Thrifty Gypsy

Restaurant Etiquette

2011-12-04T11:58:00.000-08:00

I worked in restaurants for over ten years. As my gift to you, I will advise you on some proper restaurant etiquette from the standpoint of an employee.

1. In general, take whatever seat the hostess gives you unless you are willing to wait for your optimal seating in the restaurant. IF you are willing to wait, do so patiently. The rule is the busier the night, the better the hostess.

*NOTE: if you want to be seated almost immediately and you have a small party attending dinner, take a seat at the bar. The bartender is often the most experienced person in the front and he or she will be able to pull a few strings in the back to get your meal to you faster.

2. Once seated DO NOT move to another table even if it is open. While it may look like a simple walk to that table, what you don't know is you are just about to screw up a set of intricate plans and thoughtful seating arrangements mapped out by someone far more experienced than you in restaurant operations. Just stay where you are.

3. When the server arrives, be prepared! If you don't know what you want to drink, order water first. This will give you time to decide. After your drinks are delivered, if you don't know what you want then ask the server for a few more minutes. He or she has many other tables and responsibilities to tend to, least of all your incredible indecisiveness. If you have a few questions pertaining to the menu or specials, ask them but give the server leave to help other people.

4. Be polite! The people who serve you in restaurants are not second-class citizens. Often these are smart, kind people who share your worries and troubles. However, due to years of public abuse, these are the same folks who are not afraid to tamper with the food of a rude and disrespectful customer. Personally, I have never been able to tamper with someone's food, but I have no problem handing a plate over to one of the kitchen staff to do it for me. Give servers the respect they deserve.

5. Tip. Let me say it again, TIP. If you are planning on going to a restaurant budget the tip into your overall expenditure. If you don't see your server this is not necessarily because he or she is being lazy. Many times when servers aren't assisting you, they are preparing food in the kitchen. Furthermore, servers often earn about $2/hour making them almost entirely dependent on tips in order to survive. Do not think that everyone who works in a restaurant blows his or her money on booze, drugs and hookers; only some. In fact, most servers I know use this money for groceries, rent and gas. If you cannot tip, do not go out to eat. To give you an idea how I test this: if my water glass remains empty for up to 5 minutes on a slow night and 10 minutes on a busy night then I leave a 10% tip. If my server can pass this test along with being attentive and polite, then I tip 25-30%

*NOTE: if you are someone who is overly demanding, for example, someone who stops the server every time he or she passes by your table to insist on more sweet tea, coke, water etc. then you need to tip more than the average person.

Asheville, NC

2011-12-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

No one could exactly tell me why they enjoy the Asheville, NC so much. From all of my estimations, Asheville appears to be the land where Athenians migrate after a certain age. The town is described by many as 'Athens, without the college and all the college students.' But to be more specific and to dispel the vagueness of the town, here are some things I saw during my weekend in Asheville, NC.

When I go to a new town there are three things I want to find: a great bookstore, a great cup of coffee and a great thrift store. In response to the first, there is a great used bookstore downtown called Downtown Books and News located at 67 N. Lexington Ave. Many used bookstores are home to disorganization, mold, mildew and incredibly poor selections of titles. However, Downtown Books & News is not one of them. The books are organized by subject and they have a magazine selection which includes local and DIY publications. I was concerned being located downtown would mean inflated prices but the books were mostly between $10 and $20, with a cart outside of the store with books for $1. The store holds a superbly diverse selection of books and the staff was very helpful.

Another great bookstore to check out: Malaprops Bookstore located on 55 Haywood Ave in Asheville, NC. While their book selection is not as diverse and the books are full-priced they do boast regular book signings and many meet-the-author opportunities.

Second, a great cup of coffee. I only visited three places for coffee and the first was actually a restaurant.

