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« Blue Striped Bikinis | Main | Good Times » Blacklisted
September 18, 2008
It is common practice for many multi-purpose venues to have a Preferred Caterer list. And the practice calls for The Caterer to meet with the venue owner to be approved for said list. Nothing difficult, meet and greet, share credentials, and other things of the like. We had a 3-day seminar to Trick with a last minute change of venue so we did not have time to be pre-approved. We did not need the kitchen on the first day, so we were not concerned about any of it. Nor were the Venue owners. So we arrived the first day, lugged in the goods, served the food, and were on our way out when The Venue Manager met us to take us on a tour of the kitchen so that we may use it in the coming days, provided we passed their 'standard of criteria'. I don't think I've ever had to work so hard to hide my shock at something, and I am not so sure I succeeded as The Venue Manager jumped right in explaining the current disarray as "a temporary condition". The Kitchen itself was gorgeous - well laid out, full of the best equipment. But it looked like a bomb went off - a bomb that left garbage everywhere, stacks of dirty linens and mismatched dishes. The glass wear was stacked haphazardly into bins and there was a large bucket of rags sitting in stagnant water - with lovely islands of mold across the top. Everywhere I turned there was a puddle of mystery liquid and a tub of items to trip over. I had to cover my mouth to hide the gasp, but The Partner was not so discreet. For the first time ever, she was Bad Cop. "We have wonderful china", he said. "And if you want to use it tomorrow I can get someone in to wash it and then tidy up the place for you." All I could think was that the only way that place would be tidied up is with a stick of dynamite. We didn't sign the paperwork at the end of the tour, and the puzzled Venue Owner seemed shocked we would not like to be on "The List". "But you won't be allowed in the kitchen next time. We are a busy place, don't you want to be on my list of recommended caterers?" The Partner responded with a resounding, "NO." "But we are very busy, this could be a lucrative deal for you." "We are very busy already." "Well I guess you don't want your business to grow." "It has grown enough." "We have one of the finest facilities in the area." "Due tell, how many caterers actually use this kitchen?" "Well most don't need to..." "Uh, huh. And that is because The Building is gorgeous. But I would sooner cater out of an outhouse than use so much as a paper towel out of that kitchen. Mold growing on a bucket of water is not a temporary condition, it is an example of repulsive neglect and not something I want my name on." "Well fine, then you will be on my Black List." "Hey, I work with that one over there, it won't be the first time."
Posted by Foodwhore at September 18, 2008 07:07 PM 
eek! and I was hoping places like that were only on those reality TV shows. I would be honored to join you on the blacklist for that place. Posted by: sister AE at September 20, 2008 02:18 PM I'm in virginia and texas and i would want to be on their blacklist Posted by: Leslie at September 20, 2008 03:16 PM Ick. The boyfriend and I get grossed out when the kitchen goes more than 1/2 hour without a proper wipe down while preparing/cooking... I can't imagine any person letting a kitchen go so long that it starts to grow mold and mildew.... I forgot about a cup of tea on top of the refrigerator as I left for 2-week long vacation... and never again will I forget. Posted by: Renee at September 20, 2008 04:58 PM Go The Partner! And I love that she did not forget to include you. Posted by: pats at September 20, 2008 05:30 PM Odd that he didn't get the point: that you had put him on your blacklist first. Posted by: Bard at September 21, 2008 04:46 AM
Posted by: Val at September 21, 2008 10:14 AM Please do, they need to know this is going on and it isn't funny. How could anyone treat a kitchen like that? You're good people. I think. Biggles Posted by: Dr. Biggles at September 22, 2008 10:27 AM I hope you did call the health dept! That place needs a good scrubbing! With all their rules you think they would take pride in the facilities! Posted by: Lindie at September 23, 2008 06:04 AM Bravo! I'm so glad the Partner stood up for both of your standards!!! You really do need a good cop, bad cop scenario sometimes when blacklists are involved. :-) I'm amazed that other caterers simply turned a blind eye to the disease-factory that is their kitchen just so they can have an attractive venue. It doesn't take too much imagination to book other venues, even if they don't have a fabulous kitchen. Again, I commend you on not compromising your standards. Posted by: Chris at September 25, 2008 09:27 AM  |