washington) for being such a champ in the business!

The most late lunch pow wows go to Keith at Benjy's. Keith has heard it all from me. Never leaked a syllable. True FB friend.

Teddy's Not Gay!

Here is a story of a boy who just wanted to eat healthier...

It all started at Shepherd. A regular noodle fan makes his frequent visit to the Shepherd location always in style. What we call a, "pretty boy with meticulous threads" who always orders the same off the menu personally customized dish. One day as Mr. Scotty Steak was ringing in the order in his usual way [Rockin' Veggies but instead of the vermicelli, sub soba noodles, add tofu, the fresh ones] for the umpteenth time, he made the remark; "Only a gay man can order something like this." Unbeknownst to Scott, the lady on the other side of the counter ordering for Teddy on this visit says out loud, "Teddy's not gay, he's marrying my sister!"

From that day on, the personalized dish was called "Teddy's Not Gay." Teddy is a good sport and takes such pride when someone orders his creation.

Teddy is an avid JNH fan and we miss him dearly. Teddy moved with his gorgeous wife to beautiful Paris, France. Baby Ansel arrived in Paris looking like his stud Daddy.

Teddy's Not Gay is the 2nd most popular dish at Post Oak, next to our Gingery Chicken Vermicelli. Thank you Teddy for your energy and creation!