BE ADVISED: If you are in Asheville, NC you must eat here:

My good friend Nick recommended a cafe downtown called Tupelo Honey Cafe. Tupelo Honey Cafe has two locations in Asheville; one downtown and one on the south side. Certified green, the restaurant focuses on reducing water and energy usage, building sustainable furnishings, using sustainable food, and restricting the amount of harmful chemicals as-well-as limiting their pollution impact. The restaurant is dedicated to providing sustainable, local, vegetarian, gluten-free and hormone-free options to the public. First, we were served with a biscuit and an excellent cup of coffee. The biscuit was accompanied by a bottle of tupelo honey and blueberry jam. Then, the order was as follows:

Me:

Lump Crab Omelet with Spinach and Caramelized onions
Two slices of toasted French bread
Goat Cheese Grits

Friend:

Two Scrambled Eggs
Two Slices of toasted French bread
Slice of all-natural ham
Goat Cheese Grits

AND THEN, we split the most amazing thing: A SWEET POTATO PANCAKE with spiced pecans and whipped peach butter!

Believe me, this was a ridiculous amount of food for the both of us and we had to take some to go. The prices were fair at around $7 to $14 per plate and while the restaurant can hold over seventy people, the room feels cozy and welcoming.

tupelohoneycafe.com

The other two places I had coffee were City Bakery and Old Europe Cafe.

City Bakery located at 60 Biltmore Ave boasts fine biscuits with combinations of egg, ham, sausage, veggie options and plain but they are probably better known for their cakes, pies and various dessert options. The space is family friendly and displays local artwork. The bakery maintains a fine espresso machine and equips the staff with the proper espresso drink technique knowledge because the latte I had was incredibly delicious. I will say that it was the very first meal of the day and I was hungry. Everything tastes amazing when you're hungry.

Old Europe Cafe located at 13 Broadway Street was my least favorite coffee location. The focus here is dessert and coffee seems to be an afterthought. Although, it might have been the time of day. Don't go in the afternoon.

Buildings in the downtown area maintain their historical architecture while housing a variety of stores including cafes, bookstores, art galleries, co-ops, restaurants, novelty gift stores, yoga studios, and antique stores. The city keeps the sidewalks in great condition to walk the full stretch of the downtown area. Given the choice, you should walk through the downtown area.

The last find on my adventure was a good thrift store but alas, there was no time! Hopefully next time I visit I can be more helpful then, um, not at all on this topic.

(NOTE: If I left out any vitally important information, LEAVE A COMMENT!)

Martha Stewart: Behold an Entertaining Genius

2011-11-19T23:13:00.000-08:00

As the weather begins toying with my heart in a will-it -or-won't-it be fall yet fashion, I began to look into fall craft ideas. Now, until this last year the only reference I had to Martha Stewart was her brief stint in prison. However, after visiting her website I understand why she has such a following, particularly in reference to crafts. She has AN ENTIRE CRAFT DEPARTMENT. Uh huh, an entire department dedicated to the invention, discovery and study of new craft ideas. How amazing is that?! With the approaching Thanksgiving holiday (and potential family-induced headache) I present you with easy and inexpensive craft ideas that might just save you all from killing each other. Enjoy!

http://www.marthastewart.com/273501/autumn-leaf-luminarias

http://www.marthastewart.com/270356/gourd-bowls

http://www.marthastewart.com/274704/fall-decor-crafts#/228763

Watson's Mill

2011-11-19T22:41:00.000-08:00

In terms of adventure, this journey is half road trip, half picnic with the potential to turn into camping. First, the park has no entry fee meaning you don't spend a dime getting into the park. Second, you don't have to rush to get there because the park is open from 8AM to 10PM. Third, you get to see one of the twenty covered bridges remaining in the state. The only difficult aspect of this is the time it takes to get to the park. Watson's Mill State Park is located about forty minutes outside of Athens but I think it is well worth the drive. I opted to take along a bottle of wine and drink in front of the river next to the covered bridge, which I don't think is allowed but it is only a crime if you get caught, right? Plus, the bottle was recycled afterward so the beauty of the park remains unmarred. The sky is a little clearer out there so you can see the trillions of stars and it is soothing just to sit and listen to the South Fork River. The covered bridge now sits were a powerhouse generated electricity for a mill located in Crawford, GA about ten miles away. The park has ten different trails for hiking, walking, mountain biking and horseback riding. OH, and did I mention it is free?! Take your picnic and your desire for relaxation to this tremendously scenic park.

