I haven't blogged for a couple of weeks, wasn't sure anyone was actually reading it. Today I got an email from a first time customer, that my blog was actually being read. So, I thought maybe I should stick with it. Monday and Tuesday of these week are moving days for the Schott household, a lot to do. But over the years we have moved a lot and I think I have it down to a science, we'll see.
This weekend was not a great weekend for the restaurant business in Narrowsburg, New York, but typically this time of the year isn't. Politics, economy and nasty weather always has an effect on how many people are in the dining room. Saturday was a rainy nasty day and if I hadn't had to be anywhere I would have been home. Sunday brunch is a new thing for us and as with any new offering it will take a little time. Peter has created a wonderful menu for brunch and it will be a hit once people start discovering it.
I have been reading a lot about restaurants in this economic climate and the possiblities of offering a economy friendly menu. We have discussed this at length and are considering doing this at our restaurant, maybe on Wednesdays and Thursdays. We toss it around and try to figure how to do it and stay true to what we do, which is upscale, casual fine dining. Food cost always must come into play when considering something like this, because face it we are in the business to make money. But I will say that Peter is the best at making a menu work for our benefit. So look for us to do something special beginning sometime in November.
So as I said earlier, today is moving day, which means high speed internet may not be something I have for a while. That is one of the downsides of living in the country. It will be hard to blog with dial up, but we'll see what happens. Remeber comments and emails are always welcome from my blog reader's. Have a great week and come see us at the Restaurant if you get a chance.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
October 5.2008
Another week in the Restaurant business has come to an end, actually it ends today, because tomorrow is a much needed day off for the "Schott" family. I guess I knew that eventually my blog would become a place to explain or vent about some things that bother me about the restaurant business.
It seems that everyone(our loyal customers) worry about us and surviving in this market, area and winter months in general. When talking to one such customer last evening, the mention of "Some people say these are NYC prices",(not his opinion just what some people say) not the first time I have heard that. As I told him, we are OK, and intend to keep doing what we are doing. but will be reducing our hours of operation for the winter.
I do need to address the "NYC Prices" statement. We, as any other entrepreneur are in this business to make money, wouldn't make sense to do anything else. But, we are also passionate about each person having a quality meal, great service and just an all around good experience at our restaurant. I guess I just want everyone to know that Restaurant 15 Main is a labor of love, not just a business.
We are a restaurant that uses lots of local products (which don't come cheap) and each dish is made to order, sometimes with Chef Peter being the only one in the kitchen. We could reduce our prices and serve frozen, fried, etc like many other restaurants in Sullivan County and surrounding area. That was never what we wanted to be when we decided to come to this area and follow our dream. We would love for everyone to come to our restaurant but we know that some people just do not appreciate what we have to offer. The reality is that our menu would be priced double in NYC, we will do a tasting menu for $45.00 to $50.00, can't get that in the city. We are not Granmercy, Bouloud or Thomas Keller, but we are as passionate and pure as any of those places. I hope that our service, food quality and pricing is always at it's best, but nothing is perfect.
To all reading this blog, know that we appreciate each and every customer that walks through our doors.
It seems that everyone(our loyal customers) worry about us and surviving in this market, area and winter months in general. When talking to one such customer last evening, the mention of "Some people say these are NYC prices",(not his opinion just what some people say) not the first time I have heard that. As I told him, we are OK, and intend to keep doing what we are doing. but will be reducing our hours of operation for the winter.
I do need to address the "NYC Prices" statement. We, as any other entrepreneur are in this business to make money, wouldn't make sense to do anything else. But, we are also passionate about each person having a quality meal, great service and just an all around good experience at our restaurant. I guess I just want everyone to know that Restaurant 15 Main is a labor of love, not just a business.
We are a restaurant that uses lots of local products (which don't come cheap) and each dish is made to order, sometimes with Chef Peter being the only one in the kitchen. We could reduce our prices and serve frozen, fried, etc like many other restaurants in Sullivan County and surrounding area. That was never what we wanted to be when we decided to come to this area and follow our dream. We would love for everyone to come to our restaurant but we know that some people just do not appreciate what we have to offer. The reality is that our menu would be priced double in NYC, we will do a tasting menu for $45.00 to $50.00, can't get that in the city. We are not Granmercy, Bouloud or Thomas Keller, but we are as passionate and pure as any of those places. I hope that our service, food quality and pricing is always at it's best, but nothing is perfect.
To all reading this blog, know that we appreciate each and every customer that walks through our doors.
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