Photo courtesy of http://jmd1047.wordpress.com/

For All those Who Enjoy Cooking

2011-07-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

Just found a great link on the BBC website for improving culinary knowledge and/or skills:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/techniques

Amelia

2011-04-25T10:15:00.000-07:00

Crusing along at an even pace, Amelia wearing her red sneakers. Up the hill and down another until she reached the book shop. Glancing up to see if the door was open but attempting to watch the road underneath her, Amelia's heart stopped. The door was open. Finding a spot to rest her bike she unlatched her helmet and attached it to her bag. She walked tenatively toward the stairs leading up to the shop. Measuring each step to avoid detection she pearred through the door to see Reuben sitting in his usual spot spinning his ideas to the gentleman who struck up conversation.

She likes the way he sounds.

The way ideas flow out of him she wonders how many years he spent in quiet contemplation of all things or if he's contemplated them at all. He graciously nods when she walks in, leaving her unable to detect if she unnerves him and a little sad that she doesn't. She veers quickly into the open room on the right. With its checkered tiles and books on the bizarre it is always her favorite. Filled with DIY dreams and comic strip ambitions; a room filled with labors of love. Here's one about a traveling side show and another about a war correspondent. She just scans over the titles, occasionally opening one as if to appear interested when really she's listening to Reuben. He's talking about Captain America or Aquaman or some other comic book reference she doesn't quite understand. Stating each opinion in much the same way as a preacher spins gospel. Comic books. His sanctuary. Each story means the world to him.

She likes the way he believes.

For Amelia all creativity is long gone, let fall by the wayside for maximum productivity. She feels regret hit her chest. Finally, when she thinks he's forgotten her he calls out from the other room.

"Yes Ms. Amelia."

"OH, hey Reuben. I was just wondering about the book I ordered."

"Now, let me see." He pulls a notebook off the shelf scanning the orders listed. "It looks like it will arrive on Thursday. Are you looking for anything else today."

He smiled at her like he was pleased. Like he approved her presence, like he agreed to something about her standing there. She felt at ease with his approval.

"No. Will you give me a call when it arrives?"

"Of course."

"Thank you Reuben."

"You are welcome Ms. Amelia. Goodbye."

"Bye Reuben."

As she took those first steps towards the door, she could feel the possibilities slip away, pulled off like a spider's web and all you could hear was her mutter curses under her breath that she hadn't said more.

Thadeus

2011-04-24T17:11:00.000-07:00

I hate days like this, when sweat rolls down your body just from breathin' too hard. A single exhale and there goes the flood, streaming down your back and rushing into your pants to settle in the sopped area around your taint. It's worse when the dust and dirt kick-up around you. Then you get this greasy layer of salt and oil with dirt to form a sticky paste all about you. The paste traps the heat down on ya. Might-as-well wear a heavy blanket. Days like these you know a man will crack and split another man's head in twain if a strange look gets exchanged between 'em. Goddamn. The only thing keepin' me from the satisfaction of ice cold water is the walk out to the pump. That fucking red pump, staring back at me and grinnin'. I never knew a pump could taunt you by just lookin' at ya until now. Well, that ain't true. I met plenty a' women who qualify. I'll sit here until I muster up enough stubbornness to drive each heavy foot across that desert we call a backyard. Sit here until I get good and pissed-off at my situation. Sit here until I get pissed off that I have feet to touch that dry earth with. That dirt out there is so dry I bet the sun is pissed the dirt is taken it's job. And the air ain't no help. The air just sits on a day like today waitin' for ya. Go ahead, air says, breathe. Take one more breath 'cuz I'm gonna make you feel like your lungs be collapsin'. Right now is about the time I get pissed enough at existence to make my way to that blessed pump. But I'm not movin' yet. Looks like I got a little more stubbornness in me today than normal. Here we are: the air, the dirt and me all lookin' down at each other, waiting for someone to make the first move. I hear the sound of quick footsteps and turn to see who's coming down the way. There is a boy no older than four running with a fury, like he's being chased by a mad tornado. I watch him as he runs past. As he heads 'round the bend and out of sight, I push off the post on the front porch out of the shade and take the first step towards the red pump.

Hey, Hey Totally New Look

2011-04-24T17:08:00.000-07:00

I've changed the look of the blog and the title. Not that anyone will read it more than they did before but just to make me feel better. Here is my intention: write something everyday. Now, it won't be pretty and it probably won't be precious. However, it will be an intensive writing boot-camp and what better time to start than now? So, here goes!

Rainy Day Mix

2010-11-30T16:25:00.000-08:00

"Wonderwall" -Ryan Adams
"Pink Moon" - Nick Drake
"Suzanne" - Leonard Cohen
"It Ain't Necessarily So" - Peggy Lee
"Bang Bang (He Shot Me Down)"- Nancy Sinatra
"Some Kind of Chill" -Arizona
"Autumn Sweater" - Yo La Tengo
"Into the Mystic" - Van Morrison
"Los Angelos" -Eliot Smith
"The Only Living Boy in New York" - Simon & Garfunkel
"Skinny Love" - Bon Iver
"Hope that I Don't Fall in Love With You" - Tom Waits
"Downpour" - Brandi Carlile
"I Can't Feel My Love Anymore" - Lucinda Williams
"Sweet Thing" - Van Morrison

My Friend, You Just Might Kill Me

2010-11-25T20:12:00.000-08:00

My friend, Taylor, gave me a stack of CD's about a year ago. The collection contained music he was finished with and wanted to pass along to someone else. While I am very grateful for this and happily accepted the collection, I did not listen to most of them until tonight. How very sad that a band called Arizona did not end-up on my radar until now. However, I very much appreciate that I've heard them at all. Very reminiscent of Neil Young with a simplicity to the songs might make you miss the splash of mid-80s bass lines and Appalachian folk in songs like "Away." Unexpected but much appreicated: Arizona.

photo courtesy of: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.hearya.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/arizona.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.hearya.com/2008/01/07/arizona-the-band-fameseeker-and-the-mono/&usg=__QWfmmOcf1XYJlL_GsUVCqjj7AyU=&h=347&w=372&sz=27&hl=en&start=24&sig2=C-8Lcut8T25tct3EHFyl_Q&zoom=1&tbnid=3hShszAB0-idTM:&tbnh=132&tbnw=141&ei=0jbvTJyDMs-p8AaP6_C3Cg&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dband%252Barizona%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1366%26bih%3D587%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C473&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=594&vpy=279&dur=1620&hovh=217&hovw=232&tx=133&ty=203&oei=uDbvTIyGOsP98AatuuXCCg&esq=2&page=2&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:24&biw=1366&bih=587

New Playlist for a Worn-Out Year

2010-11-25T19:08:00.000-08:00

From 2008 to 2010 I've employed a sort of slash-and-burn lifestyle technique: burn everything as-quickly-as-you-can, let it rest and start anew. More specifically, several different jobs but finally landing one new job with tremendous responsibility, civil end of a trying relationship for both people involved, beginning of a new life direction without having a clear one, and regaining a sense of self after three years of still hazily understanding that which comprises me. I know, how incredibly deep of me. With all of that in mind, I've been hard at work on new mix CDs. Here's my proudest moment in 2010. Enjoy! And if you want a copy let me know with your street address.

New Wave Circa 2010
1. "Danger"- Pylon
2. "Everybody's Happy Nowadays"-The Buzzcocks
3. "Bigmouth Strikes Again"-The Smiths
4. "Radio, Radio"- Elvis Costello
5. "Space Age Love Song"- A Flock of Seagulls
6. "Bizarre Love Triangle"-New Order
7. "Wave of Mutilation"-The Pixies
8. "Never Say Never"-Romeo Void
9. "Cool"-Pylon
10. "Cool for Cats"-The Squeeze
11. "Just Like Honey"-Jesus and Mary Chain
12. "Only You"-Yaz
13. "Everyday I Write the Book"-Elvis Costello & The Attractions
14. "Another Nail in My Heart"-The Squeeze
15. "Ask" - The Smiths
16. "Monkey Gone to Heaven" - The Pixies.

Oh, Fashion Week

2010-09-15T19:17:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love fashion. Even ridiculous fashion. The creativity that goes into fashion not only on a design level but on a functional inspires people. Now, some people feel that clothing is properly discrete but does not serve as a statement about who you are, where you are and where you want to go in this world. I think differently about fashion. To me fashion is a reflection of a place in time. Fashion is a little slice of the culture, mixed with personality, blended with function and topped with fantasy. A single piece of clothing can elevate not only a look but a feeling you have when you wear it. You can become anyone. Do you want to pretend you're French today? How about a rockstar? How about a rockstar's roadie's girlfriend/boyfriend? How about a laid-back Californian? How about an introspective writer? All of these images can be projected with what you wear. Take for example the phrase: The clothes make the man. Do the clothes make him a particular type of man or is he a man who happens to be wearing these particular clothes?

You may be wondering: where did this overly sentimental opinion of fashion come from? Well, the September issue of "Vogue" came out. If you know anything about the magazine you know that this is the issue they plan for all year long. The issue has the most advertisements but also it gives the reader a feel for what is going to be big in fashion for the fall. Here's what I am seeing:

1. Subdued colors: variations on tan, gray, navy, black, and olive green.
2. Texture: tweed, fur, and velvet on silk, satin, and lace.
3. Structure: it appears and love of fit over drappy materials has returned and thank goodness!
4. Curves: not only are designers using curvier models but the clothing is being tailored for hips! and breasts! and an ass! Amazing.
5. 50s Style: maybe it's because "Mad Men" has been such a hit, but the 50s style has returned. Longer hems and sweaters that snuggle right below the curve of your neck seem to be back.

So that's my take on fall fashion 2010. Hopefully, you'll enjoy this fall as-much-as I will. (Psst, that's Tom Ford. He's a genius. Look him up!)

Photo courtesy of: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.essentialstyleformen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/tom_ford.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.essentialstyleformen.com/features/icon-tom-ford/&usg=__s2hVfMFhuUE-pTic88Up0gvBfJQ=&h=500&w=367&sz=36&hl=en&start=0&sig2=Pp10SUoYqnDlAaVS9HMAyw&zoom=1&tbnid=vKEV8HfBFdHKQM:&tbnh=128&tbnw=94&ei=RoWRTPn3IsP-8AbchcGpBQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3DTom%2BFord%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1237%26bih%3D587%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=779&vpy=218&dur=86&hovh=262&hovw=192&tx=101&ty=216&oei=RoWRTPn3IsP-8AbchcGpBQ&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:21,s:0

100 Push-Ups, Day Two

2010-08-05T17:31:00.001-07:00

So I finished day two of the 100 push-up challenge. I completed a total of 27 push-ups. And when I say push-ups I mean full body, no hips touching the floor before my chest does, arms burning push-ups. Something that I would never guess that I could actually do, especially as unfit as I am right now.

Finally, due to the intense humidity which abounds this time of year in Georgia, I decided to make a playlist. The playlist is dedicated to what I think New Orleans feels like although I have never been there. However, the temperature is currently the same but the humidity is about 10% higher than Athens.

For your listening pleasure:

New Orleans Thursday Mix:

1. Bad Things - Jace Everett
2. You May Be Blue - Vetiver
3. (I Don't Know Why) But I Do - Clarence "Frogman" Henry
4. Mother Earth - Memphis Slim
5. Gun Street Girl - Tom Waits
6. Paris (Oh La La)
7. Kimball's Ride - Glen David Andrews
8. Just a Closer Walk With Thee - The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
9. House of the Rising Sun - The Animals

Photo courtesy of flavorleague.com

Another Blog Favorite

2010-08-04T21:51:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of the show "Glee" (as are millions of theater nerds and musical geeks) and I recently came across Dianna Agron's blog. Dianna Agron plays the character of Quinn on the show and was at first my least favorite character. However, after seeing interviews of her and viewing her blog, she seems to be my favorite person among the cast. Moreover, she's from Savannah so that gives her major Georgia credentials in my book. Her blog is filled with photos and videos that she's currently into. Sometimes she also posts playlists and they could not be more spot on as-far-as my tastes go. So, check it out.

http://felldowntherabbithole.tumblr.com/